3rd Training School of the SUSTAIN COST Action
26 – 27 March 2025 | Tuscany , Italy
3rd Training School of the SUSTAIN COST Action (CA22144): "Plant, Soil, and Water Capability Assessment"
It is with great pleasure that we announce the 3rd Training School of the SUSTAIN Cost Action (CA22144) titled: “Plant, Soil, and Water Capability Assessment”, from the 26th to the 27th of March, 2025 in Alberese, Italy.
The dealine for the call is 09.02.2025
Title of the training session: Living with salinity: Assessing Plant and Soil Capability
Abstract
Saline intrusion is a highly significant phenomenon that, due to climate change, is increasing in both frequency and intensity, leading to the progressive salinization of previously highly productive soils. In Tuscany, particularly due to the exceptional water scarcity in recent years, there has been a significant increase in soil salinity in coastal areas, including those used for grazing and cultivation. Increasing levels of soil salinity are progressively affecting this area, affect plant growth, soil structure, and leading to a collapse in plant biodiversity with significant economic, social, and environmental consequences. The training activities will be conducted within the Maremma National Park, an important farming area, including farms where Maremma cattle are still bred in a semi-wild state. This area has however been severely affected by the phenomenon of saline intrusion which has resulted in great biodiversity loss and a greater risk of land abandonment and soil marginalization, with important socio-economic repercussions, in particular for Maremma cattle breeders.
This training school focuses on raising awareness about the issue of soil salinity (especially for areas where this is a recent phenomenon) with GIS mapping and field activities focusing on soil and plant capability assessment and ecosystem services valuation techniques for salt-affected lands.
Learning outcomes:
At the end of the training, students will:
- learn how to diagnose soil salinity using low-cost tools (e.g. the use of indicator species)
- learn of to monitor the impact of salinity on crops (with a focus on gas exchanges)
- learn how to evaluate ecosystem service
- hear from affected stakeholders on socio-economic repercussions of soil salinization processes.
Prerequisites needed: None
Skills/equipment needed: Computer for the salinity mapping training activity
Check the details and apply for the training school