For some finite resources, long-term alternatives exist. Soil, however, is not replaceable. At the same time, we cannot continue to exist without the use of soil. Thus, “no Use” is not an option for soil protection and therefore, every type of soil use carries a responsibility to secure the long-term maintenance of soil functions.

Soil functions are constantly at risk through agricultural and forestry use as well as through construction projects. The weight of heavy farm and forestry equipment can damage soil structure and soil functions. Wind and precipitation can induce the erosion of fertile topsoil. Leaching of poisons can have a toxic effect on plants and animals. Construction seals more than 70 hectares of soil per day. That is why we are working in different disciplines in seven Thuenen Institutes to make every technical novelty, every practice or policy recommendation on the use of soil viable and sustainable in terms of the functional ability.

We are working on technologies to use the soil as efficiently and protectively as possible and on national monitoring programms in order to secure our food supply. The following key points are directing our research:

• Soils are an economic factor: farming and forestry both base on healthy soil for a stable productivity. A healthy soil provides nutrients and water to the plants, provides a well rootable soil structure. Soil provides land for construction of buildings and plays an important role as balancing measures in nature protection.

• Soils are of relevance for the climate: They can bind carbon and thus serve as a carbon sink. At the same time, they can release soil carbon and nitrogen and thus contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. That is why we analyse how land-use, soil management and changes among them affect such emissions and why we evaluate the global warming potential of different production systems.

• Soils are spaces for living: microorganisms and soil fauna play an important role in the element cycles and in the resist against pests and diseases as well as in keeping the soil fertile. Permanent yield and the food supply are only secure if the soil life is intact. We aim our research to understand biological diversity in the soil and to develop it as a production factor.