With the adoption of the Federal Soil Protection Act (BBodSchG) in 1998, a long-standing struggle for the legal framework for soil protection reached its preliminary peak. Current discussions are now focused on the implementation of the Federal Soil Protection Act and the associated regulations. Against this backdrop, the author addresses the precautionary principle. A key focus of his investigation is the requirements for good professional practice in agriculture. In particular, Section 17 of the BBodSchG, which defines these for the first time in legislation and largely exempts agriculture from the precautionary obligations of the law under Section 7 BBodSchG, is critically examined. The state soil protection laws are summarized. Carsten Loll welcomes the enactment of the Federal Soil Protection Act and the Federal Soil Protection.