Glossary

Microorganisms, also called microbes, are microscopic creatures that cannot be seen with the naked eye. These include, for example, bacteria, microalgae and many fungi.

The term “lichen” is used to describe the symbiosis between a fungus and an alga. The fine fungal threads weave around the algae or penetrate them. This enables the exchange of substances between the two life partners. The alga uses sunlight and chlorophyll to produce starch, which is the basis of life for the fungus.

In the context of landscape planning, the term “zoning” refers to the administrative act by which something is released for public use and subject to public law.

Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which a substance emits electrons. Another substance absorbs the electrons and is reduced in the process. Oxidation is thus a partial reaction of a redox reaction (a chemical reaction in which one reactant transfers electrons to the other).

Expanded clay is ground clay that is fired in a kiln at 1,200 degrees Celsius. During combustion, the material expands spherically to four to five times its original volume.

Organisms that live on animal excrement, dead plants and dead animals (carrion). They break up and transport organic material in the soil. This is then broken down by secondary decomposers into inorganic substances. Important primary decomposers are earthworms, enchytraea, soil mites, fly larvae, isopods and snails.

Lawn sods are small square pieces of grass, which are mainly used for greening sports fields and gardens.

This chemical substance is better known by its trivial name, laughing gas. The chemical molecular formula is N2O. Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas and contributes to global warming. The gas is mainly used as an anaesthetic.

Cradle-to-Grave describes the path taken by a substance from manufacture to disposal.

The adjective “eutrophic” has a Greek origin and means “rich in nutrients” but also “over-fertilised”. The process of eutrophication describes the excessive growth of plants in lakes due to an increased nutrient intake. Nitrogen and phosphorus compounds in particular cause eutrophication. The degradation of the plant masses leads to a drop in the oxygen content

In an inversion weather situation, the temperatures do not decrease as usual, but increase. Due to this phenomenon, no exchange can take place between the upper and lower air layers and a barrier layer is created. Exhaust gases and dust particles collect under this and contribute to increased air pollution.

Plants that have leaves all year round and don’t shed their foliage in winter are called evergreens. Among the most common evergreens are many conifers.

Reduction is a chemical reaction in which a substance gains electrons. In return, another substance gives up the electrons and is oxidised in the process. The reduction is therefore a partial reaction of a redox reaction.

See P – producer-consumer-decomposer cycle

Recycling means the treatment and reuse of waste for new products.