Glossary

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

In chemistry, the group of substances that consists only of carbon and hydrogen is called hydrocarbons. They are mainly found in fossil fuels. The molecular formula is CmHn.

In the thermohaline circulation, four of the five oceans are connected by ocean currents. The circulation is caused by differences in temperature and salt.

Dioxin is a collective term for chemically similar, chlorine-containing and persistent organic substances, which are highly toxic even in small quantities. They are found everywhere in the environment and are ingested through food. Because of their high fat solubility, they accumulate in humans, animals and the environment.

Based on the cadastral plan (on which all properties in a municipality are marked), all areas are assigned a dedication in the zoning plan.

The northern hemisphere is the part of the earth that is north of the equator.

Sealed surfaces are soils that are separated from the atmosphere by hard surface coverings with virtually impermeable materials (asphalt, concrete, etc.) or by the direct superstructure of buildings.

Sod tiles are pieces of grass separated from the ground with a thin layer of soil in which the roots are located.

“Living construction” describes the process of “cementing” soil particles through the life processes of soil animals. Clay and humus particles are connected to each other. On the one hand, crumbs are formed with the help of mucus and excrement, on the other hand, tube systems are created that create favourable conditions for the air and

Due to the filter function of the soil, even very small dirt or pollutant particles can be bound in seeping water. This prevents contamination of the groundwater.

A microclimate denotes local atmospheric conditions that differ from those in the surrounding areas. Often it differs only slightly, but sometimes there is a significant difference. The term can refer to areas as small as a few square meters (e.g., a garden bed or a den) or many square kilometres.

Manure is a faecal mixture of faeces and urine.

Soil degradation describes the destruction or permanent change of the natural characteristics of a soil. This can be caused, among other things, by anthropogenic influences or climate changes.