soil

Life in all its multifarious forms would be unthinkable without the earth’s various soils, which can only assure a plentiful and healthy supply of food and drinking water if their ecology remains intact. But how can we best ensure that our soils are used judiciously and responsibly as habitats and resources? The UBA contributes to soil stewardship among other things by disseminating information.

Soil carries out myriad functions that are free of charge and extremely powerful, and that are what make soil so valuable not only to us but also to natural flora and fauna. Clean water and healthy food are only obtainable if our soils are healthy too. And while the soil supports myriad functions, it also needs stewardship.

What is needed above all for soil to develop is time, and of course rock, which is the material from which soil develops. Likewise necessary are organic substances, water, air and microorganisms.

The Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB) serves to investigate, document and archive environmental and human exposure to pollutants in Germany at a specific point in time.