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<p>No assessment has been made. The Environment Agency assesses the presence of many
chemicals in the environment, but has very limited data for chemicals in soil and
the potential impacts on individual species. Saponins are a very broad and diverse
group of compounds with biosurfactant and biopesticide properties and with many applications
including some personal care products. The Environment Agency has developed a Prioritisation
and Early Warning System for chemicals of emerging concern to systematically consider
this challenge and to integrate horizon scanning with environmental monitoring and
international collaboration. Substances can be added for future assessment, depending
on the availability of evidence.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The Government recognises
how vital healthy soil is for food production, water regulation, biodiversity, carbon
storage and providing diverse habitats and agricultural opportunities. Earthworms
are an excellent indicator of soil health, as they are impacted by pH, waterlogging,
compaction, tillage, rotation and organic matter management.</p><p> </p><p>Pesticides
are strictly regulated because of their potential impacts on human health and the
environment (including impacts on earthworms and soil micro-organisms) and, if authorised,
are subject to conditions to ensure safe use. For many products, professional use
only by properly trained operatives is one of those conditions. There are no plant
protection products that are currently authorised for the control of worm casts on
turf.</p><p> </p><p>A consultation and call for evidence on a new fertiliser regulatory
framework is planned for early 2024. The process of regulation development will be
iterative as more research is needed into newer fertiliser types before requirements
for these products can be drafted into law. Soil conditioners may be subject to regulation
under the future revised framework for fertilisers.</p><p> </p>
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