Agriculture provides more than just food, energy and raw materials. In Germany, it occupies 50 percent of the land and therefore shapes the landscape and affects climate and ecosystems.
What does environmentally friendly agriculture and sustainable, healthy nutrition look like in Germany? What mix of instruments can be used to achieve the transformation of the agricultural and food system in Germany? UBA is addressing these and other questions in the “Food and Agriculture with a Future” project and developing solutions and recommendations for action.
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 incoming European Commission should continue an ambitious policy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution, protects biodiversity and distributes the burden fairly. This is the key message of a Scientific Opinion Paper by the German Environment Agency and the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation for EU climate, environmental and biodiversity policy in the years ahead.
Up to date overview of the application of nanocarriers: Research report shows the chemical and structural diversity as well as the wide range of applications of these advanced materials in medicine, plant protection, food and other areas.
Climate action in the agricultural sector is complex. It becomes even more complex when looking at the many different national, regional, climatic, cultural and political circumstances of agriculture around the world. Greenhouse gas reduction and climate adaptation, food security, biodiversity, land rights and land use conflicts must all be considered together.
When strong winds hit bare or only poorly covered soil, soil material is stirred up and transported, sometimes over long distances, through the open landscape. The result is the stealthy loss of fertile soil. Neighboring sites and ecosystems can be affected. Also, for people dangerous situations are possible, for example due to impaired visibility.
The quality of the drinking water in Germany is excellent. Its main source, groundwater, enjoys a high level of protection and should be as free as possible from chemical residues.
