January 2002 - Nr. 1
Forests Remain in Danger
TWIG - Nearly one-quarter of Germany’s trees are severely damaged and the
soil that nourishes them too polluted, according to a report on the
condition of German forests for this year. The Ministry of Agriculture
presented its damning figures in Berlin this week: 22% of the trees show
signs of serious damage; 42% suffer leaf or needle loss; only 36% are fully
healthy. Broad-leafed trees fare worst, especially birches and oaks, the
latter a treasured symbol of German strength and endurance. Roughly 30% of
these trees are severely damaged. However, conifers, in particular pines,
fare far better - a timely bit of good news for Christmas tree farmers.
Air pollution causes the gravest damage and the most long-term changes in the soil, vegetation, and, in some cases, ground water, the study showed. Air-borne contaminants settle in the soil and accumulate over many years. The polluted soil long remains unusable, toxic land. Ever more soil-stored toxins are now being released, possibly seeping into ground water supplies.
Ministry of Agriculture state secretary Gerald Thalheim said efforts and investments made in improving air quality are paying off. Sulphur dioxide levels are down, though more progress is necessary in lowering levels of nitrogen, which is largely the by-product of farming and auto traffic. Thalheim said the ministry is developing new policies to protect the practical and recreational functions as well as the biodiversity of German forests.
