The Farm Structure Survey collects data on the structure of agricultural and forestry holdings, including soil management practices (tillage methods, soil cover).
According to EU legislation, a census is conducted every ten years, with sample surveys at three- or four-year intervals in between. The module on soil management is not included in every survey but in the 2010 census, and the 2016 and 2023 sample surveys. All agricultural and forestry holdings meeting the legislation's minimum requirements must participate. Relevant available administrative data sources are used and complemented with questionnaires.
For the census, where applicable, regional data are available - partially at the municipality level. In applicable sample survey years, the smallest geographical unit available is that of the federal province.