Related Projects

Excalibur

Excalibur enhanced the knowledge on soil biodiversity dynamics and its synergistic effects with prebiotic and probiotic approaches in horticulture, using a multi-actor approach. To pursue this aim, new multifunctional soil microbial inoculants (bio-inocula) and bio-effectors were tested on three model crops of economic importance (tomato, apple, strawberry) under different experimental and open-field conditions across Europe, and the feed-feedback effect of/on native biodiversity was monitored. To go beyond the multitude of studies on the links between soil biodiversity and plant health, Excalibur developed a comprehensive strategy of soil management, improving the effectiveness of biocontrol and bio fertilization practices in agriculture.

Hort2thefuture

The project, commencing in mid-2024, will advance innovative, sustainable horticulture solutions. Over the next four years (2024-2028), the focus will be on sustainable peat-free substrates, efficient techniques in fertilization, fertigation, and irrigation, as well as adaptive soil cultivation practices. Additionally, the project will explore how farmers adjust their behaviors to these new methods. The figure below schematically represents the various themes.

AI4SOILHEALTH

At the heart of AI4SoilHealth is creating a Soil Digital Twin, a dynamic digital infrastructure mirroring Europe’s diverse soil landscapes. This advanced system combines AI algorithms with vast datasets to offer real-time, high-resolution insights into soil conditions across various regions. It serves as a powerful tool for assessing and monitoring multiple soil health metrics, including organic carbon levels, biodiversity, and salinity, among others. By establishing this Digital Twin, AI4SoilHealth aims to empower policymakers, land managers, and farmers to make informed decisions that align with the EU’s soil health objectives.

The ECHO project

ECHO is a Research and Innovation Action co-funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The project aims to engage citizens in protecting and restoring soils by building their skills and enhancing their knowledge on soils. Citizens actively contribute to the project’s data collection, promote soil stewardship, and foster behavioural change across the EU. ECHOREPO, a long-term open access repository with a direct link to the EU Soil Observatory, enables the citizen science data collected during ECHO to be available for use not only by scientists, but also by the general public, policy makers, farmers, landowners and other end-users, providing added value to existing data and other relevant soil monitoring initiatives.

SoilHive

The SoilHive platform, developed by VARDA, is an open, collaborative and user-friendly tool designed to provide access to current and historical soil data from across the globe. The cutting-edge platform bridges the public and private sectors, enhancing the accessibility and usability of soil data. For African countries, SoilHIve represents a transformative opportunity to increase regional collaboration and build robust soil information services across the continent.

SOILSCAPE: Spreading Open and Inclusive Literacy and Soil Culture through Artistic Practices and Education

The remarkable endeavour called SOILSCAPE emerges to unite the worlds of soil, art, and society in a shared mission to preserve Earth’s most vital resource—its soil. Guided by AFES and powered by artists, scientists, educators, and civil society, this initiative set out to weave creativity and knowledge into a tapestry of soil literacy across Europe and beyond. With a vision to inspire, SOILSCAPE is building a network of over 120 actors across eight countries, supports countless initiatives with more than 2 million euros in funding and support, and celebrates extraordinary efforts through soil festivals and certifications. As its reach expands to 30 regions, SOILSCAPE becomes a beacon of hope, reminding the world to treasure and protect the foundation of life itself.

SoilTribes | Glocal ecosystems restoring soil values, roles and connectivity

SoilTribes aims to establish, activate, and empower glocal ecosystems for soil values, roles, and connectivity through “back to Earth” narratives, bridging science, technology, the arts, and community-driven action. Through knowledge-sharing, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community-driven initiatives, the project’s mission is to foster a systemic, glocal approach to soil restoration, ensuring its long-term sustainability as a fundamental resource for future generations.