Lecture evening: Our basis of life - discovering and evaluating soil

All interested parties are invited to the lecture evening "Our basis of life - discovering and evaluating soil" in Audimax 1 on the main campus of BTU Cottbus. Admission is free.
The speakers are Dr Werner Gerwin from the Research Centre for Landscape Development and Mining Landscapes at BTU, Niko Roßkopf and Dr Albrecht Bauriegel from the Brandenburg State Office for Mining, Geology and Raw Materials and Prof. Dr Klaus Birkhofer, who heads the Chair of Ecology at BTU.

1st lecture
Discovering soil: actively getting to know Lusatian soils
In summer 2024, citizens explored the soils of Lower Lusatia together with scientists from BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Based on a standardised assessment procedure and a freely accessible application, various soils were assessed as part of the Discover Soil citizen science project. The aim of the project was to raise awareness of soil protection and fund an understanding of the importance of sustainable land use. We will report on the experiences and findings of the collaboration between science, land users and people interested in soil.
Officer:Dr Werner Gerwin, Discovering Soil Project, BTU, Research Centre for Landscape Development and Mining Landscapes (FZLB)

2nd lecture
Lusatian soils - inventory and challenges
The lecture provides an overview of the geological and pedological conditions. A special feature of Lusatia is the soils within the post-mining landscapes and the soils of the sites close to groundwater. The soils are evaluated in terms of their properties and (utilisation) potential, whereby in particular an assessment in the context of the climate changes that have already occurred and are predicted is challenging.
Officers:Niko Roßkopf and Dr Albrecht Bauriegel, Brandenburg State Office for Mining, Geology and Raw Materials (LBGR), Department 2 - Geological Service

3rd lecture
Can annexes for the generation of solar energy be good for biodiversity?
Solar plants are currently springing up like mushrooms in Lusatia. At the same time, we are in an age of unprecedented species extinction. The lecture will explore the question of whether and how this development can be used to the advantage of biodiversity.
Officer: Prof. Dr Klaus Birkhofer, BTU, Chair of Ecology

Moderation: Marie Majaura, Discovering Soil Project, BTU, Research Centre for Landscape Development and Mining Landscapes (FZLB)

Date: Wednesday, 9 April 2025, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Location: Audimax 1 at the main campus of the BTU, Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 3, 03046 Cottbus

About the "Open BTU"lecture series
From 9 April to 2 July 2025, the public lecture series "Open BTU"will offer insights into exciting areas of knowledge. The following topics will be explored from different perspectives in the summer semester:

• Our soils in Lusatia
• Biodiversity and biodiversity protection (as part of the 33rd Cottbus Environment Week)
• Democracy and hope in the crisis

With this educational format, which is open to all interested parties, the university's Centre for Continuing Education supports lifelong learning and funds the transfer of knowledge and ideas in the region by addressing socially relevant issues. The BTU co-operates with other universities and institutions. Each lecture will be followed by an opportunity for questions and dialogue with the speakers. Anyone interested is cordially invited to take part in the wide range of events on offer.

More about the "Open BTU" lecture series: https://www.b-tu.de/weiterbildung/offene-hochschule/open-btu