Soil Science

Soils are the basis of our food production. They also fulfill a variety of environmental functions, e.g. filter functions, to produce high quality groundwater. The properties of the soil are increasingly taken into account in landscape planning. Peatlands have a special relevance in North Germany landscape. They have been used by humans for centuries, with negative impacts on water quality, climate and the peatlands themselves. In the context of nature and climate protection parts of the peatlands areas are rewetted.

Working Area

Assessment of soil functions for landscape planning in Bremen on the basis of soil maps and soil properties. Investigations on changes in peatland properties. Development of methods for rewetting peatlands. Estimates of the climate relevance of peatlands.

Methods

Comparative mapping of peatlands. Investigations on the water balance of the peatlands with measuring points in the peat body and aquifer. Modeling the soil water balance.