ECHO Horizon Europe Project

If you’re following our page closely, you know that we’ll soon be distributing our very own ECHO soil-kits, with all the instruments and instructions necessary for taking a soil sample. But what to do until then? Rest assured, you already have many tools useful in assessing soil health! 🌱 Observing and determining soil health as a non-scientist can be achieved through various methods that do not require specialized scientific training - only a bit of practice and consistency. Here’s how you can use your senses in order to get a better understanding of your soil’s condition:  1️⃣ Visual Inspection: Even non-scientists can observe soil texture, structure, colour, and any visible signs of erosion or compaction. Different soil types may exhibit distinct characteristics that can provide clues about their health status. Make a habit of taking a closer look at your soil! 2️⃣  Moisture Content: By assessing the moisture level of the soil, non-scientists can gauge if the soil is too dry or too wet, which can impact plant growth. You might not think of your fingers as scientific instruments, but don’t underestimate their sensitivity. They are very powerful tools!  3️⃣  Plant Growth and Diversity: Though it might sound obvious, the presence and health of plant life growing in the soil can indicate its fertility and overall health. Make sure to observe soil as part of a larger picture, and make note of its “fruits” 🌱 4️⃣  Soil Smell: We have already discussed the different, often very pleasant, smells which can emanate from soil. But apart from its usual fragrance, non-scientists can also use their sense of smell to detect any unusual odours in the soil, which could be an indicator of poor soil health. If you make a habit of smelling the earth, you’ll soon be able to detect such subtle differences.  5️⃣   Soil Composition: Finally, it’s time to dig deeper. Examining the composition of organic matter, the presence of earthworms, and other soil organisms can give crucial insights into soil health. Earthworms in particular should be a very welcome sight for you. Their number and condition reflect that of the earth they inhabit 🐛 By utilizing these simple observation techniques, non-scientists can play a vital role in monitoring and maintaining soil health for sustainable ecosystems and agricultural practices. As long as you’re ready to change your perspective and look down a little more often, you can learn a lot about soil without any professional tools! #soilhealth #missionsoil #echosoil #EUmission #horizonEU #soilfertility

🔬✨ The International Symposium on Microbial Ecology (ISME) is the frontrunner in advancing research on the vibrant world of microbes. The 19th edition, held in 2024, brought together pioneering minds from diverse corners of the globe to delve into the realms of microbial ecosystems. We couldn’t miss it! Our project coordinator, Tanja Mimmo, was there in Cape Town to promote ECHO during the poster session and beyond ✨ 🌱 As project ECHO, we were especially interested in sessions discussing agricultural microbiomes, which focused on the microbial ecosystems present in agricultural environments and how they can impact plant growth, nutrient cycling, and soil health 🌱 Other fascinating sessions revolved around the topics of extreme microbiology, which studies the life that thrives in extreme environments, such as hot springs, polar regions, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Naturally, no one interested in soil should miss a talk on fungal biodiversity - from their symbiotic associations with plants to their important roles in nutrient cycling and decomposition 🍄 🌲 Overall, the topics of this year’s Symposium highlight the incredible diversity and complexity of microbial ecosystems, the vital roles that microorganisms play in shaping our world, and the exciting research opportunities that lie ahead in microbial ecology. We hope to see you there again for the next edition in 2026. Together, let's continue unraveling the hidden wonders of microbial ecosystems! 🌍🔬🌱 #ISME19 #capetown #microbialecology #scienceconference #researchcommunity #echosoil #soilhealth #missionsoil #horizonEU #EUmission

🌱 Greetings from South Africa🌱 Thrilled to participate in the ISME19 Conference in Cape Town, South Africa! 🇿🇦 Looking forward to exchanging ideas, exploring collaborations, and diving deep into discussions on how microorganisms shape our world.🌿 Today, I’ll be presenting our Horizon Europe Mission Soil project #ECHO at the ISME19 poster session! 🌱🦠 Join me to learn more about how our coordinated efforts aim to improve soil health and sustainability. Let’s connect, discuss, and explore opportunities for collaboration!Looking forward to engaging with the global microbial ecology community here in Cape Town! #ISME19 #CapeTown #MicrobialEcology #ScienceConference #ResearchCommunity #echosoil #soilhealth #missionsoil #horizonEU #EUmission

Are you ready to meet another crucial member of our team? In the newest installment of our series of interviews with ECHO Leaders, we sat down with Margherita Caggiano from Re Soil to discuss ways to educate about #soilhealth on an international scale, her foundation's plans for the future, and much more! "I’ve always been interested in exploring new places and learning from other cultures, thus the decision to live and work abroad. Soil protection plays a crucial role in the circular bioeconomy, and I had the chance to observe other countries’ approach to this matter. The opportunity to work for an Italian not-for-profit organization focusing on soil protection appeared to me as a great match with my skills and interests. In my view, Re Soil is an innovative initiative that can contribute to the transition towards healthy soils, and I am glad to be part of it." Read the full interview on our website: https://lnkd.in/dm5iWfAf #missionsoil #projectecho #echosoil #sustainability #horizonEU #EUmission

