BE-13 :: Soil sealing (covering of the ground by an impermeable material)

The increased sealing of (former) fertile soil, especially in cities, causes a degradation of soil fertility and thus impedes food production. The ecological soil functions are severely impaired or even prevented (e.g. soil working as a buffer and filter system or as a carbon sink). In addition, surrounding soils may be influenced by change in water flow patterns or the fragmentation of habitats. Current studies suggest that soil sealing is nearly irreversible.
Research questions:
Land management
How can we develop a policy to prevent soil sealing? How can we integrate these policies in spatial planning processes?
Does a technological solution exist?
Impacts of land management
How can we raise awareness around soil sealing issues?