Precautionary soil protection means detecting and counteracting harmful impacts on soil early on, i.e., well before soil’s functions become endangered. Once soil has lost its functional capacity it is very difficult to restore. This has implications for all other areas of the environment, including humans.
In Germany, soil protection is carried out at many levels. The federal government lays down the necessary legal frameworks, which are implemented by the regional states. The UBA compiles, assesses, and provides information on soil status, develops and assesses soil conservation and optimization measures. In carrying out these activities, collaboration with partners beyond our borders is important.
It’s no exaggeration to say that Germany’s land undergoes all manner of abuse on a daily basis, ranging from contaminant and nutrient inputs to road and housing construction and erosion. Moreover, climate change has a devastating effect on soil ecology, which can also be degraded by intensive farming.
