The infiltration of precipitation on the Rhenania potash dump in Stolberg-Atsch is being reduced by various remediation measures. This is intended to reduce the costly treatment of the sulphurous water in the receiving watercourse. A successful measure for leachate reduction was the planting of a young Douglas fir forest on artificial soil substrates. The vitality of the young Douglas fir forest is above average, but varies on the different soil substrates. The AAV commissioned UNIQUE to develop a silvicultural treatment concept in order to ensure continued good growth of the Douglas firs. By examining the soil horizons and assessing the vitality of the Douglas firs, homogeneous treatment areas (strata) were excreted and treatment measures proposed.

• Separation and description of different stand strata of a Douglas fir forest.
• Ground response by means of a one meter boring bar.
• Sampling of soil material and needles for nutrient analysis by a laboratory.
• Development of a silvicultural treatment concept for the different stand strata.