The DeepHorizon project aims to redefine our approach to subsoil ecosystems in Europe by promoting sustainable land management practices and improving soil health, while increasing environmental resilience. The initiative addresses critical challenges such as soil degradation, biodiversity loss and climate change impacts, making it a key effort in environmental science and conservation.
Our Team
The team of soil and deep subsurface scientists, each expert in his or her field with many years of experience has been involved from the offset. Through our consortium of leading European research institutions, universities and environmental organizations we are effectively covering this broad range in terms of knowledge and expertise. With their long-standing history of scientific and practical experience, this collaborative team is particularly well equipped to address the numerous complexities associated with subsurface ecosystems. Our members are tied by a shared goal and work closely together to use their combined technical prowess for the benefit of new, never-seen-before solutions that may make this shift from wayfaring soil health an unprecedented reality.
Our Approach
At DeepHorizon, the complexities of subsurface management are addressed through a series of strategically designed work packages focused on different aspects of soil science and sustainability:
| WP# | Work Package Title | Lead Participant | Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DeepHorizon Project Management | UCLv | Oversee and coordinate all project activities to ensure effective collaboration and project delivery. |
| 2 | Improving access to subsoil properties and knowledge | INRAE | Enhance the understanding and accessibility of subsoil properties through advanced research and knowledge dissemination. |
| 3 | Measuring subsoil properties to identify indicators and processes | SU & UNIBO | Identify critical subsoil indicators and processes that influence overall soil health and ecosystem functions. |
| 4 | Modelling the contribution of subsoils to overall soil functions | UFZ | Develop models that predict the impact of subsoil characteristics on overall soil functions. |
| 5 | Providing and testing practical solutions to improve subsoil ecosystem services | SC | Test and implement practical solutions that enhance the ecosystem services provided by subsoils. |
| 6 | Developing policy instruments to foster sustainable subsoil management practices | AUTH | Develop policy tools and frameworks that promote sustainable management practices for subsoils. |
| 7 | Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation | EVENOR | Disseminate project findings and facilitate the exploitation of results to maximize the project’s impact. |
