funktionsjord

Funktionsjord is a Swedish term that translates to "functional soil" or "functional earth." It refers to soil that is managed or enhanced for specific purposes, often in urban or degraded environments. The concept emphasizes the soil's ability to perform ecological and social functions, going beyond its purely biological properties.

This approach is particularly relevant in urban planning and landscape architecture where natural soil may be scarce or compromised. Funktionsjord can involve improving soil structure, fertility, and water-holding capacity through amendments like compost, biochar, or other organic materials. The goal is to create a medium that can support plant life, filter water, sequester carbon, and contribute to a healthier urban ecosystem.

The development of funktionsjord is often a response to challenges such as soil compaction, contamination, and nutrient depletion. By actively remediating and enriching existing soil, or by creating new functional soil profiles, it becomes possible to establish green spaces, grow food, and improve biodiversity in built-up areas. This concept highlights a proactive and resource-conscious way of interacting with soil in anthropogenically altered landscapes.