Agriculture and Industry

Economic wealth in the Ries

Suevite

Transport of Suevite from Bollstadt to“Bayerischen Trasswerke AG“ in Möttingen via local railway, 1919

Suevite is used as unique construction material and special raw material by stone masons and artists. Its main use is as a component that improves quality in the cement and mortar industries. This special binding agent is also used in restoring old buildings and installing natural stone tiles.

Baptismal font of Suevite in the Trinity Church in Haunsheim

Transport to Möttingen by cable car beginning 1924

Agriculture

The geological underground, soil and climate make the Ries a “breadbasket“ of Bavaria. Grain has been cultivated since the 6^th century DC. Root and forage crops came along about 1800. (www.museumkulturlandries.de)

Agriculture in the Ries is concentrated in grains, corn, sugar beets and potatoes.

Wagon loaded with wares on the way to market. Display in Museum KulturLand Ries in Maihingen

Gathering grain into sheaths, Ries 1935

Wind-borne sand / Quartz sand

High-grade deposits of these sands, specially used in constructing sports facilities, are found near Laub and Gosheim. Because of its special physical attributes (round, smooth grains) the sand is recommended for sport stadiums, golf courses and riding facilities.

Extraction of high quality sand in Laub

Use of sand from the Ries in a riding facility

Bunte Breccia

This unique formation (limestone and clays) forms the basis for brick yards, lime works and cement plants. Bunte Breccia has been used in industry and further processed since the 19^th century. Today the latest generation is produced in the most modern industrial facilities.

Production facilities of Märker Zement und Kalk GmbH, Harburg

Brick – a natural construction material for the best housing quality