Black Soils are characterized by a thick, dark-colored soil horizon rich in organic matter. Due to their inherent high fertility, these soils remain very sensitive to anthropogenic intervention and are prone to severe degradation. Because of their high soil organic carbon (SOC) content, they are also very sensitive and can be potential large sources of greenhouse gases. Extensively and intensively farmed, they constitute the food basket for many countries. Notwithstanding the relatively small percentage (7%) of the world’s ice-free land surface Black Soils cover, it is crucial to promote their conservation and sustainable use to maintain their functioning in order to sustain their supporting food security while protecting the environment and mitigating climate change.

Related links

• Definition: What is black soils?
• Distribution: Black soils in the world
• Reason: Why are black soils important?
• Check the International Black Soil Monitoring Network

The establishment of this network has the following objectives:

1. To provide a platform for countries with black soils to discuss common issues related to the conservation and sustainable management of Black Soils.

2. To develop a report on the global status, current productivity and challenges in black soils.

3. To foster collaboration among these countries towards promoting the sustainable use and management of Black Soils and identify relevant research gaps.

4. To serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and technical cooperation on Black Soils management.

Check the launching video

Check the DG Graziano Da Silva video message

The network is established under the framework of the Global Soil Partnership. Countries with Black Soils through their national soil institutions (i.e. Austria, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Hungary, India, Mexico, Mongolia, Paraguay, Romania, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Uruguay, USA, etc.) will be invited to join this network under clear Terms of Reference and under the guidance of a Network Chair (to be appointed following the Terms of Reference). Check the International Black Soil Monitoring Network.

Contact us at the GSP Secretariat if you need to reach out the INBS country focal point.

Any partner of the FAO Global Soil Partnership can become a member of INBS. To become a partner of the Global Soil Partnership, please register through the online form. and send an email to to [email protected] and [email protected]. National institutions, academia, NGOs, civil society, farmer associations, and other stakeholders interested to participate in the joint action to achieve the sustainable and productive management of black soils are welcome to join this network .