Page 15 - Green knowledge 2023

Access to enough high-quality agricultural land is necessary for social sustainability. In recent years, Norwegian authorities have actively worked to limit the conversion of agricultural land.
Here, are some facts describing the status and challenges of preserving Norwegian agricultural land.
1 Only 3.5 percent of Norway’s land area is culti- vated land, including infield pastures – approxi- mately 1.1 million hectares.
2 The largest conversion of agricultural land takes place near cities and urban areas where there is a lot of good soil in a favourable climate. Enclosed areas are particularly vulnerable.
3 Around half of Norwegian agricultural land is leased land.
4 Only one-third of Norway’s agricultural land is suitable for cereal crops human consumption. The cereal area is very important for food security.
5 Overgrowth is a challenge that receives less attention. Overgrown agricultural land can be cultivated again, but it is resource intensive.
6 Potatoes can be grown in most of Norway. However, production has decreased from around 90000 hectares during World War II to nearly 12000 hectares in 2019. The vegetable area is just over 8000 hectares.
7 A population growth of 600,000 inhabitants is expected in Norway by 2050. If the agricultural land per capita is to be maintained, it requires both new cultivation and strict soil conservation.
8 Soil relocation is a costly option to preserve land from development projects on agricultural land. Many fear that soil relocation could be used as an excuse for more conversion.
9 Over 560 of Norway’s endangered species are linked to agricultural land and cultural landscapes.
10 A national soil conservation award has been introduced in Norway to promote soil conservation.
Photo: Morten Günther
Ten facts about soil conservation in Norway
Since World War II, 120,000 hectares of cultivated and cultivable land have been transformed into residential areas, roads, and commercial areas in Norway.
Purpose: NIBIO provides important knowledge foundation for soil conservation in Norway. NIBIO has also developed the knowledge basis for an updated national soil conservation strategy.
Contact: Adviser Hege Ulfeng. Email: hege.ulfeng@nibio.no, phone: (+47) 474 04 720. Department of Communications
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