Environmental laboratory

What makes a fertile and healthy soil? What properties and conditions play a role in this and how can they be influenced? You can determine the fertility of your soil using parameters that are easy to determine, such as pH value, grain size composition (soil type) or nutrient storage capacity.

Every soil has specific properties, such as grain size composition and density, which significantly influence the water balance.

We use simple experiments and measurement methods (for example, water absorption and storage capacity) to show you how different soils behave. We present experiments that can be carried out at home. You will receive valuable tips on how you can positively influence the water balance of your soil.

Biodiversity in the soil is closely linked to soil fertility and biodiversity in the garden. In this workshop, we will look at life below ground and what influence soil life has on the plants and animals above ground.

Simple experiments to determine soil life will be presented and can be carried out in your own garden. For example, the Tea Bag Index method, the central experiment of our cooperation partner "Expedition Erdreich", is used to determine the decomposition rate in the soil. Together, we build a Berlese unit from a PET bottle and light bulb to visualise the soil organisms

Next to the oceans, soil is the second largest carbon store. In recent decades, however, the soil's ability to store carbon has decreased due to changes in land use, such as deforestation, peat extraction and resource-damaging land use. The soil stores large amounts of carbon in the form of humus.

This ability can be influenced by taking appropriate measures. In this workshop, we will look at how this could work in your garden. We will examine soils using a "spade sample" and determine the humus content of your soil samples using a colour chart. We will also discuss various ways to increase the humus content in the soil.