Soil is a finite resource. The growing rate of land take and increasing loss of high-quality soil pose a threat for the intactness of ecosystems and our food security. Land sealing and soil degradation are resulting in a shortage of this resource and to harmful changes in soils. It prevents groundwater recharge and has a negative impact on biodiversity in soils. Climate change factors including rising temperatures and different precipitation levels affect soil quality. We must protect soils and safeguard them for future generations.
Earthworms are an important indicator of soil fertility. They aerate the soil, promote root growth, improve water absorption, produce humus and contribute to soil fertility: the new standard test method examines the impact of chemicals on individual species and the earthworm community in field trials.
The study ‘Strengthening soil protection and the remediation of contaminated sites through a revision of soil protection legislation’ examines the shortcomings of the existing regulations and discusses possible solutions. It also presents a legislative proposal for the revision of the Federal Soil Protection Act, accompanied by explanatory notes.
Contaminated sites are abandoned industrial sites or abandoned waste disposal sites that result in harmful changes to the soil or other hazards to individuals or the general public. This can be caused by improper treatment, storage or disposal of waste and/ or the improper handling of environmentally hazardous substances.
Urban and rural areas are often perceived as opposites. In reality, however, they are closely interwoven. While cities are struggling with rising rents and space scarcites, many rural regions are facing an ageing population and a shortage of skilled workers.
Around 60 percent of all biodiversity on Earth is found in the soil. Soil organisms ensure fertile soil and clean drinking water, build up humus and break down pollutants. And yet, there is often a lack of information on the actual condition of soil organisms in Germany.
Urease and nitrification inhibitors are chemicals used in agriculture to increase plant nitrogen utilization of fertilizers and thereby reduce ammonia, nitrate and nitrous oxide emissions. But their application comes with environmental and health risks. The German Environment Agency (UBA) therefore recommends improved regulation of these substances.
The National Soil Monitoring Centre at the German Environment Agency (UBA) in Dessau-Roßlau was opened on 2 December. The aim of the new centre is to make as much of the data as possible collected in Germany on the condition of soils from the various monitoring programmes available from a central location and to make it usable for joint evaluations. The results can also be used at European level.
The “Urban-Rural-Plus” project funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) examined how urban and rural areas can work together more effectively to combine the advantages of both and compensate for deficits, for example in the areas of nutrition, housing, trade, recycling management and local recreation.
Sponge city concepts are an essential basis for adapting cities to extreme weather events such as heavy rain, heat and drought. Many local authorities are working toward that aim. However, it is becoming increasingly important to remove barriers so that towns and cities can better prepare for changing climate conditions.
Germany is blessed with many different types of soil. In the interest of shedding greater light on the world beneath our feet, each December 5th, on World Soil Day, the Soil of the Year is presented. A panel of experts selects the soil in question. In announcing the Soil of the Year, the panel indicatesamong other things its characteristics, origin and significance for today’s society.
The German Environment Agency's (UBA) Environmental Monitor 2024 once again presents a mixed picture of the state of the environment in Germany. While there have been successes in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, many indicators show a clear need for action.
In a new position paper, the German Environment Agency (UBA) advises testing carbon capture and storage (CCS) in waste management.
