The main objective of the Swiss Soil Monitoring Network (NABO) is the recording and assessment of chemical, physical and biological soil pollution at national level, as well as the spatial and temporal early recognition and forecasting of changes. NABO runs a reference measurement network in which ‘normal' soil-pollution levels in Switzerland are recorded over the long term. The Network's task is to assess soil pollution and its trends, as well as to gauge the success of environmental protection measures. In the interests of sustainability and prevention, this involves the early recognition of soil pollutants (Direct Monitoring)and process modelling and forecasting (Modelling), as well as the harmonisation and spatial analysis of soil information, the assessment and evaluation of soils (Soil Functions) and the visualisation of soils (Mapping). NABO makes an important contribution to the monitoring of ecological sustainability and provides answers regarding the threat to soils (Soil Threats) and the productive capacity of soils (Soil Functions) in Switzerland.
