University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Gewählte Master / Diploma Thesis:
Monika Humer
(2013):
Bodenschutz in Niederösterreich.
Master / Diploma Thesis - Institut für Bodenforschung (IBF),
BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur,
pp 179.
UB BOKU
obvsg
- Abstract:
- In Lower Austria soil threats emerge in different forms. This study was realised to summarize relevant soil data and soil threats, but also already implemented soil protection measures in Lower Austria. Relevant literature along with the Lower Austrian soil inventory and calculations of element fluxes were used to address the status of soils in regard to six soil threats, described in the Thematic Soil Strategy issued by the European Commission. Soil sealing represents an extensive threat in Lower Austria. The increasing land pressure on unbuilt areas near to cities is substantial. At municipal level, efforts are already made to decrease urban sprawl. The implementation of measures, defined under the Austrian Agro-Environmental Programme (ÖPUL), indicate an overall decline in water erosion. However problems with water erosion in regions with intensive agriculture, like the alpine foothills, persist. During the last 15 years an increase of organic substance occurred in some regions of Lower Austria (e. g. alpine foothills). Soil´s abilities for carbon sequestration are often presented too optimistic. Results show data gaps in the areas of soil compaction, soil biodiversity and wind erosion. The Lower Austrian Soil Inventory published in 1994, provides area-wide data for metal and arsenic concentrations in soils. In addition, actual deposition data (in mosses) from the Austrian Federal Environment Agency and from permanent observation plots exist. Only little information about inputs of new pollutants, like platinum group elements or rare earth metals is available. Despite diverse data quality within the threats, this study shows that soil protection is already an important issue in Lower Austrians environmental policy.
- Beurteilende(r): Wenzel Walter