The protection of the soil is a task of prime importance in the management of the forests. The LWF advices forest owners on questions of site-specific slection of tree species and forest fertilization. Based on a system of soil monitoring plots it supplies data on long term changes in forest soils. Many water-sheds for public supply are afforested. Groundwater from forests is of high quality.
Forests have good water storage capacity and therefore quarantee a stable water suppply.
Inputs of air polluants adversely effect the water quality by acidification or by increasing nitrate levels. The LWF sets out guidelines for the preservation of the water quality in forests. Protection against air pollution Forests are one of the most effective natural air filter systems. As a result of this function they are themselves increasingly being affected by air pollutants. Preparing reports and providing technical advice on questions of air pollution law.