Technosols and urban metabolism for counteracting land take and re-shaping waste flows

Urban expansion annually consumes land and generates significant amounts of waste. This article addresses the critical issue of land take driven by urbanization and its detrimental effects on soil health, environmental services, and agricultural productivity. It highlights the increasing pressure on peri-urban areas, resulting in the loss of fertile agricultural land and the disruption of urban metabolism. The innovative approach proposed is the use of waste-based technosols as a nature-based solution to counteract the negative impacts of land take. The research explores how technosols, created from urban and agricultural waste, can restore and enhance essential ecosystem services in urban environments. The article demonstrates the potential of technosols to improve carbon sequestration, water management, and urban greening initiatives, while also promoting a circular economy model by repurposing waste materials. This approach offers a sustainable pathway towards mitigating the consequences of land take, fostering urban resilience, and improving the quality of life in cities.