Das Projekt "EarthShape: Subproject 13 - Microbiological stabilization of the Earth s surface across a climate gradient - Phase I" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Fachbereich Geowissenschaften, Abteilung Bodenkunde und Geomorphologie durchgeführt. Most of Earth is covered by soils and sediments. In this upper layer processes of decomposition of organic matter and structure formation are mediated by microorganisms. In this context, MICSTAB asks how and to which extend microorganisms control the stabilization and formation of Earths surface. We hypothesize that the mechanisms of stabilization by microorganisms occur under all climate conditions but with varying intensity and different microbiological community structure in the presence of different types of vegetation providing energy to the microorganisms. Further, we assume that initial pedogenesis following soil erosion, i.e. structure formation differs in intensity and microbial community structure between erosional and depositional sites and that related process intensities are controlled by climate. To address these questions, we conduct research in three primary study areas along a climate gradient from north to south in Chile. In each area, typical topographic positions, such as (i) geomorphodynamic stable reference site on hill top with no erosion or deposition, (ii) eroded site at the upper slopes, and (iii) depositional site at toe slopes, will be used for an in-field rainfall simulation experiment and a laboratory soil structure simulation experiment. We use rainfall simulation under natural conditions to analyze the erosion resistance of the land surface as a self-regulatory process after hundreds to thousands of years of soil formation under equilibrium conditions. The soil structure simulation experiment applies wet/dry cycles to samples from all climate regions and topographic positions to highlight soil structure formation with and without microorganism as a crucial part of surface stabilization processes. Both experiments are designed to better understand i) how microbiological processes control soil structure formation and stabilize Earths surface, ii) how microbial-mediated soil structure formation is influenced by redistribution of solid material and iii) how microbial communities react to changes in soil erosionunder different climate conditions. High resolution imaging techniques such as epifluorescence microscopy, SEM-EDX, confocal laser scanning microscopy and NanoSIMS can help to understand better the interrelationship of microorganisms and soil structure formation. These cutting-edge technologies, combined with integrated stable isotope techniques (e.g stable isotope probing, SIP) and state-of-the-art molecular ecological, soil chemical analyses as well as modern techniques of soil erosion research, will serve to identify and understand microbial-mediated key processes of land surface stabilization.
Das Projekt "Oekoprodukte in Hamburger Naturkost- und Hoflaeden und Reformhaeusern" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Ökomarkt durchgeführt. Analyse des IST-Zustandes des Angebots von Lebensmitteln aus oekologischem Anbau auf Naturkost- und Hoflaeden sowie Reformhaeusern in der Hansestadt Hamburg. Entwicklung eines Konzeptes fuer die Optimierung dieses Angebotes. Entwicklung eines Beratungskonzeptes fuer Inhaber und Personal der Geschaefte. Entwicklung und Installation eines 'virtuellen Warenhauses' fuer die Hauslieferung von Oekoprodukten.
Das Projekt "Realisierung eines Naturparkinformationshauses als oekologisch optimiertes Nullenergiehaus in Holzbauweise" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Naturpark Bayerischer Wald e.V. durchgeführt. Zielsetzung und Anlass des Vorhabens: Am südlichen Ortsrand von Zwiesel im Bayerischen Wald entstand ein Büro- und Ausstellungsgebäude, bei dem mittels Optimierung von aktiver und passiver Sonnenenergienutzung der Einsatz von fossiler Heizenergie nicht mehr nötig ist. Es wurde dabei versucht, die Balance zwischen aktiven und passiven Systemen zu finden. Bestehende Bautechniken, insbesondere im Bereich des Holzbaus, wurden gemäß den Möglichkeiten der regionalen Bauwirtschaft unter Verwendung regional verfügbarer Baustoffe weiterentwickelt. Es kamen verschiedene Holzfenstersysteme zum Einsatz, die dem Passivhaus-Standard entsprechen. Es wird der Einfluss eines nicht hinterlüfteten Fassadenkollektors auf den effektiven U-Wert einer nach Süden gerichteten Leichtbauwand bei normaler Nutzung des Kollektors für die Beheizung des Gebäudes untersucht. Die 110 m2 Fassadenkollektor heizen einen zentral im Gebäude stehenden Pufferspeicher, aus dem das Gebäude ganzjährig beheizt wird. Fazit: Beim Naturpark-Informationshaus wurde bei der Auswahl der Baustoffe, der Baukonstruktionen und beim Energiekonzept von Anfang an auf Qualität, Ökonomie und Ökologie geachtet. Nachhaltiges Wirtschaften beim Bau und Betrieb dieses Gebäudes war oberstes Gebot. In der Konsequenz der Umsetzung ist dieses Gebäude ein Vorbild für zukünftiges Bauen. Man kann sowohl das Gesamtkonzept als auch Teile davon auf jedes andere Gebäude übertragen. Bei diesem Gebäude, so der Bayerische Umweltminister Schnappauf, 'wird Innovation in Einklang mit Ökologie gebracht. Das ist eine Steilvorlage zum Nachahmen und Spitze in Mitteleuropa'. Der Menschheitstraum vom Perpetuum-Mobile wird hier ein Stück Wirklichkeit, ohne dass die Naturgesetze außer Kraft gesetzt werden. Es ist auch nicht notwendig, die Kernfusion auf die Erde zu holen, wenn man die technischen Möglichkeiten der Sonnenenergienutzung umsetzt.
