The issue of land/soil consumption and degradation has been extensively explored in international literature, yet a universally accepted definition of soil quality remains elusive. Over the decades, the scientific community has witnessed the evolution of the concept of land/soil quality, with varying nuances across different disciplines. The absence of a shared definition poses challenges in addressing local concerns and preserving the distinctiveness and well-being of the soil. The present paper seeks to fill this gap from the spatial planning perspective by proposing a soil quality detection framework tailored for the sub-regional spatial context, offering support in particular for local planning decisions. The concept of soil quality is approached comprehensively, and the indicators put forth are selected based on specific soil functions, services, or threats. To support this all-encompassing approach through a case study in the Italian context, this paper suggests integrating 11 datasets and 55 indicators. This extensive dataset aims to quantify and generate meaningful cartographic representations, offering a multifaceted and detailed understanding of soil quality within the sub-regional context. The goal is to establish a framework that facilitates a more holistic understanding of soil quality, aiding in effective spatial planning and policy-making processes.

Preserving soil is crucial for addressing the key challenges of the new millennium, like climate change and biodiversity loss. Spatial planning plays a pivotal role in stopping soil consumption and degradation, thereby safeguarding soils that provide valuable ecosystem services. With the advent of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting by the UN, countries are developing a shared protocol for the biophysical and monetary quantification of ecosystem services. However, downscaling efforts are necessary and must be conditioned by the national context, policies, economic dynamics, and data availability. Therefore, this research proposes a soil quality assessment methodology based on its ecosystem value at the sub-regional level in northern Italy, building upon national guidelines. This study includes modeling and mapping outputs involving six ecosystem services through eight biophysical indicators and the monetary quantification of these services. Both assessments have been conducted over two time periods to highlight the impacts of land cover transformation.

Soil sealing is a major driver of urban transformation, generating significant environmental impacts through the loss of soil functions and Ecosystem Services (ES). In this context, economic valuation of ES has emerged as an effective tool for communicating the importance of soil within decision-making processes largely influenced by market dynamics. Despite extensive research on ES, reviews focusing on how economic valuation can support local planning remain limited. As a consequence, this study presents a semi-systematic literature review addressing two research questions: (1) how ES assessment can be integrated into local planning tools and practices, and (2) which monetary metrics can ethically and effectively represent ES values within planning frameworks. Conducted in RStudio, the review combined automated screening of 2500 records with further manual selection and an analytical framework to examine ES definitions, valuation methods, spatial assessment units, and planning applications. The findings indicate that the rigor, methods, and level of detail of ES assessments should be adapted to planning objectives, available resources, territorial context, and stakeholders involved, supporting site-specific decisions. A cross-scale approach emerges as the most suitable for integrating ecological processes with administrative planning, while robust, flexible, and participatory governance across administrative levels is essential. Finally, despite the need for a shared methodological framework, standardized approaches such as the System of Environmental Economic Accounting–Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA EA) are still rarely adopted, particularly for local-scale and monetary ES assessments. Overall, the review provides a transparent and operational approach for integrating ES into spatial planning through interdisciplinary and participatory approaches and strengthening planning systems to prevent soil sealing and promote long-term community benefits.