Case Study Report (WP2 findings) – France - European Soil Portal

September 2008
Case study France
Table of content
Executive Summary ...............................................................................................................10
1. Methodology....................................................................................................................13
2. The status of soils in France ...........................................................................................14
2.1 Soil types .................................................................................................................14
2.2 Identification of the extent of soil degradation..........................................................15
2.3 Soil organic carbon ..................................................................................................16
2.4 Soil erosion ..............................................................................................................20
2.4.1 Water erosion: muddy flows .................................................................................20
2.4.2 Localised erosion phenomena .............................................................................23
2.4.3 Erosion risk assessment ......................................................................................25
2.5 Conclusions .............................................................................................................34
3. Farming systems and practices in France ......................................................................36
3.1 Mixed farm systems .................................................................................................36
3.2 Crop rotation ............................................................................................................37
3.3 Spring crops.............................................................................................................40
3.4 Cover crops..............................................................................................................43
3.5 Simplified tillage techniques.....................................................................................46
3.5.1 Area concerned ....................................................................................................46
3.5.2 Impact on yields ...................................................................................................52
3.5.3 Herbicide use .......................................................................................................54
3.6 Other practices applied for soil conservation ...........................................................56
3.6.1 Buffer strips ..........................................................................................................56
3.6.2 Agro-forestry.........................................................................................................57
3.6.3 Organic farming....................................................................................................57
3.6.4 Terraces ...............................................................................................................57
3.6.5 Contour farming....................................................................................................58
3.7 Conclusions .............................................................................................................58
4. Midi-Pyrénées .................................................................................................................60
4.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................60
4.2 Soils .........................................................................................................................60
4.3 Climate.....................................................................................................................63
4.4 Land use and farming systems ................................................................................63
4.4.1 Agriculture statistics .............................................................................................63
4.4.2 Farming practices.................................................................................................69
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