Topsoil

The topsoil, also referred to as topsoil, and among farmers as topsoil, is the highest and most productive horizon in the soil, in addition to the main mineral components ( gravel and sand or tones) also contains humus and microbes. In soil science, this top horizon is called the A horizon, as a symbol in the arable soil is used Ap (p for plow ).

Importance of topsoil

In addition to air and water from the soil is an important source of livelihood for plants, animals and humans, and as a natural resource, therefore, protected by law. The special protection of topsoil results in Germany, for example, from § 202 Building Code ( Building Code ), entitled " Protection of topsoil ." In the topsoil precipitation and pollutants transported by physical and biochemical processes filtered, purified and retained water is discharged delayed again ( retention effect ) as well as nutrients for the vegetation open and rebuilt. So the topsoil has an important function in terms of the water balance and the environment, particularly in water protection areas.

Topsoil as excavation

This soil is not sustainable and needs to be removed when a path or a building is to be built. The topsoil must not be disposed of or dumped with the subfloor during construction. Abgeräumter topsoil may rot if stored in too great accumulation and is therefore to be stored properly until it is (possibly elsewhere) reused. For this purpose, ground sharing networks are established in many counties, to facilitate reuse of topsoil.

Topsoil in the cultural history

Also in the cultural history of mankind the earth is described as a livelihood. Adam, who was taken from the field, created by God from the dust of the soil. In the 1st book of Moses 2 is also reported that the beasts of the field and the birds were formed out of the ground.

Cult as a symbol of fertility and life to the Center of the World Picture - In many cultures, myths and religions of the "Mother Earth".

Man can not live without the fertile topsoil. The soil is a valuable, finite good, but is threatened by erosion, sealing, entry of toxins and overexploitation. This results in its own ground - ethics derives from having the protection and preservation of this land to the destination.