… into surface waters River Source: KIT / IWG Surface water quality was considerably improved in recent decades in Germany. Nevertheless, hazardous substances … originate? Where are emission hotspots? Which measures are efficient? In order to answer these questions, integrated modelling tools have to be applied. last … has fallen well short of this target for most rivers (see " Ökologischer Zustand der Fließgewässer " and " Chemischer Zustand der Fließgewässer "). In order to still …

… / Getty Images The Corona crisis challenges many familiar things. The economy is under pressure, people are changing their habits. What does this mean for … 2020) In German, English version forthcoming: Gesellschaftliche Auswirkungen der Covid-19-Pandemie in Deutschland und mögliche Konsequenzen für die Umweltpolitik … and sustainability policy? – a discussion paper Gesellschaftliche Auswirkungen der Covid-19-Pandemie in Deutschland und mögliche Konsequenzen für die Umweltpolitik …

… instrument for environmental protection in the agricultural sector. However, in order for the CAP to achieve success, biodiversity, climate and waterbody protection measures will need to be appropriately prioritized and monitored under the CAP and will also need to be funded adequately. last update on 18.02.2014 … in Germany are awarded irrespective of per hectare yields for a given farm. In order for farmers to receive the full amounts of such payments, they must meet what …

… are needed. last update on 06.06.2014 Introduction Thanks to its fertile soil, moderate temperatures, and adequate rainfall, Germany is a very good place for … management systems and certification programs, provided that their technical underpinnings are sound and plausible. Germany’s legal framework The regulations and … of nitrogen rich fermentation residues cannot be adequately forestalled under current laws, a situation that can occasion increased regional nitrate loads in …

… biodiversity is particularly important. For a long time, agriculture was considered a guarantor of species and biotope diversity in the open cultural landscape. … Diversity Website EU COM: EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030 Website BfN: Federal Program Biological Diversity Publications Protection of Biodiversity in the … contents Indikator: Artenvielfalt und Landschaftsqualität Pflanzenschutzmittel in der Landwirtschaft Indikator: Ökologischer Landbau Düngemittel Stickstoff Related …

… impact Nitrogen surpluses and nitrogen inputs into fragile ecosystems can engender environmental damage. Nitrogen fertilizer that is not absorbed by crops can, … seepage water, especially in autumn after the harvest and during heavy rainfall. Under certain conditions, nitrate in groundwater—and subsequently in drinking … low soil moisture, high temperatures, and wind promote ammonia volatilization. In order to reduce or prevent this, the Fertilizer Ordinance (DüV), which was amended in …

… (HBCD) Related contents Elektro- und Elektronikgerätegesetz Kooperation zur Förderung des Human-Biomonitoring Elektroaltgeräte Produktverantwortung in der Abfallwirtschaft Kunststoffe Related publications Substituting Environmentally …

… Antibiotics are used on a large scale in industrialised farming. Source: Gina Sanders / Fotolia.com Pharmaceuticals, which have become a lynchpin of our high … infections caused by bacteria, protozoa, and parasites. When approving drugs, the Federal Environment Agency conducts an environmental risk assessment. Active … Preventing corruption for a sustainability transformation Pflanzenschutzmittel in der Landwirtschaft Düngemittel Informationsmaterialien zu Arzneimitteln und Umwelt …

… nitrogen surplus by 3 years to 80 kilograms (kg) per hectare per year by 2010 (Federal Government 2002). This goal was clearly missed. In the update of the Strategy … 2028 and 2032, the surplus should amount to a maximum of 70 kg per hectare (Federal Government 2016). The extensively revised Fertilizer Ordinance adopted in … Related contents Europäische Methanverordnung Indikator: Stickstoffüberschuss der Landwirtschaft Reaktiver Stickstoff in der Umwelt Related publications Methane, …

… Compost and sewage sludge Wheel loader being used to turn compost Source: Tim Hermann / UBA Compost and sewage sludge … especially for new substances, are often not available. Fertilizer legislation In order to minimize environmental hazards, only approved fertilizers may be used. … as many pollutants are not regulated and the risks cannot be assessed, some federal states have already completely abandoned the use of sewage sludge. The maximum …

… 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 exactly is fertilizer? In … to human health. The “Heavy Metal Transfer Soil/Plant” working group of the Länderarbeitsgemeinschaft Boden (LABO) identified the elements arsenic, lead, cadmium, … in 2020, which is why the EU Commission closed the proceedings in June 2023. It underwent extensive revision in a process lasting many years, and the current version …

… In 2016, nearly 60 per cent of Germany’s 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 … soil, water, air and the biosphere. Interactions between these compartments engender conflicting environmental protection goals. Environmental impact of intensive …