Due to the Intermediate SedNet Conference on 28-30 September 2003, the JSS-September edition (No. 3) was devoted to the area
of sediments. Hence, this December issue (No. 4), the last edition of 2003, is devoted to the area of soils. The focus is a global overview on new
trends and developments in soil science, technology, and legislation. It is opened by a report on FAM (Forschungsverbund Agrarökosysteme
München), a Research Network on Agroecosystems (p. 223-226). While the pictures on the front cover refer directly to this report, they illustrate
the need for scientifically sound and sustainable techniques and methods to protect, preserve and remediate terrestrial ecosystems. First row
from left to right: 1) soil profile with probes for soil water and soil temperature determination. 2) FAM research station Scheyern with one of the
ponds. 3) quantifying N2O emissions of a potato field. Second row from left to right: 1) chambers for determining N2O emissions, which occur
especially after frost periods. 2) shoreline with reed and cattail. 3) using wide tires to avoid soil compaction. Third row from left to right: 1) view
to the heterogeneous landscape of the FAM research station Scheyern. 2) winter impressions from the FAM research station Scheyern: curling
on a frozen pond. 3) typical problem of intensively used hilly landscapes: soil erosion in a potato field after a thunderstorm.
Photos including cover idea by courtesy of Dr. Peter Schröder and Dr. Beate Huber, FAM. Cover design: Edwin Grondinger.
