Water and soil - the bases of our life

Abstract

Most people may not be aware of the fact that about 95% of our food comes from the soil, directly or indirectly, and that about 80% of the water we need passes through the soil. Soil is a producer of biomass for man and beast as well as filter for meteoric water and, as such, is essential for survival on our planet.Following a survey and discussion of both global and Austrian data relating to the distribution of water and the natural water cycle, the author includes the function of the soil in his considerations. In an effort to demonstrate the importance of water for life on the planet, he presents a survey of a few climatic regions using climate diagrams, and then proceeds to explain specific phenomena of local climate using examples from the vegetation science.The presentation of a schematic soil profile including its vegetation serves as a basis for outlining the practical implications. The effects of different crop sequences on both water consumption and groundwater renewal, and the potential nitrate enrichment involved, are discussed.The present climatic change, which is certainly not an entirely new phenomenon, but whose causes are still a controversial subject, will manifest itself in increasing climatic amplitudes, such as more severe droughts and heavier rainfalls. Greater soil depths may help to balance their detrimental effects. This should lead us in the future to paying greater attention to the soil as a buffer and filter.The central theme of this year's meeting of the German Soil Science Society was:“Soil - the thin Skin of the Earth”. Let us look after this sensitive organ!