Our soil can store carbon dioxide (CO₂) in enormous quantities. This carbon sequestration plays an important role with regard to achieving climate neutrality. However, binding CO₂ from the air is only one aspect of a healthy soil: It is also characterized by its water-holding capacity and is stable against erosion - an important factor in both heavy rainfall and prolonged drought. Our experts have therefore dedicated themselves to soil health for many years in numerous research projects. For example, they have identified the most fertile soils in Austria and shown what impact climate change has had and will have on domestic soils in different regions.

Fertile soils are the most important prerequisite for ensuring food security in Austria. Due to the high level of land consumption, these fertile soils are becoming increasingly scarce. Climate change is also causing droughts to occur more frequently, especially in eastern Austria with its low rainfall, which reduces the yield of agricultural soils. This jeopardises self-sufficiency and subsequently increases the import rate for agricultural products. Our experts have identified and mapped the most fertile soils. The concept we have developed enables the targeted preservation of high-yield agricultural production areas and is a valuable tool for future spatial planning, for example.

Appropriate EU-wide research activities are required for the climate-adapted and sustainable management of agricultural soils. We are part of the European Joint Project (EJP) Soil. In this project, topics are defined, research projects are tendered and coordinated and the implementation of the results is ensured.