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On 3 December 2021, the soil of the year 2022 was announced: Pelosol. Pelosol means "clay soil" in German. Pelosols are soils that consist of clay above a soil depth of 30 cm. Within Germany, the pelosol is particularly widespread in the south-west, where clay-rich rocks occur (e.g. clay rocks, clay marl rocks or volcanic rocks). Due to the high clay content of pelosols, these soils can swell and shrink. As a result, pelosols can retain soil water very well and store many nutrients. This type of soil is a recognised groundwater protector and filters many water-polluting substances from the seepage water.
Due to the high clay content, the soil swells when wet and is then very susceptible to compaction during mechanical processing. When dry, deep shrinkage cracks and angular soil aggregates (polyhedrons and prisms) form. The soil is then too hard for mechanical cultivation. As there is only a short period between too moist and too dry, during which the soil can be ploughed, harrowed and mulched, this type of soil is also known as minute soil.
Pelosols are mainly used for arable farming. Shallow and minimal soil cultivation is therefore crucial to protect the soil, as ploughing too deeply destroys the soil structure (polyhedron and prism structure). Pelosols are also found in forests (deep-rooted tree species), under permanent grassland and under orchards. To protect pelosols, it is important to use the soil sparingly so that it does not have to be worked several times a year with heavy machinery.
In summary, it is therefore important for the soil protection of pelosols:
- Careful and gentle utilisation
- Tillage at the right time, not too wet and not too dry
- Refrain from working with heavy equipment / machines
- Protection against erosion on arable land, if possible through long soil cover and shallow tillage
Links to sources:
Image sources/authors: Soil of the Year Board of Trustees (German Soil Science Society / Federal Soil Association / Engineering Association for Contaminated Site Management and Land Recycling)
