DeepHorizon: Not Just a Research Project

DeepHorizon project is a pioneering initiative delving into subsoil research—a critical, yet often overlooked component of our terrestrial ecosystems. With expertise pooled from across Europe, the project focuses on enhancing soil health and developing sustainable strategies that benefit both the environment and agricultural communities.

Multidisciplinary Team in Action

The DeepHorizon team is a mosaic of talents and disciplines. Predominantly composed of pedologists from various fields of earth sciences—biologists, geologists, geographers, chemists, etc.—the team also includes data experts and software developers who support the scientific work. Each member contributes their unique expertise to the project, allowing for a holistic and detailed approach that is essential for understanding complex subterranean systems.

Key Activities and Their Leaders

As the project progresses, it is crucial to understand the activities currently underway, as they are vital not only for understanding the project but also for appreciating its utility:

• Strategic Monitoring and Risk Management (T1.2; UCLv): Supervised by the project management team, this activity ensures all project aspects are conducted within established risk and quality parameters, adapting strategies as necessary.
• Data Management Plan (T1.4; UCLv): The collected data must be addressed, secured, and made available for the organization to the IT department to formulate a conducive plan in managing the collected data to meet the set data requirements and compliance with the regulatory legal requirement.
• Subsoil Data Model and Ontology Development (T2.3; VARDA): Supervised by specialists of data analysis, this work is aimed at developing models that would help to explain and import subsoil data to the other accessible project platforms for all the users.
• Establishment of Subsoil Sampling and Description Protocols (T2.5; UCLv, UNIBO): Crucial for standardizing how samples are collected and described at study sites. Soil science specialists lead this task, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the data collected.
• Chemical Investigations (T3.1; Uni Bonn): Nutrient management and transport capacity in the subsoil horizons are evaluated by the soil chemistry team as critical components of biological soil structure.
• Modelling Organic Matter Decomposition in Subsoil (T4.1; UFZ): Coordinated by modelers and ecologists, this task is central for understanding how organic matter decompounds and getting stored in subsoils thus affecting fertility and carbon stocks.
• Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation Strategy (T7.1; EVENOR): Led by the dissemination and communication team, this activity aims at reaching as many people as possible with the outcomes of the project.
• Public Outreach and Knowledge Transfer (T7.3; EVENOR): In the Web page, blogs, social media and newsletter they will be disseminating findings and achievements on this task in public events and knowledge transfer activities.

The Admirable Role of Soil Scientists

Soil scientists play an invaluable and praiseworthy role, forming the cornerstone of various strategies to address pressing global challenges, including climate change and the assurance of food security. These dedicated professionals commit their careers to the study of soil, a vital but frequently underestimated component of our ecosystem.

Dr. Rattan Lal, an eminent expert in soil science, consistently underscores the vital significance of this discipline. He advocates that “meticulous stewardship of soil is crucial not merely for agricultural output but is imperative for our existence as we confront climate change.” His statements highlight an urgent need to appreciate and back the efforts of soil scientists, who are instrumental in enhancing agricultural practices, preserving biodiversity, and reducing climate change impacts by facilitating the sequestration of carbon in soil.

Conclusion: The Mission and Vision of DeepHorizon

DeepHorizon transcends the traditional notion of a research project. This initiative stands as an integrated platform aimed at revolutionizing our understanding of the subsoils. Its approach is not limited to knowledge accumulation; it extends further, promoting the implementation of sustainable practices that can transform landscapes and communities across Europe.
Each component of DeepHorizon, from the meticulous analysis of soil nutrients to the sophisticated modelling of organic matter decomposition, is meticulously designed to unearth and capitalize on the vast potential hidden beneath our feet. In this sense, DeepHorizon acts as a change catalyst, driving not only scientific advancements but also practical applications that benefit both the environment and society.
This project demonstrates how targeted and applied science can be a powerful tool for sustainable progress, offering solutions that address contemporary challenges while laying the groundwork for a greener future. With its ongoing commitment and innovative approach, DeepHorizon is set to make a significant mark in the field of soil science and land management practices in Europe and beyond.