Das Projekt "Oekoprodukte auf Hamburger Wochenmaerkten" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Ökomarkt durchgeführt. Analyse des IST-Zustandes des Angebots von Lebensmitteln aus oekologischem Anbau auf den Wochenmaerkten der Hansestadt Hamburg. Entwicklung eines Konzeptes fuer die Optimierung dieses Angebotes.
Das Projekt "Strategies for the sustainable development of single-family housing (SNF No. 405 440 - 115 134)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Zürich, Geographisches Institut durchgeführt. Background: Residential estates occupied by single-family homes are widely regarded as the main driver behind excessive land use, urban sprawl, energy waste and the rising traffic volumes in conurbations. However, broad sections of the population (at least at certain stages in life) clearly view houses, as opposed to apartments, as the ideal way to live. Hence, a decline in demand appears highly unlikely in the medium to long term. This raises the question as to how existing and future single-family residential estates may be better reconciled with the goals of sustainable urban development. Objectives: The project will examine various scenarios in?order to identify the potential offered by single-family homes with regard to predetermined objectives for sustainable urban development, and to evaluate this potential using specific assessment methods. The working hypothesis is that residential estates comprising single-family homes will generally be able to meet these goals by adopting additional functions (e.g. of an ecological nature), using existing infrastructure?more efficiently, making greater allowance for shifting lifestyles and living habits, and adapting in line with a revised planning framework. Methods: The research hypothesis is to be tested using the Zurich Oberland area. Characterized by spatial variety, a high degree of urbanization and land-intensive development, this region is typical of settlement patterns in?Switzerland. The sustainability potential of developments of single-family homes will be investigated by modelling and comparing a range of possible future scenarios. This will allow conclusions to be drawn on the benefits and drawbacks of specific development strategies. The ascertained differences will be used to develop and formulate sustainability indicators. The adopted procedure will be interactive insofar as the general nature of the scenarios will reflect acknowledged existing sustainability criteria. Significance: The research project sets out to pinpoint options - not available under the existing framework - for sustainable settlement development strategies that include single-family homes. It will also contribute to the evolution of sustainability assessment techniques. In addition, it will?provide considerable impetus for tackling more general issues connected with spatial development in Switzerland.
