Developing nature through soil insights

Related theme: Soil As Natural Capital (SANC), Healthy Soils

Challenge - Data-driven nature development

Staatsbosbeheer set out to develop nature across several agricultural plots, with this specific project covering 100 to 110 hectares. The main challenge was to obtain comprehensive insight into soil conditions so that informed decisions could be made about which nature types could best thrive in each plot. Detailed pedological data would form the basis for a thorough landscape ecological system analysis (LESA).

Solution – Fieldwork and expertise

TAUW specialists in soil and ecology mapped out existing pedological information from public sources, creating clear mapping material as the starting point for a customized drilling plan. Through fieldwork, new pedological data and field observations were gathered and recorded. Soil types present were classified according to standardized Bakker & Schelling and ten Cate methods, and the resulting data was used to update the detailed soil type map. Additional parameters were documented at each drilling point:

• Soil classification and investigation per established guidelines
• Determination of the average highest and lowest groundwater levels (GHG and GLG)
• Per soil layer: the pH, lime content, and Munsell colour coding
• The pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of the groundwater.

In addition, cross-sections were drawn up for the waterways within the project area and field measurements were carried out (pH, EC, water level, depth of the waterway, slope of the embankment).

TAUW added value by safeguarding Staatsbosbeheer’s interests, investing in internal training for field staff and consultants, and including external experts where needed. Monitoring of invasive species like Japanese knotweed allowed early evaluation of potential implications for future management decisions. Throughout implementation, flexibility was shown and the client was kept informed at every stage.

Impact – Enhanced decision-making

TAUW’s final report presented results for each plot, including clear maps of soil classification, detailed drilling profiles, and cross-sections of waterways. Relationships between parcels were examined, providing Staatsbosbeheer with actionable input for the LESA process. This foundation enables targeted nature development, ensuring the right nature types are established in the right places. 

This TAUW project for Staatsbosbeheer is directly connected to healthy soils because it thoroughly examines soil quality and functionality, including pH, composition, groundwater levels and invasive species, to ensure it can sustain healthy ecosystems. By collecting this data, we identify and safeguard soil ecosystem services such as water regulation, biodiversity support and nutrient cycling. All this information is integrated into the LESA analysis, which evaluates the soil as natural capital, a resource that provides long-term ecological and social benefits. In this way, the pedological data not only describes the current condition but also guides strategic decisions to restore nature and maximise the value of this environmental asset.

Partnership – Collaborative expertise for nature

“We enjoyed working with TAUW. The work was completed in a mutually constructive atmosphere, and with its supplementary training program, TAUW demonstrated that it was striving for a high-quality end product.” - Staatsbosbeheer