This study addresses the critical role of soil organic carbon (SOC) in maintaining soil health, particularly regarding compaction, infiltration, runoff, and erosion. SOC plays a vital role in maintaining soil structure and function, and its depletion is increasingly linked to reduced water retention and increased bulk density, and greater susceptibility to erosion and compaction. Conventional farming, with its intensive use of synthetic fertilisers and tillage, has been shown to have a negative effect on SOC, while organic farming practices are recognised for enhancing SOC through organic amendments and reduced soil disturbance. We modelled the effect of a 5% bulk density decrease on soil hydraulic properties across Europe. Using SoilGrids data – bulk density, SOC, volumetric water content at field capacity and the permanent wilting point, and soil texture –, we modelled hydraulic conductivity and soil water potential for mineral soils using Rosetta and Hydrus-1D, two widely used tools for predicting soil hydraulic properties. This modelling provides crucial insights into how organic and conventional practices influence soil water retention and erosion potential, and the importance of integrating SOC-enhancing practices into national and international soil monitoring systems. By understanding how a shift to organic farming influences soil health, we can better inform agricultural policies that aim to promote both productivity and sustainability in farming systems across Europe.