Soil Quality and Soil Use
To gain a better understanding of the interactions between soil processes and other environmental compartments, we investigate the relationship between the chemical and physical soil environment – especially its structural characteristics – and soil organisms (population structure and activity of microorganisms).
We are particularly interested in the regeneration potential of soil properties. The findings from these tasks are used together with site- and soil-specific knowledge for the assessment and development of agricultural management techniques for sustainable land use.
For practical purposes of soil protection, we test methods for the long-term observation of soil properties, develop soil indicators, and assess the risks of chemical and physical soil pollution. By analysing soil profiles, mapping soils in the landscape and developing interpretation tools, we provide information and tools for land-use and regional-planning purposes.
Topics
Effect of Agricultural Management on Soil Structure and Functions
Soil structure, i.e. the spatial arrangement of soil constituents, influences important soil functions such as the transport and storage of water, gases, nutrients and pollutants.
Restoration of compacted subsoil (ROCSUB project)
The aim of the ROCSUB project (Restoration Of Compacted SUBsoil) is to monitor the effects of subsoil compaction on the long term and to evaluate the potential of two different restoration methods (mechanical and biological) and the time needed for recovery.
Model for Gauging the Effects of Agricultural Management on Soil Quality within the Framework of Life-Cycle Assessments
We focus on sustainability in this comparison of various farming systems and optimisation of individual-farm management.
Humus Balance as an Agricultural Environmental Indicator of Soil Quality
Further information is available in the following languages: German, French
Interpretive Tools for Biological and Physical Soil Studies
Further information is available in the following languages: German, French
Swiss Soil Monitoring Network (NABO)
The main goal of the National Soil Monitoring Network NABO is the nationwide assessment and evaluation of chemical, physical and biological impacts on soil. Additional tasks include the prediction and early detection of soil changes to ensure long-term soil fertility. For this purpose, the NABO conducts a long-term monitoring of soils under current management conditions.
Physical soil protection (STRUDEL project)
The STRUDEL project aims to provide reference values for the protection of soil structure, as well as simple methods for measuring soil structure.
