Loess soil, selected by the German Soil Science Society as Soil of the Year 2021, is arguably one of the most valuable and favourable soils in arable farming.
But be careful, because the dusty gold is the last child of the ice age and cannot be rebuilt!
With the spread of Loess soil by the wind following the Ice Age, it reached all continents and serves as a production basis for arable farmers worldwide. What is advantageous for the spread on the one hand, however, also poses great challenges for farmers and modern arable farming. The Loess soil quickly “crumbles” due to wind erosion and washing away with large masses of water.
There is a great need for adapted soil cultivation and erosion-reducing crop production, because the Loess soil must be protected and preserved.
After all, it is considered a true all-rounder in terms of fertility:
- High yield capacity and yield security due to fast matter conversion and nutrient storage
- Good water conductivity and storage capacity
- Excellent aeration
- High activity of micro-organisms
These properties give it the nickname “fertile but dusty gold“. Thus, 80% of the cereals are grown on Loess soil, and the Loess also offers optimal and productive growing conditions for the demanding and water-requiring crops, such as sugar beet.