NRP 68 Sustainable use of soil as a resource
NRP 68 laid the groundwork for the sustainable use of soil in Switzerland. In so doing, it considered both the environmental and economic benefits of soil. The concept of ecosystem services made it possible to realise the value of soil functions and their contribution to human well-being. The results are presented in five thematic syntheses and one overall synthesis report.
Facts & figures
Overall funding
CHF 13'000'000
Period of research
3 + 2 years
President of the Steering Committee
Professor Emmanuel Frossard, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich
Head of Knowledge transfer
Urs Steiger, texte, konzepte, beratung, Luzern
Programme Manager
Pascal Walther, SNSF
Research
2013 - 2017
Overall synthesis
NRP 68 Overall synthesis (2018, in German)
The report focuses on the natural functions of soil and its services to society. It proposes a path towards sustainable soil policies that emphasises the importance of collaboration between the different stakeholders in the areas of soil use, soil management and soil protection.
Thematic synthesis
The five thematic synthesis reports are the result of a close dialogue between researchers and practitioners. They address an expert audience and offer answers to a number of challenges on soil in various policy areas.
Thematic synthesis report 1: Soil and food production (2018, in German)
Shows how soil-protecting management could become even more integrated in agricultural policy making.
Thematic synthesis report 2: Soil and environment (2018, in German)
Shows how soil compaction and the loss of soil organic matter could be reduced, and emphasises on the significance of soil as a sink and source of greenhouse gases.
Thematic synthesis 3: A soil agenda for spatial planning (2018, in German)
Proposes how to integrate soil quality into decision-making processes of spatial planning.
Thematic synthesis report 4 : Swiss Soil Information Platform (2018, in German)
Proposes a strategy for closing the gap in soil information.
Thematic synthesis 5: Ways to a sustainable soil policy (2018, in German)
Identifies the relevant areas of action for a sustainable use of soil.