SUITMAs as an archive of the human past: educational implications

Purpose The relics of the industry are widely used for educational and touristic purposes. There are many examples of brownfield sites turned into tourist attractions. Interest in post-industrial areas concerns not only an infrastructure and ruins but also the soil cover. Soils in such areas should be also considered as important element of this type of landscape due to the artefacts’ stored. This article aim is to present educational potential of post-industrial soils and artefacts to be found there on the example of the area of “Polchem”. Methods and materials This publication is based on the analysis of soils’ artefacts in the non-reclaimed area of former chemical plant. Photographic material and literature studies focus on technogenic soils and its functions. The history of “Polchem”, industrial tourism and industrial archaeology as well as verbal communication of people associated with the company were important components of this publication. Results and discussion Soils play many ecological functions, one of them is archiving human history. In this approach, archaeology is combined with soil science serving as a tool in archaeological research. Such cooperation within two scientific fields leads often to valuable scientific achievements. Relatively young post-industrial areas are generally out of interest of archaeology. However, they can form the basis of soil education activities targeted at a larger number of recipients. Conclusions Soils within cities are interesting due to recorded marks of human activity. Artefacts in soils can be used in various ways. One of them is an educational purpose. “Polchem” area is out of use now so it can be accessed by visitors (students and teachers). Artefact’s diversity allows for quick finding and recognition of industrial history of the former plant. In this way, it could be present an important soil function—protecting cultural heritage.