RefeSol

Structure of the system

Different reference soils (RefeSol) were defined according to before-established criteria and referring to four levels (see illustration below). Samples of the soils were taken for a pedological and ecological characterization. The inclusion of eight arable and four greenland locations represents well the presently used portions of different agricultural areas in Germany.

Level 1 (inside) represents one single soil which is very similar to the soils presently used for practical laboratory testing (e.g. LUFA 2.2 lysimeter soil). This soil significantly represents the agricultural areas in Germany and can be used for all tests performed according procedures described in the Federal Soil Protection Act/Ordinance.

At level 2, significant soil parameters, such as C organic content, pH, texture etc., are varied as widely as possible considering the laboratory technique requirements.

The selection of additional soils included in levels 3 and 4 refers to other soil characteristics (sesquioxids and heavy metal contents etc.) and other significant parameters (utilisation, area presence, distribution in Germany etc.). As RefeSol System design is designed for further development and improvement, on the 5th level, further soils such as forest soils, town soils, etc., can be added any time.