Activities

Updating of the database of the historical soil information system, development of Latvian soil classification system and soil mapping methodology in agricultural land, mapping of peat soil  distribution, training in soil description and mapping on a scale 1:10 000 according to soil classification of the Latvian and FAO World Reference Base soil classification system (WRB 2022) , drawing up of proposals for improvement of land use policies  on soil management. 

The activity is implemented by the University of Latvia and the Ministry of Agriculture.

• 1.2.2. Guidelines (guidelines) for the diagnosis and description of soil (Latvian)
• 1.2.2. Latvian and global soil classifier and soil setter (Latvian)
• 1.3.1. Methodology for soil description, classification and mapping (Latvian)
• 1.3.4. Guidelines for soil mapping (Latvian)

A soil carbon monitoring system will be established in agricultural lands, setting up of soil carbon monitoring database in agricultural lands that would be integrated in the State Crop Monitoring Information System of the State Plant Protection Service (KUVIS).

The activity is implemented by the State Plant Protection Service and the Latvian State Forest Research Institute SILAVA.

• 2.1.7. Results of the study in the establishment of soil monitoring plots (Latvian)

To develop GHG emission factors, demo sites are needed on low bog peat soils, which have been managed as a perennial grassland or grazing land. Measurements will be set up in such places for research purposes  where is a deep peat layer (peat layer – at least 50 cm) and deep low bog peat soils as well as shallower peat soil layers and soils, which do not conform to organic soil criteria. GHG analysis will be carried out within 24 months by making measurements in the vegetation period at least twice a month and during winter months – at least once a month. Samples of GHG for determination of emissions will be taken by means of a closed chamber (volume at least 60 l) method.

The activity is implemented by SILAVA.

• 3.3. Determination of greenhouse gas emission factors for organic soil on perennial grassland (Latvian)

Involvement of experts from the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) in the project implementation, experience sharing with Latvian experts on soil survey. 

The activity is implemented by NIBIO.

• 4.1.1. NIBIO Inception report
• 4.1.2. Project mid-term implementation review
• 4.1.3. Final project implementation review
• 4.2. The Norwegian Soil Information System

Participation of an expert from the Ministry of Agriculture in working groups of the European Soil Partnership (ESP), participation of an expert from the Ministry of Agriculture in conferences of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), participation of an expert from the Ministry of Agriculture in seminars of EU Land Use, land use change and Climate Experts.

The activity is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture.