Advanced Soil Hydrological Studies in Different Scales for Sustainable Agriculture

A comprehensive study of interactive processes between soil, water, plant, animal and atmosphere to protect the natural resources requires knowledge of parameters and processes in different scales. Soil hydrological studies in North-East Germany were carried out in different scales, starting with laboratory, lysimeter measurements and in the field. The measurements of soil hydrological properties were executed with the Extended Evaporation Method (EEM) and the HYPROP device. A method for quantifying deep seepage and solute leaching under field conditions was developed, tested and applied at more than 40 soil hydrological field plots in NE Germany. The hypothesis was confirmed that arable land constitutes the main source of deep drainage and groundwater recharge in Northeast Germany. Deep seepage was strongly reduced under forest. For decision support on landscape renovation and land rededication by afforestation in NE Germany the seepage reduction under forest is to be taken into consideration, especially with respect to the conservation or restoration of wetlands in regions with negative climatic water balance. The EEM and the soil hydrological field method so called “virtual lysimeter” have the potential for the improvement of soil hydrological studies in Asia as a whole.