Preliminary assessment of the knowledge gaps to reduce land degradation in Europe

One of the major processes that affect land is Land Degradation. More precisely, according to the United Nations, Land Degradation means "reduction or loss of biological or economic productivity and complexity of rainfed cropland, irrigated cropland, or range, pasture, forest and woodlands resulting from land uses or from a process or combination of processes, including processes arising from human activities and habitation patterns, such as: (i) soil erosion caused by wind and/or water; (ii) deterioration of the physical, chemical and biological or economic properties of soil; and, (iii) long-term loss of natural vegetation. Land degradation, therefore, includes processes that lead to surface salt accumulation and waterlogging associated with salt-affected areas." (United Nations 2007).