Government policy on forests and nature in the Netherlands is aimed at creating and preserving the national ecological network. In realizing the various types of natural areas, constraints such as manure pollution, acidification, waterlogging and drying out of soils can play an important limiting role, especially where flora is concerned. Where natural areas are developed on formerly agricultural lands and on floodplains, residual contamination with heavy metals, agricultural chemicals and organic compounds can hinder, in particular, establishment of the desired fauna. In this context, biodiversity research targets several areas:
- Effects of different environmental conditions on realization of nature objectives;
- Preconditions required for nature development;
- Effectiveness of management regimes (e.g., regular maintenance such as mowing, turfing, thinning and results-oriented measures) in increasing the likelihood of certain types of natural areas emerging.
The Soil biodiversity research theme is subdivided into the following themes: