Soil is increasingly under threat from problems such as erosion (by wind or water), desiccation, the development of water repellency, subsidence, (peat areas are particularly at risk) and soil compaction. These result in soil degradation, which in turn has repercussions: the fertile topsoil disappears, infiltration of water decreases, runoff increases and the soil moisture characteristics deteriorate markedly.
The unremitting decline in the soil’s fertility, productivity, and cultural and recreational value brought about by these problems poses a threat, particularly in vulnerable ecosystems. Fundamental and applied research can expose the underlying causes and processes, and also their correlation; remedial measures can then be tested and applied.
Valuable databases and decision-support systems are also necessary, in order to be able to effectively assist different client groups to use the soil more sustainably and control the various processes.
The land degradation research theme is subdivided into the following themes: