Final Webinar: SOILGUARD Network of knowledge: outcomes and impacts of a collaborative journey
The webinar ran from 10:00 to 12:20 and marked the conclusion of the SOILGUARD project. This event served to present the final outcomes of the SOILGUARD project, share tools and methodologies developed, and engage stakeholders in co-evaluating the project’s legacy. Participants were invited to provide feedback to shape future soil-related research and policy development.
Agenda Highlights:
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Welcome & Introduction – Pablo Sánchez-Cueto (LEITAT)
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Project Highlights & Key Takeaways – Salvador Lladó (University of Barcelona)
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Live Demo of the SOILGUARD App – Georgios Manassakis (WINGS) & Els Dhiedt (UKCEH)
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EU Soil Monitoring Law Outlook – Ion Codescu (European Commission, DG ENV)
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Interactive Session via Mentimeter – Led by Gerard Jorba (LEITAT)
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Closing Remarks – Pablo Sánchez-Cueto (LEITAT)
Main Messages from SOILGUARD Results
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Standardization with Flexibility:
Soil monitoring methods should be standardized across the EU, but Member States should maintain flexibility in choosing specific biodiversity descriptors relevant to their contexts.
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Key Indicators for Soil Biodiversity (≥70% explanatory power):
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Soil fungal biomass (through PLFAs)
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Prokaryotes richness (through 16s gene sequencing)
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Mites abundance (through Tullgren funnel extraction and
microscope detection) -
Total microbial storage biomass (through NLFAs)
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Beyond Biodiversity – Link to Ecosystem Services:
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Soil monitoring should integrate assessments of ecosystem services (Nature’s Contributions to People) in line with EU strategies like the European Green Deal.
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Policy Recommendation:
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A clear definition of soil biodiversity should be included in the upcoming Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive to ensure coherent, measurable targets across the EU.
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