Soil Science
School Class on a Soil Trail
1 July 2026
Photo: K. Stegmann
The children's soil profile models on adhesive boards
On June 29, Lars Kutzbach and Anne Brockmann led a field trip with a third-grade class from a nearby elementary school along the Soil Nature Trail in the Wohldorfer Forest. After discussing what soil is and why it is important for plants, animals, and people, the children explored the forest and the soil education trail. They took a closer look at two soil profiles: a silty-sandy Podzol and a loamy Luvisol ("Parabraunerde") influenced by stagnant water. The children especially enjoyed using their fingers to examine the very different textures of the soil materials, driving the Pürckhauer auger into the ground with a large hammer, and playing tag on the paths between the soil profiles.
Soil Science at the Podzol Profile - Lars Kutzbach explains soil processes to schoolchildren.
Soil samples from the Podzol horizons on a tarp.
A child's Podzol soil profile panel.
Using a spray bottle to moisten the soil samples for the finger test.
Because of the high clay content, this soil sample is easily rolled out.
Information sign on the Podzol profile at the soil education trail.