Das Projekt "BiodivERsA/FACCE: Förderung von Biodiversitäts-basierten Ökosystemleistungen für Kulturpflanzen durch Optimierung der grünen Infrastruktur in Agrarlandschaften (ECODEAL) - Teilvorhaben 6: Landschaftsmanagement zur Förderung von Bestäubern und biologischer Schädlingskontrolle" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Theodor-Boveri-Institut für Biowissenschaften, Biozentrum, Lehrstuhl für Zoologie III (Tierökologie und Tropenbiologie) durchgeführt. Durch ökologische Intensivierung ('Ecological intensification') soll die Bereitstellung von Ökosystemleistungen der Natur optimiert werden, um so den Einsatz von Betriebsmitteln zu reduzieren und gleichzeitig nachhaltige und hohe Erträge im Pflanzenbau zu sichern. Im vorliegenden Vorhaben werden Meta-Analysen bestehender europäischer Datensätze durchgeführt sowie koordinierte Freilandexperimente in zwei Untersuchungsregionen durchgeführt, um die optimale räumliche Skala, die Dichte und Verteilung der grünen Infrastruktur zur Förderung von funktioneller Diversität und Ökosystemdienstleistungen sowie die resultierenden Ertragseffekte für Kulturpflanzen zu ermitteln. Es werden europäische Datensätze in einer Datenbank zusammengeführt, die Aussagen zu der Verteilung funktionell relevanter Artengruppen, wie bestäubende, pflanzenfressende Insekten sowie deren Antagonisten erlauben. Darüber hinaus werden Daten zur Fläche, Verteilung und Qualität von Habitatelementen, die zur grünen Infrastruktur zählen, sowie Ertragsdaten erhoben und gemeinsam mit den Diversitätsdaten ausgewertet, um generelle Zusammenhänge mit unterschiedlichen Merkmalen der grünen Infrastruktur zu quantifizieren. Insbesondere soll untersucht werden, wie unterschiedliche Elemente der grünen Infrastruktur auf unterschiedlichen räumlichen Skalen hinsichtlich von Fläche und Verteilung vorliegen müssen, um mehrere Ökosystemleistungen gleichzeitig zu optimieren.
Das Projekt "Root-derived organic matter in the deep subsoil greater than 2 m depth - what are the consequences for terrestrial carbon cycling and paleoenvironmental records?" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Zürich, Geographisches Institut durchgeführt. Roots are currently discussed to store considerable amounts of carbon in the subsoil. Although it is well known that roots can penetrate the subsoil and deep subsoil (greater than 2 m) several meters deep, it remains unclear, how much carbon they contribute, if they lead to net carbon sequestration in the long-term and under which conditions they lead to carbon accumulation. Rhizoliths and biopores are root-related features that frequently occur in soil and underlying soil parent material. Recent studies in unconsolidated sediments show that they enable investigating the long-term effects of root penetration even after the lifetime of the source plant and thus the assessment of sustainable impacts of roots on subsoil organic matter (OM). While other research groups deal with the subsoil less than 2 m, (eg German Research Foundation (DFG) Research Group SUBSOM the current project focuses on the deep subsoil (greater than 2 m), where a significant overprint of OM is expected. In fact, this part of the subsurface is usually not regarded by soil scientists, but of large interest for paleoenvironmental researchers as valid e.g. for loess-paleosol sequences. So far, the effect of roots on subsoil OM was only studied on a single site in SW Germany during a precursor project, DFG (WI2810/10). Based on that project, the current proposal aims at the investigation of the transferability of the results to other sedimentary settings and ecological contexts. At several sites along a NE-SW transect across Europe (from The Netherlands across Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary towards Serbia), unconsolidated material like dune and fluvial sands, as well as loess-paleosol sequences will be investigated with respect to OM quantity and quality as influenced by root penetration. Preliminary investigations of six potential sites in Germany, Hungary and Serbia showed that biopores and other root-related features can reach similar abundances in different settings. Nevertheless, consequences for OM sequestration and turnover may be different, depending not only on the respective source vegetation but also sedimentary properties. The target of the current project is to identify carbon losses or sequestration related to root penetration, which will be assessed by bulk organic and inorganic carbon contents as well as a variety of lipid biomarkers including alkanes, fatty acids, alcohols, glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers and suberin markers. The combination of these biomarkers enables the assessment of root-related overprint, if transects from root features to surrounding material free of them are investigated. The data will be fed into the VERHIB model for source apportionment of sedimentary and root-related OM. (abridged text)
