Accepted Poster
Poster Short Abstract
In the framework of soil blitzes, school classes across Austrian assessed soil health using simple methods. Over 400 data entries were analysed to raise awareness of the importance of soil as a resource and to contribute to the development of efficient soil health indicators and monitoring thereof.
Poster Abstract
Soils are vital for humans, animals, plants and the environment, yet 60% of them are currently considered unhealthy. As part of the Austrian Citizen Science Award 2025, the SoilBlitz Austria project enabled over 30 school classes across Austria to actively measure hands-on soil health indicators. Between April and July 2025, the students used five simple methods to evaluate soil texture, soil colour, water infiltration rate, earthworm presence, vegetation cover and root depth. Train-the-trainer sessions were held for teachers to introduce all methods and materials to ensure independent execution. The data was collected via a mobile app, documented, and scientifically validated. Students received immediate feedback and info cards summarising the health of their local soil. SoilBlitz Austria supports the development of harmonised soil indicators within the Horizon Europe BENCHMARKS project and fosters awareness and motivation among young participants regarding soil health.
This initiative was implemented in collaboration with Earthwatch Europe, AGES - Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, OeAD - Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation and the Austrian Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research as part of the Horizon Europe project 'Soil Health Benchmarks'. All materials and results are publicly available at www.ages.at/soilblitz and www.farming.earthwatch.org.uk/pages/soil-blitz-osterreich and https://youngscience.oead.at/de/mitforschen/citizen-science-award/aktuelle-projekte/soilblitz.
Poster Session