SOIL – FOUNDATION OF LIFE
Soil
The United Nations declared 2015 to be the “International Year of the Soils”. This International Year of the Soils is an immensely important opportunity to raise awareness for “soil and the protection of soil” within the general public.
SOIL IS POWERFUL
Soil is not just the substance that makes up the ground upon which we stand, it is also the entire habitable realm of the Earth’s surface.
SOIL IS ALIVE
Soil is a rich and diverse habitat with exceptional biodiversity. This life world keeps many of the substance and nutrient cycles on Earth moving. It is therefore an important basis for arable land, as well as for many other vital contributions.
SOIL PERFORMS
Intact soil performs many functions such as food production, filtering, buffering, water retention and hence provides immeasurably valuable services to society. Damaged soil is less beneficial or may fulfil no function at all.
SOIL IS FINITE
Soil must be protected, both its availability and its quality, to preserve these numerous functions for future generations as well.