Soil tests in urban allotment gardens
For several years now, the city of Aachen has been carrying out soil tests in several allotment garden sites in coordination with the Stadtverband Aachen der Familiengärtner e.V. and the associations concerned. The main aim is to measure the levels of pollutants such as lead, cadmium and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The aim of the investigations according to the precautionary principle is to ensure that allotment garden sites can be used without hesitation, especially for the cultivation and consumption of fruit and vegetables and for recreational purposes.
If there are elevated levels of pollutants in garden soil, suitable measures can be taken to enable the cultivation of fruit and vegetables. If children regularly play in the gardens, hygiene measures should be observed as a precaution.
The measures are described in detail in two leaflets, which have been agreed with the Aachen City Region Health Department and can be downloaded here.
You can find out whether there is or is expected to be pollution in the soil on your allotment garden site from your association's executive committee. In addition, employees of the Lower Soil Protection Authority in the Climate and Environment Department are available to answer any questions you may have on the subject of "pollution".