Report links healthier soil to less drought and fire risk

A report by the organisation Save Soil argues that restoring soil health should be part of Portugal's response to drought and wildfire risk. It says a 1% increase in soil organic matter could retain around 250,000 extra litres of water per hectare, helping delay extreme dryness and ease pressure on water supply. The report cites Portugal's request for EU, Spanish and Moroccan firefighting help in July 2026, when over 2,800 firefighters were deployed. It highlights regenerative farming, including a case in Alentejo's Herdade do Freixo do Meio, and calls for the EU's forthcoming soil and agriculture policies to reward measurable soil improvements.