{"id":23221,"date":"2025-03-04T14:38:59","date_gmt":"2025-03-04T14:38:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/old.mup-group.com\/?p=23221"},"modified":"2025-03-05T05:30:09","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T05:30:09","slug":"erhalt-von-plaggenesch-boeden-beim-bau-von-erdkabeln-ein-balanceakt-fuer-eine-nachhaltige-entwicklung","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/old.mup-group.com\/en\/conservation-of-plaggenesch-soils-in-the-construction-of-underground-cables-a-balancing-act-for-sustainable-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Preserving plaggenesch soils during the construction of underground cables: a balancing act for sustainable development"},"content":{"rendered":"

In recent years, the modernisation of energy infrastructure has gained momentum, with transmission system operators playing a central role. With the transition to more environmentally friendly energy solutions, projects such as the construction of underground cables are crucial to achieving national and European climate targets. However, these projects face particular challenges - especially the protection of historic plaggenesch soils. These soils are not only an important part of agricultural history, but also essential for understanding past and present environmental conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are plaggenesch soils and why are they important?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Plaggenesch soils, also known as Esch soils, have been formed over centuries by human activity - in particular by the practice of applying plaggen (thin sods of grass) and manure to agricultural land. These soils have a humus-rich top layer that has built up over time to a depth of up to 1.5 metres. As natural archives, they provide valuable insights into historical agricultural techniques, soil stratigraphy and overarching climate changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Germany, these soils are classified as Soils of archival and cultural history<\/strong> recognised and are subject to national soil protection legislation. This is particularly relevant as the construction of underground cables can affect these unique soils. Their protection not only preserves our agricultural history, but also crucial data on historical environmental and climatic conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Challenges and solutions in modern infrastructure projects<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The expansion of critical infrastructure, particularly for renewable energies, centres on the challenge of reconciling technological progress with soil protection. A recent study shows that 40 % of all underground cable projects in Germany cross areas containing significant plaggenesch soils<\/strong>. These soils are particularly sensitive to soil moisture and groundwater levels, which is why comprehensive moisture monitoring is required during construction work to prevent their degradation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2024, construction projects were particularly affected by unusually high soil moisture levels - in some regions, the groundwater level was around 30 % above the seasonal average<\/strong>. While these conditions make archaeological excavations difficult, they also offer a unique opportunity for archaeologists to explore hidden relics of past human activity. Through Real-time monitoring of soil moisture<\/strong> and the flexible adjustment of construction times, project teams were able to minimise disruption while preserving the integrity of the floors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Statistical findings and forecasts on soil protection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n