Raising awareness at all levels is essential for the sustainable use of natural resources. Soil research, consulting, and education are HBLFA of paramount importance HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein, and LFI (Rural Training Institute) has enabled the development of accessible educational tools for "Recognizing and Understanding Grassland and Arable Soils," designed for field exploration. This provides a comprehensive knowledge base for agricultural practice and teaching in agricultural schools, covering soil types, soil identification and assessment, indicator plants, and plant communities. Numerous projects on soil, humus formation, and peatland restoration are also being implemented in cooperation with universities, federal agencies, the Chamber of Agriculture, associations, clubs, and, most importantly, farmers themselves.
on every cubic centimeterof soil. These organisms are crucial for the nutrient cycle and form the basis of 95% of our food. This limited resource, soil, is in poor condition by over 60%. The EU Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience is a binding legal framework for soil protection and was adopted on October 23, 2025. Its aim is to maintain the "healthy condition of all soils." The directive also stipulates the reduction of land use, with a focus on sealing and soil erosion. Soil monitoring is to be carried out across Europe using a standardized methodology at sampling points.
Raising awareness is crucial for the acceptance of the directive and its proper implementation. Excellent results have already been achieved in this area through inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration between government agencies, research institutions, and representatives of agricultural practice, reflected in educational tools tailored to specific projects and target groups.
The interplay between soil, water, plants, and the cultural landscape is explained in Raumberg-Gumpenstein through relevant seminars and training events, as well as in schools, during science days, research days with external schools, a children's academy, and excursions. A demonstration garden focusing on soil, water, and plants has also been established. The emphasis is on grassland soils and their important functions, as well as biodiversity, nutrients, and water retention capacity.
also many initiatives for inquiry-based learning around the topics of composting and soil formation , involving all age groups. A future idea is to make the "soil beneath our feet" visible across institutions in a so-called Living Lab for research and education for all ages.
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Soil awareness - educational projects in Austria
Identification guide - Recognizing and understanding grassland soils
Identification guide - Recognizing and understanding arable soils
