For some finite resources there are long-term alternatives. For instance, for energy sources: coal, mineral oil and natural gas are becoming less important as a consequence of wind and solar power, geo-thermals and bio-energy. However, there is no substitute for soil. We cannot exist without using it. "Set-aside" is not the answer of comprehensive soil conservation, so we develop concepts, that allow the protection of functional soils and land use go hand in hand. That’s why technologists, soil biologists, geochemists, soil scientists and economists from seven Thünen specialty institutes are working together to ensure that every technical innovation, every practice or policy-oriented recommendation on soil use takes into account its ecological functionality. We are guided by the following core principles:

• Soils are not renewable. For Germany, daily land consumption is calculated to more than 70 hectares, this is mainly agricultural land. Thünen researchers make the consequences of this trend transparent. The agricultural value added and the rural landscape diversity are at risk. Above all, we are working on technologies to manage soils as efficiently and responsibly as possible in order to secure food security even on a diminishing area under cultivation.
• The climatic footprint of forest soils and agricultural land. Soils can be a sink for atmospheric carbon, but if used unadapted they can release huge amounts of greenhouse gases. That is why we are analysing the impact of land management and land use changes on emissions. And we assess the impact of various production systems on global climate.
• Soils are an incredible habitat. An unimagined cosmos of microorganisms and soil inhabitants ensure that soil remains fertile. Only with healthy soils, we can ensure sufficient yields and enough food for a growing world population. In our research, we aspire to understand soil biodiversity and utilize it as a production factor for tomorrow’s agriculture.
• Soils are threatened. Wind and water can remove the fertile topsoil. The heavy loads of agricultural and forestry machinery can damage soil structure and influence its functions. We develop methods to gauge this stress in situ and develop technical solutions to keep a resilient soil structure even under tillage.

In 2013, we established the Thünen Staff Unit Soil as a knowledge hub for our expertise in technology, natural sciences and economy on the topic of soil. With this strategic decision we underline the great importance of soils and enable ourselves to provide even better information for the political decision makers, the soil users and the society.