On April 6, 2026, a meeting of the Section of Agriculture and Plant Growing of the Scientific and Expert Council on Agrarian Policy, Rural Development, Forestry and Hunting of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine was held.

The meeting considered the draft Thematic Plan of Scientific and Research Works of the State Institution "Institute of Soil Protection of Ukraine" for 2026, which was presented by Acting Director General Roman Palamarchuk. The plan was formed taking into account modern challenges related to the deterioration of the soil cover, the growth of anthropogenic load and the need to ensure the sustainable development of agricultural production. The document provides for the implementation of two key areas of research. The first area covers applied scientific research on the survey of agricultural lands and provides for a comprehensive assessment of the qualitative state of soils according to agrochemical and ecological-toxicological indicators. Such studies are important for the rational use of land resources, timely detection of negative changes in soils, in particular heavy metal pollution, deterioration of agrochemical characteristics and the development of degradation processes, as well as for assessing their impact on agroecosystems and public health. The results obtained form a scientifically sound basis for making management decisions in the field of land protection, restoration of disturbed areas and minimization of environmental risks.

The second direction involves the implementation of systematic monitoring of soils and plants in a network of observations at stationary sites, which allows obtaining reliable information about their condition, the dynamics of changes and the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors. A feature of this direction is the study of the processes of migration of chemical elements in the "soil–plant" system, which makes it possible to assess the accumulation of both nutrients and toxic substances in plant products and their impact on yield and product safety. Particular attention will be paid to areas in regions affected by hostilities, which will allow for timely identification of new sources of pollution, assessment of the scale of soil degradation, and development of scientifically sound recommendations for their restoration and safe use. Both areas are prioritized and will be implemented during 2026–2030.

During the meeting, a report on the implementation of the Institute's Thematic Research Plan for 2025 was also heard. It was noted that the plan was approved by order of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and provided for the implementation of two similar areas of research.

The participants of the meeting noted that the results of the research have significant practical significance, form a modern information base for soil resource management, contribute to increasing the efficiency of agricultural production, and ensure environmental safety. Following the discussion, it was emphasized that the implementation of the thematic plan in 2025 was completed in full, and the proposed areas of work for 2026 meet the current needs of the state and the strategic objectives of the development of the agricultural sector of Ukraine.