Setting an integrated soil monitoring system for Malta : strategy, feasibility and recommendations

Abstract

Since 2010, MEPA has embarked on a project (which attracted co-funded ERDF assistance) (1) to develop a multi-thematic environment strategy that would lead to updating of its data/ information monitoring capabilities for a number of environmental sectors. The monitoring and continuous evaluation of soil properties is one important sector within this project. Essentially, a multi-criterion assessment of existing available information has been carried out with a view to objectively chart the most appropriate process to carry out a pilot field sampling by testing a pre-agreed set of indicators. The latter were established after taking into consideration all degradation pressures threatening the continued sustainability of this resource. Multi-criterion analysis was carried out by means of a limited set of soil-related datasets published in past editions of Malta鈥檚 State of the Environment Report in order to support a number of objectives stipulated within the Project鈥檚 ambitious Terms of Reference. 福利在线免费 was derived from earlier attempts to establish a soil information system for Malta. All soil degradation threats, officially determined by the European Commission鈥檚 Technical Working Groups, have been taken into consideration within the aforementioned project and its research methodology with a view of establishing a shared GIS environment in accordance with state-of-the-art information dissemination standards.