The third Global Soil Week took place in April 2015 in Berlin. UBA was a partner in organizing the conference, which was hosted by the IASS and chaired by Klaus Töpfer. In her statement, Maria Krautzberger makes a case for utilizing the implementation of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for promoting soil protection at all levels. read more
Soil protection through consistent implementation of SDGs
Discussion on environment. risks of Veterinary Medicinal Products
A panel discussion on environmental risks and an effective environmental risk assessment of veterinary medicines will be held in Brussels, Belgium on 04 March 2015. read more
Video "Let´s Talk About Soil"
Nearly every single human activity has an ecological impact on the complex soil system. Agricultural practices which are not adapted to local conditions are the main cause of soil degradation worldwide. The growth of world population and the increasing global demand for vegetable raw materials and meat are increasing the demand for fertile soil. At the same time, soil is being lost through erosion... read more
Ammonia emissions from intensive rearing of pigs at high levels
Extensive emissions of Ammonia into the air remain a well-known problem for years. This has resulted in oversupply with nutrients, processes of acid deposition and the loss of biological diversity in ecosystems. The largest part of ammonia emissions in Germany is generated in the agriculture sector (95 %), with 52 % stemming from cattle farming and 20 % from intensive rearing of pigs. read more
Tradable land planning permits
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. read more
The Federal Environment Agency Soil Protection Commission
Soil protection continues to be treated as the stepchild of environmental politics. This is not just, for soils and their many interconnections to water, air and the climate as well as providing the site for foods and feedstuffs play a crucial role at the heart of precautionary environmental politics. To support the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) in the area of soil protection, Prof. Dr. Andreas... read more
Site contamination
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. read more
Learning about and experiencing 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. read more