Das Projekt "Morality and the development of national parks: Social and political negotiations in Abel Tasman National Park (New Zealand) and in Park Adula (Switzerland)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Zürich, Geographisches Institut durchgeführt. National parks are considered to be the most important global conservation tool. Since the establishment of Yellowstone at the end of the 19th century, the national park concept has been transferred to a large and astonishingly diverse number of political, social and environmental settings world-wide. Following this global proliferation (18 parks or park projects of different kinds exist in Switzerland alone), national parks and protection areas, particularly those located in the global south countries, have become a large and complex topic for political ecologists studying within the fields of contemporary human geography. Within this topic, political ecologists have highlighted how inherently political this form of land use is, as well as the important role that specific social, political, historical, economic and environmental contexts play in park negotiations, and in the types of spaces and places that are produced and reproduced. This project will undertake a comparison of the Abel Tasman national park of New Zealand and Park Adula candidate national park of Switzerland. The aim here is to explore environmental evaluations and the justifications attached to these evaluations, in their specific social, political and environmental contexts, in order to identify and understand distinctive moral foundations of park negotiations. Key emphasis will be placed on understanding the way that moralities are reflected in the spaces and nature produced in parks, and what moralities are embedded in the meanings and understandings attached to national parks. Taking up the call for a transfer of global south political ecological insights and methods to global north contexts (and thus closing a gap), a comparison will be used as a method rather than an aim, to explore and contrast the role of the contexts on the moral values within the production of national park spaces. The theoretical framework for understanding and comparing these moralities will engage with Thévenot, Moody & Lafaye (2000) work on cultural comparisons of patterns of evaluation and justification, with an aim to view the effect that these moral struggles have on the production and reproduction of spaces of and places in national parks. In both case studies ethnographic methods and analysis of documents (including text and images) will be used to gain understandings of the moralities embedded within the ordinary practices of park actors as they participate in park negotiations. A strong component of this comparative aim is the close collaboration of researchers, including two PhD students based at the Universities of Fribourg and Zurich, in the development and implementation of data collection and analysis methodologies. This projects contribution to broader debates is thus twofold: first, to put the role of morality onto the agenda of research and management of national parks in the global north. Second, to go a step further than stating that context is important in environmental deb
Das Projekt "Climo- and chronosequences of soils and landscape evolution in the Etna region (Sicily)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Zürich, Geographisches Institut durchgeführt. The soil state factors climate and time are of growing interest in respect to landscape and consequently soil evolution. Climate change can have significant impact on the global biogeochemical cycle by altering the type and rate of soil processes and the resulting soil properties. Direct and dramatic ecological responses to this impending warming are expected. Climatic warming is thought to increase soil temperature and to change many critical factors in plant productivity, phenology and succession. A main unknown parametre is the reactivity of soils and the rate of reactions. - Consequently, a soil sequence along an elevational gradient ranging from subtropical to subalpine climate zones in the Etna region (Sicily, southern Italy) are investigated in respect of organic C, kaolinite and crystalline to non-crystalline Al- and Fe-phases. Special emphasis is given to the stabilization of soil organic carbon (SOC) and its interaction with the inorganic phases. Furthermore, a weathering sequence with soils developing on volcanic, trachy-basaltic parent materials with ages ranging from 100 - 115000 years in the Etna region serve as the basis to analyse and calculate the accumulation and stabilisation mechanisms of soil organic matter (SOM), the transformation of pedogenic Fe and Al, the formation and transformation of clay minerals, the weathering indices and, by means of mass-balance calculations, net losses of the main elements.
Das Projekt "Ackerbaulich bedingte Brandrodungen als Ursache für Vegetationswandel und Bodenerosion im Bergwald von Bolivien" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Zürich, Geographisches Institut durchgeführt. Within an integrated project of the Universities of La Paz (Bolivia) and Zurich, ecological investigations are realized since 1996. In the upper mountain forests near the cities of La Paz (in the so called yungas') and Cochabamba (the chapare') vegetation cover, soil erosion and pollen influx are studied in order to get local climatic information at altitudes of 1500-3200 m a.s.l. A decrease of forest areas is observed - as well as an increase of agricultural areas - even with slope inclinations of 40%, with many damages by soil erosion as a consequence. The humid climate with annual precipitation of 100-200 cm, however, is somehow protecting the area from large ecological impacts, because a secondary forest is coming up rapidly. On the other hand, the nearby region above 3200 m a.s.l. is semihumid to semiarid and strongly affected by soil degradation. The deforestation areas of the past centuries were localized by pollen analysis of near-surface soil samples.
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