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.
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.
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.
Germany’s farming sector uses the largest amount of land, but is at the same a lynchpin of our economy – one that provides a reliable food supply and produces sustainable raw materials. The farming sector also plays a key role when it comes to preservation and development of the man-made environment. But increasingly intensive farming brings with it a host of eco-unfriendly effects.
The purpose of tradable land planning permits is to control the use of new land for settlement and transport. Municipalities would be restricted in developing greenfield land outside of existing built-up areas for new settlement and transport projects. The UBA is currently conducting a countrywide pilot project with selected municipalities.
According to the Federal Soil Protection Act ( BBodSchG), contaminated sites are abandoned industrial sites or abandoned waste disposal sites that have caused 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.
The Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) and UBA present joint recommendations for action.
How pharmaceutical residues from sludge and slurry accumulate in the soil and what effect does this have demonstrated a workshop, the UBA held on 18 and 19 June 2013.
