Supported by the SPW ARNE and funded by the Wallonia Recovery Plan (project 115.2), IQSW-pro was developed by a consortium including UCLouvain, the CRA-W, and ARIES Consultants. This tool aims to diagnose the suitability of soil for various uses (agricultural, forestry, urban).
In practice, IQSW-pro interprets physical, chemical, and biological parameters into ecosystem service indices. It assesses the potential for food and biomass production, water infiltration, groundwater protection, support for diverse vegetation or rare ecosystems, habitat for soil biodiversity, and carbon storage.
The tool consists of two complementary indices: the soil health index, which serves as a benchmark for guiding soil improvement, and the soil quality index, a decision-support tool for territorial planning and development or rehabilitation projects.
From the project's inception, a stakeholder engagement process for Walloon 'soil' actors was initiated to gauge expectations and opinions. The SPW ARNE is now launching a consultation phase for the methodological guides and their annexes.
Concerned stakeholders have until November 20, 2026, to submit their feedback to contact@iqsw.be.
