Forest soil

Forest soils are the complex chemical, physical and biotic basis of life in the forest. They have evolved over centuries in their current form, and fulfil important functions in the natural cycle: as a reservoir for precipitation and source of nutrients, as a habitat for animals, plants and microorganisms, or as a filter and buffer against pollutant deposition, and a source of clean drinking water. The fundamental properties of forest soils for the existence and functionality of forests are their storage capacities for water and nutrients, influenced by the respective site, its degradation and external factors. The maintenance of soil fertility is a central task of forestry.