That the soil is considered the base of life on Earth is not something new. It is known that the soil sustains biodiversity and provides nutrients that are essential for the growth of both plants and microorganisms, serving in addition as a carbon sink that is vital to fight against climate change. However, climate change, pollution, the uncontrolled and intensive use of different management practices is threatening the health of our soils. In this article we explore the reason why the health of the soil is so relevant and how DeepHorizon seeks to improve our understanding of how the lower layers can be affected and how to preserve this essential resource. 

What Do We Understand by Soil Health? 

Although there are different definitions of what soil health is, attending to the objective of each one, we can define that a healthy soil is one that is capable of functioning as a living and dynamic ecosystem, providing different ecosystem services such as sustenance of biodiversity, production but also regulation of water or pollution. 

It is understood, therefore, that this concept encompasses different physical, chemical, and biological properties that are interconnected and that allow the soil not only to provide nutrients to crops, but also plays a fundamental role in the nutrient cycle, carbon storage, and disease control (Kibblewhite et al., 2008). Soils, however, can adapt to management practices and can recover from different disturbances, maintaining both agricultural productivity and other ecosystem services. This is what we call soil resilience (Stevens, 2018). 

This makes us see that soil health is not limited only to agricultural fertility but also to other sustainability objectives such as climate change mitigation, the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of water resources (Lehmann et al., 2020). It is therefore necessary to have careful management of soils to guarantee the continuous provision of such relevant ecosystem services fundamental to environmental and human health (Awale et al., 2018). Management practices such as conservation tillage, organic amendments or crop rotation are examples of practices that have improved the biodiversity and resilience of agricultural soils (Tahat et al., 2020). 

Current Challenges for Soil Health 

Although the importance and relevance of soil health has been demonstrated, it is threatened and diminishing in many regions of the world. Deforestation, extensive agriculture, the excessive use of chemical products, pollution and climate change are degrading the health of the soil at an alarming rate. This compromises not only agricultural productivity but also the quality of water itself, reducing biodiversity. Without forgetting that extreme meteorological events associated with climate change aggravate erosion, alter natural water and nutrient cycles and can lead to risks for the population. 

How Can the DeepHorizon Project Contribute? 

The DeepHorizon project, funded by the European Union, is focused on improving the health and management of soils in Europe, with a unique focus on understanding the role of the subsurface horizons. DeepHorizon is formed by a multidisciplinary team that involves both scientists from the public and private sector, experts in policies and land owners and farmers. This four-year project is focused on four fundamental pillars to achieve the proposed objectives: 

1. Data Collection: including both the identification of existing information repositories and collection of samples in 40 relevant sites to harmonize the information. 

2. Modeling: employing primarily process-based models to evaluate the functions of the subsoil and soil health indicators. 

3. Commitment with the interested parties: through living labs and different networks, final users and other agents of interest will be involved to co-create, test and deploy the innovative solutions of the project. 

4. Promotion of sustainable policies: within the framework of the project, the development of sustainable soil management policies will be supported, promoting carbon storage and the improvement of the provision of ecosystem services throughout Europe. 

Conclusion 

The DeepHorizon project represents a significant advance towards sustainable soil management in Europe. Improving our understanding of the subsoils and developing practical tools and support policies, DeepHorizon pursues guaranteeing that the soils continue to support life on our planet. The health of the soils is fundamental to ensure sustainability and projects such as ours are crucial to protect and revitalize this resource for future generations. 

References 

Stevens AW. The Economics of Soil Health. Food Policy. 2018;22(4):5187-5205. doi:10.1016/j.foodpol.2018.08.005​. 

Awale R, Machado S, Ghimire R, Bista P. Soil Health Concepts and Management in Dryland Farming of the Inland Pacific Northwest. In: Advances in Dryland Farming in the Inland Pacific Northwest. Oregon State University; 2018:47-52​. 

Tahat MM, Alananbeh KM, Othman YA, Leskovar DI. Soil Health and Sustainable Agriculture: A Review of Concepts and Approaches. Sustainability. 2020;12(12):4859. doi:10.3390/su12124859​. 

