Accepted Poster
Poster Short Abstract
The [pane]-project engages citizen scientists to examine soil health in community-supported agriculture initiatives in eastern Germany. This poster presents our initial findings from the first five sampling seasons, and discusses the potential and challenges of involving laypeople in soil testing.
Poster Abstract
Healthy soils are essential for the stability of agroecological systems and global food security. As part of the transdisciplinary research project [pane], soil health is being investigated in 15 community-supported agriculture initiatives (CSA) in rural regions of eastern Germany using a citizen science approach. Citizen scientists actively engage in measuring and assessing various soil parameters while exploring how gardening practices impact soil health in their CSAs. Key parameters under investigation include soil organic carbon content, water holding capacity, pH levels, and earthworm activity.
Over five sampling seasons, we have gathered a considerable amount of data and insights, revealing not only the successes of citizen participation but also the limitations inherent in this approach. For example, it has become clear that not all types of soil data are equally suitable for systematic collection by non-experts, and that some measurements therefore do not have the necessary scientific validity. To address these issues, we have focused on validating various citizen science methodologies throughout the project.
This poster presentation will summarize initial results from the first three years of our research, highlighting both the successes and the challenges encountered in data collection.
Poster Session