Overview

Soil animals decimate harmful fungi and toxins

The aim of our research is to understand and analyse ecologically significant processes that soil animals control through their activity in laboratory and field experiments. With the knowledge gained, we can evaluate the services of soil animals for ...

Exploring the soil metagenome

We want to understand how microbial diversity and ecosystem functions are linked and change through agriculture. That is why we are studying the genetic material (DNA) of the soil, the so-called metagenome.

Monitoring

Plastic in soil

To what extent is plastic in soil? And how does it act there? Because little research has been done on the topic in the past, these questions remain largely unanswered.

Plastic in the environment – a research topic at the Thünen Institute

At the Thünen Institute, research is being conducted at several specialised institutes on the topic of "Plastics in the Environment". This involves the analysis of microplastics in soils, transport processes from soils via rivers into the sea and ...

BZE Agriculture Profile Viewer

Thematic focus soil

Germany's soils are under pressure: they are burdened by drought and high nitrogen inputs, increasing compaction, and the loss of humus. The condition of Germany's soils is regularly analysed at the Thünen Institute. Our current thematic focus ...

The soil is thirsty

The Thünen Institute not only monitors the development of forests and oceans over long periods of time, but also of agricultural and forest soils. The third National Soil Inventory (BZE) is currently underway on behalf of the Federal Ministry of ...

Protecting soils through sustainable management

Soils are the foundation of agriculture and forestry - and at the same time their most important factor of production. In ecosystems, soils serve as important filters and storages for water and nutrients. Farmers have a responsibility to preserve the ...

Erosion protection – so that the soil remains fertile

Heavy rainfall or wind can erode fertile soils - with consequences for farming and surrounding water bodies. However, farmers can take countermeasures. For example, by keeping the soil covered as much as possible and by diverse land use patterns ...

Humus makes the soil strong

Humus is a true all-rounder: it stores water and nutrients, protects against erosion, promotes soil life—and is even good for the climate. The soil condition survey shows the state of Germany's humus reserves and which approaches to humus formation ...