… use of mineral fertilizers are largely reduced. This protects surface water and groundwater in particular, which are less threatened by nutrient runoff (especially … conditions and their activity ensures a stable soil structure. Cover crops and undersown crops, which are often grown in organic farming, reduce the risk of soil erosion by covering the soil almost all year round. This contributes to flood protection and supports adaptation to the effects of …

… opportunities for farmers to keep environmental degradation within reasonable bounds and employ ecofriendly farming practices. This can be accomplished through (a) enacting regulations and folding them into funding eligibility (cross-compliance) requirements; and (b) financial compensation … management systems and certification programs, provided that their technical underpinnings are sound and plausible. Germany’s legal framework The regulations and …

… rare plant communities and adapted, sometimes endangered animal species. Around 40 percent of all endangered ferns and flowering plants in Germany are found in grassland (BfN 2023). However, the diversity of organisms on and in soils … Arthropods, Soil Organisms and Amphibians Related contents Indikator: Artenvielfalt und Landschaftsqualität Pflanzenschutzmittel in der Landwirtschaft Indikator: …

… quality, and biodiversity. last update on 27.08.2025 Introduction Nitrogen (N) is fundamental for all living organisms. Nitrogen compounds pass through the soil, air, and water. However, human-induced overload and … to environmental and health impacts. More than 50 percent of reactive nitrogen compounds in Germany enter the environment through agriculture. Further inputs come in …

… for construction. Organic flame retardants consist primarily of brominated compounds, halogenated and non-halogenated phosphorous compounds and chloroparaffins. As inorganic flame retardants aluminum trihydroxide, … asked questions to Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) Related contents Elektro- und Elektronikgerätegesetz Kooperation zur Förderung des Human-Biomonitoring …

… not only in the soil, but also in seepage water and, in individual cases, in groundwater. When it rains, particles from fertilized farmland can enter surface … in der Landwirtschaft Düngemittel Informationsmaterialien zu Arzneimitteln und Umwelt Indikator: Nitrat im Grundwasser Related publications Developing a Guidance Document for the testing of …

… update on 31.01.2019 Nitrous oxide Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas that does around 300 times more climate damage than carbon dioxide. The main point sources of … Indirect nitrous oxide emissions are attributable to reactive nitrogen compounds such as nitrate and ammonia entering surrounding natural areas. In the presence … Flux Method Evaluation – Outcomes and Recommendations of an International Expert Workshop Monitoring the consequences of local climate change on the natural …

… accumulate in the soil and enter the food chain via plants. There is a risk to groundwater and surface water if the pollutants enter the surface water and groundwater through runoff or seepage from agricultural land. There are no estimates in … with a phosphorus content of 20 grams or more per kilogram of dry matter must undergo phosphorus recovery by 2029 at the latest. Recovery can take place directly …

… Fertilizer With the manure go too many nutrients in the soil and charge such as groundwater. Source: Hans von der Beele / Thinkstock last update on 28.08.2025 What … fertilization, these can accumulate in the soil and enter the food chain and groundwater via plants. Mineral phosphorus fertilizers made from sedimentary raw … program for implementing t ere largely insufficient and the nitrate pollution of groundwater near the surface remains almost unchanged (Nitrate Report 2024). Due to the …

… is to keep crops healthy and weeds and pests at bay. However, they also have undesirable effects on biodiversity and water quality in adjacent biotopes. last … availability and diversity of flowers. Detailed information on this topic can be found on our pesticide topic pages and in our environmental data (only in german). Related contents Indikator: Artenvielfalt und Landschaftsqualität Tierarzneimittel Indikator: Ökologischer Landbau Düngemittel …

… farmland was being used to grow fodder for intensive livestock farming, while just under 20 per cent was being used for food crops. An additional 20 per cent was being … for environmental protection. Farms lack the protective walls and enclosed spaces found in factories and instead carry out their activities in open systems. Mechanized … and increases the likelihood of soil fertility loss and water and wind erosion. Groundwater contamination by nitrates and the eutrophication of rivers, lakes and …