Soils and water are fundamental to life. However, population growth, increasing numbers of extreme climatic events, and changes in land and water use are fuelling conflicts over these shared resources in catchment areas worldwide. Use of heavy agricultural machinery and pollution from synthetic materials put additional strain on soils and water supplies. In the search for solutions, agriculture assumes a key role: it impacts the availability and quality of water across wide areas – whether for irrigation, energy production, industry, or households.
CDE investigates the various sources of impact on soils and water – both at the level of individual farms and entire water catchment areas. Its researchers develop models, methods, and tools for integrated soil and water management adapted to the respective situation. Critical to this are curbing erosion and maintaining or increasing soil fertility.
