Lecture evening: Our basis of life - using soil sensibly

All interested parties are invited to the lecture evening in Audimax 1 on the main campus of BTU Cottbus. Admission is free.

1st lecture
Discovering soil: Opportunities and challenges for land use in Lower Lusatia, sustainable agriculture
Juliane Klemm, Discovering soil project, BTU, Research Centre for Landscape Development and Mining Landscapes (FZLB)

The results of the citizen science project Discovering Soil provide insights into the properties and quality of Lower Lusatian soils, both on arable land and in post-mining landscapes. What opportunities do these soils offer and what challenges need to be overcome in order to utilise them sensibly and sustainably?

2nd lecture
Agroforestry as the key to soil protection and sustainable agriculture
Speaker: Dr Steffi Schillem, German Agroforestry Association (DeFAF) e.V., Central Coordinator for the Model and Demonstration Network for Agroforestry in Germany

Agroforestry combines agricultural utilisation with forestry practices to create a sustainable land use system with multiple benefits. The presentation will highlight how this approach protects soils, funds structural and biodiversity diversity in agricultural regions and contributes to resilient agriculture. A look at the potential of a sustainable land use alternative.

3rd presentation
Sustainable agriculture in practice: soil protection and biodiversity on a modern family farm
Thomas Domin, Landwirtschaftsbetrieb Domin, Peickwitz, Bauernverband Südbrandenburg

On his 400-hectare farm in Peickwitz near Senftenberg, Thomas Domin focusses on sustainable agriculture and direct marketing. As a founding member of DeFAF and board member of the Südbrandenburg Farmers' Association, he favours innovative solutions such as agroforestry and photovoltaics. With nature conservation measures such as flowering areas and orchards, he shows how ecological responsibility and economic success can be combined.

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

Date: Wednesday, 23 April 2025, 17:30 to 19:00
Location: Audimax 1 at the main campus of the BTU (Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 3, 03046 Cottbus)

About the lecture series "Open BTU"

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

• 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-ranging programme of events.