In this issue of the SoilHood newsletter we highlight key updates such as the launch of upcoming events, the launch of the third module of the NBSOIL Academy third module on digital tools for soil health monitoring and mapping, the new tools repository available on the website and our recent webinar on Living Labs. You'll also find an overview of activities, events, important project updates and insights from outside the NBSOIL community.
So sit back, relax and let's explore the world of soil together!
NBSOIL Updates
Latest news and developments from the NBSOIL project and partners
NBSOIL Academy Module 3 Launch Webinar
Are you interested in the world of digital tools for soil health monitoring and mapping? Then join us for the launch of the third module of the NBSOIL Academy to dive deeper into the topic. The webinar will introduce you to the NBSOIL Academy, a Moodle-based learning platform for exploring innovative monitoring techniques using drones, satellites and other tech. Our partners ITAP, UNITO, Agrisat and ILOT will guide you through the platform, showcasing real-world applications and answering your questions. This module launch is an important step in our mission to improve soil health through digital tools.
Living Labs in Action: Mirafiori Sud, City of Turin
What can Living Labs achieve and how can they be brought to life? These were some of the key questions explored in our webinar, hosted by the Soil Association as part of the NBSOIL Academy. The session provided valuable insights into the Mirafiori Sud Living Lab in Turin, part of the proGIreg project. Led by Ana Allamand (Soil Association), speakers Laura Ribotta (Comune di Torino) and Elio Padoan (Università degli Studi di Torino) shared their experiences, highlighting both the challenges and successes of implementing 17 nature-based solutions across the neighbourhood. Learn more about Living Labs in the NBSOIL Academy module 2.
The NBSOIL Academy Voices section brings you thoughts and experiences from participants of the NBSOIL Academy. In this edition, meet Ilaria De Vita, an agroecology enthusiast with roots in Italy and Northern Europe. She works on agroecological and agroforestry projects, blending her passion for horticulture and regenerative agriculture with her professional life.
The NBSOIL Visioning Cards provide a visual way to describe and define soil problems and solutions, helping soil advisors and educators communicate with diverse audiences. The cards summarise information and make learning about soil engaging and fun. One of the nine decks available is the Biogeographical Regions, which contains cards for the five regions of the NBSOIL consortium countries: Continental (Poland); Mediterranean (Spain and Italy); Atlantic (United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands); Alpine (Switzerland and Austria); and Pannonian (Austria).
In addition to English, you can complete level 1 of the Academy modules in Polish, German, Dutch, French, Italian, and Spanish.
The NBSOIL Academy is a blended training programme designed for both current and aspiring soil advisors. Participants can engage with experts in soil health and nature-based solutions, explore demonstration sites, access advisory services, and connect with other Soil Mission projects across the EU and associated countries. This can strengthen your knowledge and skills to offer nature-based soil advice across all land use sectors. Interested in learning more about soil health?
Publications, news and more on soil health beyond NBSOIL
EUSO Annual Report 2024
How healthy are Europe’s soils and why does it matter? In 2024, the EU Soil Observatory (EUSO) advanced soil protection by supporting key policies, launching The State of Soils in Europe report, and updating its Soil Degradation Dashboard. Nearly 70% of EU Soil Strategy actions are now complete.
LILAS4SOILS aims to select 50 farmers. Selected farmers will be compensated for their efforts in the project with 5,000 euros/year over a period of 3 years.
A quick reference to essential terms in soil health
Ever wondered how farmers grow crops without disturbing the soil? No-tillage is key to Conservation Agriculture.
This method avoids tillage, leaving at least 30% of the area covered by plant residues. Crops are sown using machinery that places seeds through these residues.
No-tillage, the main practice in Conservation Agriculture, offers the best soil conservation and helps retain water in arid climates by reducing evaporation compared to conventional tillage.
The NBSOIL Project brings together several organisations from the world of soil. In this section, you will get to know them in each newsletter. In this issue, we introduce you Università degli Studi di Torino. UNITO creates organic fertilizers from agricultural, forestry, and urban biowastes, using a circular economy approach to reduce synthetic fertilizer use, lower emissions, and enhance crop production. They also evaluate biofertilizers in case studies and contribute to NBSOIL Academy training materials.
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