Category: Workshop

Scientists from 18 countries stepped out into the forest to learn techniques for harmonised soil sampling, an approach developed in the HoliSoils project for use by key stakeholders. The workshop on soil classification and soil sampling took place in Schorfheide, Germany, from 25 to 27 September, organised by ISRIC and Thuenen, two organisations in the HoliSoils consortium. The training was tailored for LULUCF experts (land use, land use change and forestry experts, who are responsible for greenhouse gas reporting), teaching them the harmonised forest soil sampling approach which had been previously developed within the HoliSoils project and specifically fitted to forest soils.

During the two-day workshop, the participants learned about soil and humus type classification and their sampling. Stephan Mantel (ISRIC), Jörg Niederberger (University of Freiburg) and Vera Makowski (Thuenen Institute) guided the 26 participants through the theoretical and practical sessions. Besides teaching the sampling method, the workshop was an opportunity for the LULUCF experts to network, discuss the challenges they face, and exchange on possible solutions.

Photos: Vera Makowski.

On the third day, a peatland excursion gave insights into peat soil sampling. Cornelius Oertel (Thuenen Institute) showed the group a peatland site from the national forest peatland monitoring network. He demonstrated monitoring methods for peat growth and CO2 measurements which are also used at some of the HoliSoils sampling sites. The highlight of the excursion was the peat core sample, in total 5 metres long, which the whole group took together.

Photos: Vera Makowski.

Read the methodology for Harmonised forest soil sampling!

Have a look at ISRIC’s account of the HoliSoils training on forest soil sampling design and classification

The call for registrations for the course is reopened until all available places are filled.

The EU Horizon project HoliSoils, in collaboration with ISRIC and the Thünen Institute, is calling for registrations for an upcoming training course on soil sampling and classification. This event, aimed at improving the harmonised monitoring of European forest soils, will be held from 25-27 September 2024, near Eberswalde (Germany), about 60 km from Berlin.

The workshop fee of €110 covers the full course, including two dinners and a lunch. Accommodation at Gut Sarnow is available at an additional cost of €99 per person per night, including breakfast.

Participants will gain hands-on experience in soil sampling design and classification, focusing on carbon stock calculation for greenhouse gas reporting. The comprehensive curriculum includes disturbed and undisturbed soil sampling, humus type classification, sampling of the litter layer, and soil classification according to the World Reference Base (WRB) classification system. Additionally, the course offers a valuable networking opportunity for professionals involved in European forest soil monitoring and those in the LULUCF (Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry) sector seeking to enhance their soil monitoring practices.

Interested individuals can register for the course via the following link: Registration Form.

For further details, contact the course organisers Nicole Wellbrock () and Vera Makowski ().