In the frame of the Farm Structure Survey, data are collected on the structure of the agricultural and forestry holdings, including on soil management practices (tillage methods, soil cover).
According to EU-legislation, a census is conducted every ten years, with sample surveys in three-year or four-year intervals in between. However, the information on soil management is not included in every survey (it was last included in the 2010 census, and is included in the 2016 and 2023 sample surveys). All agricultural and forestry holdings which meet the minimum requirements set out in the legislation are required to take part. Relevant available administrative data sources are used, and complemented with questionnaires.
For the census, where applicable, regional data are available - partially at the municipality level. In applicable sample survey years, the smallest geographical unit available is that of the federal province.