Aaah… 🍃 It’s so nice to give your eyes a break from constantly looking at screens. They say greenery is especially relaxing for - Wait… What’s this? Project ECHO is recruiting Ambassadors?! That’s right. Thanks to our partner Plantpress Sp. z o.o., gardeners and produce growers all around Poland will get a reminder about our open call in the newest issue of “Hasło Ogrodnicze”. And it's very fitting that the theme of this issue is "Współpraca rodzi owoce" - "Cooperation bears fruit". Taking time to preserve and improve #soilhealth will literally bear fruit, in the form of robust yields and higher quality produce. We hope to reach more and more potential advocates for this issue - especially those who are already used to getting their hands dirty in their fields and gardens 🌿 🍎 You'll find the ECHO Ambassador application form on our website: https://lnkd.in/djGtQ7bK

🌱 Have you ever noticed the earthy aroma of soil after a fresh rainfall? 🌧️ The distinct smell, known as "petrichor", is a natural phenomenon that occurs when rain triggers the release of compounds from the soil. In Europe, this enchanting scent varies based on the region's unique soil composition and plant life. For instance, the soils in the Mediterranean region might emit a fragrance akin to earthy herbs and resinous plants, while the damp woodlands of Northern Europe exude a rich, mossy scent. The olfactory experience of different soils reveals the intricate tapestry of biodiversity and organic matter within European landscapes. With a simple sniff, you can uncover the stories hidden within the soil. Let's cherish and learn from the fragrance of European soils as we embark on a journey of discovery and conservation! 🌍🌿✨ If you want to learn (and teach others) about soil observation, consider applying to become an ECHO Ambassador! https://lnkd.in/djGtQ7bK #echosoil #soilhealth #missionsoil #horizonEU #EUmission

We usually think of “old school methods” as reliable and well-tested. Climate change forces us to re-think this attitude, especially when it comes to agriculture. In part one, we mentioned the need to sow catch crops, which loosen the structure of the soil - something which, in the past, could be achieved by leaving the soil exposed to the elements during the winter. With our climate getting warmer, what else can we do to adapt to these new conditions? We hear more and more about cultivating crops using the no-plough method. This system requires, firstly, appropriate equipment, but also knowledge and planning. One of the advantages of this method of cultivation is that the mulch of plants remains on the soil surface, protecting the soil against excessive evaporation and heating. Of course, mulch does not provide a 100% protection against drought, but it makes a big difference. Providing a few days of protection is often enough for the plants to survive until the next rainfall and eventually produce a satisfactory crop. Moreover, naturalists indicate that fields cultivated without plowing have more soil microorganisms that promote the formation of humus compared to fields that are plowed traditionally. Soil cultivation using the no-plough method does not guarantee improved fertility. Processes taking place in the soil take time. Regardless of whether the fields are plowed or not, it is worth considering how to take better care of your soil! Read the original article in Polish: https://lnkd.in/d7k7FJ_q #echosoil #soilhealth #soilfertility #EUmission #horizonEU #missionsoil

We’re thrilled to have presented project ECHO at the Gemeinsamer Bio-Wiesenratscher - Organic Meadow Chat event! 🌿 It was an inspiring experience at the charming Salurnerhof Farm, where we had the opportunity to share our vision for a sustainable future. Participants were not only introduced to ECHO through a presentation by our team, but also took part in a workshop, which is the best way to learn! Special thanks to Andreas Gemassmer, Roman Rottensteiner, and the entire South Tyrolean Advisory Board and Bioland team for organizing such a pleasant and impactful gathering. Looking forward to more collaborations in the future! 🌱 #soilhealth #echosoil #EUmission #horizonEU #sustainability #bioland

One, two, three… Testing! 🎤 ECHO Ambassadors are the backbone of our project. They will be instructing and encouraging citizen scientists all around Europe! That’s why it’s crucial that they are well-prepared for their task and have all the tools they need 🔧 This week, our Italian Ambassadors met online to discuss engagement strategies, as well as the challenges that come with turning regular citizens into citizen scientists. They were assisted by our own experts on these matters: Alba Peiro and Margherita Caggiano 🌱 In Italy, the response to our open call was swift and overwhelmingly positive, and for that we say: Grazie! 💚 Knowing so many people are eager to learn about soil health and to share that knowledge with others is one of our biggest motivators! If you want to become an ECHO Ambassador and participate in future meetings, answer the open call on our website: https://lnkd.in/djGtQ7bK #soilhealth #echosoil #missionsoil #EUmission #horizonEU #echoambassador

Generally, we associate "old school" with something that has been proven for years, and such is often the case in agriculture. However, in recent years, old, proven agricultural methods have often been put to the test by the weather ☀ For example, in the past, it was recommended to leave the soil in a cleared furrow for the winter. This procedure promoted the formation of a lumpy structure of the soil and the accumulation of water from the gradually melting snow. In recent years, frosty and snowy winters have become increasingly rare. Changes in the weather force us to replace old habits and adapt cultivation methods to the prevailing conditions. Positive air temperatures in the winter months and frequent rainfall cause the washing out of nutrients from the soil, especially from uncovered soil left without vegetation. That's why sowing catch crops is so important. Specialists emphasize that a properly selected mixture of cover crops has many advantages. Deep-rooting species loosen deeper soil layers, thus allowing water to penetrate. Plant roots limit the leaching of nutrients from the soil. Legumes have a particularly beneficial effect as they additionally accumulate nitrogen from the atmosphere. In addition, catch crops are a source of organic matter. Of course, the selection of appropriate plants depends on what species are cultivated in a given field and what species are planned for the following years. Stay tuned for part two! 🌱 Read the original article in Polish: https://lnkd.in/d7k7FJ_q #echosoil #soilhealth #missionsoil #EUmission #horizonEU #soilfertility