Soil Health Map in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Warning for Public Policies and Environmental Sustainability
The first Soil Health Map of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) provides a detailed overview of the current state of the region's soils, highlighting challenges and opportunities for conservation and sustainable management. The study, led by researchers from the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ/USP) and the Center for Carbon Studies in Tropical Agriculture (CCARBON/USP), was published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment (Nature) and uses remote sensing and machine learning technology to map, in high resolution, the physical, chemical, and biological indicators that define soil health.
The portrait of soils in the region
According to Prof. Raul Poppiel, author of the study, the mapping revealed that 38% of LAC's soils are considered unhealthy, 28% are in moderate condition, and only 34% are in good health. The most critical areas are concentrated in arid and savanna regions, such as the Caatinga and Cerrado, while the healthiest soils are found in humid equatorial zones. The Amazon, although rich in plant biomass, presented medium to low soil health levels, highlighting its vulnerability and the need for conservation measures.
"Soil health is fundamental not only for agricultural production but also for the balance of ecosystems, and is crucial for mitigating and adapting to climate change," emphasizes Prof. Maurício Cherubin, deputy coordinator of CCARBON and co-author of the study. The study indicates that deforestation, inadequate land management, and climate change have accelerated soil degradation, especially in areas with greater soil exposure due to a lack of vegetation cover. "We found a direct relationship between exposed soils and low soil health levels," explains Prof. José Alexandre Demattê, co-author of the study and a global leader in the use of soil mapping technologies.
Technology at the service of the soil
The study's unique feature lies in its use of high-resolution maps (90m), created with a large volume of georeferenced data, satellite imagery, and machine learning algorithms. This innovative approach enabled an integrated and detailed analysis of soil health across the region.
According to Dr. Jean Novais, a postdoctoral fellow at ESALQ and co-author of the study, the methodology used enabled an in-depth assessment of essential soil functions, such as carbon storage, water retention, and plant growth support. Furthermore, the researchers identified critical factors that influence soil health, such as bulk density, total porosity, carbon content, and water availability for plants. "From the paper's conception to its completion, we engaged in numerous discussions to accurately represent the soil landscape of this region, which is so crucial to the planet and faces socioeconomic and environmental challenges," emphasizes Novais. Prof. Demattê adds that the study reinforces the importance of satellite remote sensing for soil monitoring and sustainable management.
Impact on public policies
The study provides an essential scientific basis for developing public policies focused on soil conservation in the various biomes and countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. "Mappings like this allow us to target investments and recovery programs to the most critical areas, optimizing environmental and socioeconomic outcomes," emphasizes Professor Cherubin.
The results reveal that countries like Colombia and Venezuela have the largest tracts of healthy soils, while regions like Northeast Brazil, northern Mexico, and parts of Chile and Argentina face more significant challenges.
Brazil at the center of global discussions
Brazil, due to its vast territory and strategic role in global agriculture, is at the center of discussions on soil health. In 2025, the country will host crucial international events, such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30) in Belém, the Latin American and Caribbean Symposium on Soil Carbon Research (LAC Soil Carbon) in Rio de Janeiro, and the XXXIV Brazilian Congress of Soil Science in São Luís, Maranhão. In 2026, CCARBON will host the X International Symposium on Organic Matter, a first-of-its-kind event in Latin America. These meetings will be crucial opportunities to discuss scientific advances, share regional experiences, and reinforce the commitment to sustainable soil management practices.
A call to action
The study's results highlight the urgent need to adopt sustainable practices, such as no-till farming systems, the restoration of degraded pastures, and integrated soil management. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of international cooperation, the standardization of monitoring methods, and continued investment in science and technology.
"The research reinforces the central role of soils in the global sustainability agenda," concludes Prof. Poppiel.
Explore the full study results
To access detailed maps and indicators of soil health in Latin America and the Caribbean, read the full article in Communications Earth & Environment here.
The study received financial support from the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), through thematic projects (2014/22262-0; 2021/05129-8) and from CEPID – CCARBON (2021/10573-4).