Lehmann J, Bossio DA, Kögel-Knabner I, Rillig MC. The Concept and Future Prospects of Soil Health. Nat Rev Earth Environ. 2020;1(10):544-555. doi:10.1038/s43017-020-0080-8​. 

Kibblewhite MG, Ritz K, Swift MJ. Soil Health in Agricultural Systems: Integrating Ecosystem Services and Soil Functions. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2008;363(1492):685-701. doi:10.1098/rstb.2007.2178​. 

Laishram JK, Saxena KG, Maikhuri RK, Rao KS. Soil Quality and Soil Health: A Review. Int J Ecol Environ Sci. 2012;38(1):19-37​. 

Brussels, Belgium – The second European Mission Soil Week (EMSW 2024) is currently underway in Brussels, drawing scientists, policymakers, and community leaders together to address one of our planet’s most pressing challenges: soil health. Hosted by the European Commission, this event serves as a focal point for advancing “A Soil Deal for Europe,” an ambitious agenda under the Horizon Europe programme. With a diverse programme of plenary sessions, workshops, and field visits, the week aims to inspire transformative ideas, showcase sustainable soil management practices, and cultivate lasting partnerships across sectors.

A Growing Awareness of Soil’s Value

Thus, soil is much more than a support base for soil farming that determines climate regulation, food availability, and distribution, biological diversity, as well as human well-being. However, soil is in a critical condition, due to decline and pollutions that challenge its fundamental role. Thus, the European Mission Soil Week at tempts to draw public and political attention to these problems and to generate ideas on how to improve the state of European soils.

This week’s agenda includes high-level discussions on policies to protect and monitor soil health, practical solutions from experimental “living labs,” and field visits to innovative agricultural, forestry, and urban sites. Livestreamed plenary sessions are open to the public, extending the event’s impact beyond Brussels and encouraging a continental dialogue on soil preservation.

Key Highlights of the Week

Among the key topics this year there is a so called “Soil Monitoring Law” proposed directive in the European Union, which has reached the stage of the third reading in the legislative process. It is therefore intended to establish a sustainable infrastructural system for soil surveying and management across Europe. The event promotes interdisciplinary cooperation since scholars and professionals from different fields work together to improve the quality of the European soils by 2030.

One more distinguishing feature is the focus on so-called ‘living labs’, that is, experimental areas that check solutions that contribute to the growth of healthy soil. Such, these 25 innovative projects are the practical approaches and sample and wealth pooling information regarding carbon sequestration and nutrient recycling, soil conservation and water harvesting.

Field Visits: Soil Solutions in Action

EMSW 2024 is unique for the Engagement and Hands on, practical focus of its program and collaborative structure. There are several field sites where people present at the conference can observe best practices for managing soil sustainably. They include; farming systems that conserve soils and regenerate agricultural land, cities with strategies to introduce certified organic, diverse soils in public workspaces, and forests that use proper organic material, and other natural methods to maintain and improve the quality of the soil and increase it carrying capacity for life.

These field visits offer a good insight into management problems and solutions in various European communities; what well-developed soils mean to food sufficiency, climate change, and sustenance of ecological systems.

The DeepHorizon Project

DeepHorizon, as part of the project at 40 experimental sites across Europe is currently building models to describe the functions of subsoil. To address the diverse and complex chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of European soils, the project is multifaceted: analyze the properties of different soils; involve farmers, land managers and policymakers; and develop and implement context-specific solutions for the heterogeneous European territory.

The Human Impact: Why Soil Health Matters for Everyone

Although few people specifically discuss healthy soil it is an important subject as it influences our everyday lives. As seen in everything in our kitchens from the food, to air we breathe, healthy soils are essential for human and environmental health. Contaminated soils give rise to food insecurity, loss of biodiversity, and additional impact of climate change – issues that Europe is now beginning to tackle.

As part of this year’s EMSW, which presents the state of Europe’s soil health and proposes strategies, one of the objectives is also to encourage citizens to pursue policies that protect this resource, as well as to guide them towards the use of measures at a personal level to ensure a healthy future for soil.

Looking Forward: A Foundation for Generations to Come

When the EMSW 2024 is over, everyone will be wiser, connected to new colleagues and partners, and ready to work on a better and greener Europe. Starting and going all the way to the level of its farms, the work demonstrated this week stands for Europe’s commitment to spearheading a green shift. With projects such as DeepHorizon in the pipeline, the Europeans need not lose hope that their ground is capable of being rejuvenated for yet more generations.

Fortunately, most of the plenary sessions are being live-streamed, thus people in Europe and the rest of the globe interested in these conversations regarding the future of our planet can follow along.

The DeepHorizon Kick-Off Meeting: Unveiling Groundbreaking Research on Soil Health

The DeepHorizon meeting, which will take place from 23 to 25th October 2021 in the beautiful city of Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium), will mark the start of the official launch of a research programme to change the approach to soil health across Europe.
This event will bring gathered european and beyond partners with the aim of setting a course towards improving sustainable subsoil management.
As part of the European Union’s Horizon Europe initiative, DeepHorizon aims to unravel the enigma of soil health, a very vital but often neglected topic in the field of environmental sustainability.

DeepHorizon Kick-Off Meeting: A Key Milestone for Soil Research

DeepHorizon is an innovative project focused on the “critical zone” where rocks, water and life intersect. Although subsoils have historically received little attention, they must also be considered in terms of carbon sequestration, water retention and nutrient cycling.

This multidisciplinary project will therefore bring together a wide team of researchers who will use cutting-edge technologies to penetrate the depths of these vital ecosystems.

The KoM aims to inspire cooperation between project partners, setting the research agenda for the following annual meetings. It can be highlighted that some of the main topics to be addressed are soil sampling protocols, management plan data and soil sites in Europe to be sampled.

Agenda of the DeepHorizon Kick-Off Meeting

The very three-day meeting will be organized around various core matters touching upon diverse interests in ensuring that all project partners are aware regarding the objectives and methods by which DeepHorizon will be achieved. an aide-de-mémoire on activities scheduled:

• Tuesday, October 22, 2024: The event will start with an ice-breaking session from 19:00 to 21:00 at the ELI building. This informal gathering will allow participants to connect and set a collaborative tone for the days ahead​.
• Wednesday, October 23, 2024: The first official day kicks off with a welcome address by the project coordinator, followed by presentations from all partners. In the morning, presentations will focus on the Bodium and ECOSYSmodels, which are central to the project’s research methodology​. The day will end with discussions on sampling protocols and a working dinner​​.
• Thursday, October 24, 2024: A visit to a soil sampling site will be the highlight of the day, giving participants the opportunity to observe subsoil conditions firsthand. This visit will be followed by group discussions on the organization of core soil sites, crucial for the project’s field research​​.
• Friday, October 25, 2024: The final day will focus on data management and communication plans, ensuring that all research findings are shared effectively across Europe. The day will end with a wrap-up session that consolidates the discussions and outlines the next steps for the project​.

Understanding the DeepHorizon Project: A Step Toward Sustainable Land Management

The main goal of DeepHorizon is to enhance our understanding of subsoils, which are crucial for ecosystem services but often neglected in soil research. The project will focus on developing process-based models that assess subsoil functions and their role in sustainable agricultural practices.

Why Focus on Subsoils?

Topsoils have been the focal point of most agricultural research, but subsoils play an equally important role in climate regulation and crop productivity. Subsoils store large amounts of carbon, and managing them properly could significantly contribute to mitigating climate change. DeepHorizon seeks to generate new data from 40 core sampling sites across Europe to better understand the biological, chemical, and physical properties of subsoils under various land uses, such as forests, grasslands, and croplands​.

Stay Updated: Results from the DeepHorizon Sessions

If you are keen to stay informed about the progress and outcomes of the DeepHorizon Kick-Off Meeting and the research sessions on soil health, subscribe to receive regular updates. We will be sharing detailed reports, key findings, and future steps following the event. Don’t miss out on how DeepHorizon is shaping the future of sustainable land management in Europe.

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