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.

Soil that exists under our feet is only more than just being the base on which plants grow. Encased beneath the surface of the Earth is a ground which carries and sustains life and ecological system – a treasure trove science has barely tapped into. 

This unique and intricate body called the subsoil is where the European project DeepHorizon may do some actual good. With the backing of the European Union as well as specialists across Europe, DeepHorizon is making attempts to readapt many features we have come to associate with soil, and to put into action guidelines that support a healthier environment.

Why Study the Subsoil?

Normally, when we use the word ‘soil’ we consider only the upper layer where we cultivate, dig or tread upon. However, it is still worth noting that the deep soil (subsoil) exists to preserve the water cycle, nutrients and even carbon; very important elements in the fight against climate change. Some of them are hidden beneath the surface and it can hardly be overstressed that they affect soil quality and consequently agriculture, biodiversity as well as climate. DeepHorizon purpose is to ‘unwrap’ the subsoil scientifically after making the premise that subsoil must be alive in some ways and can enhance the above ground existence.

Advanced technology and techniques: the heart of DeepHorizon 

DeepHorizon’s strategic is to apply new methods in surveys to reseacrh the subsoil, which was impossible earlier. The assessment tools of the project include the conventional soil analysis approach and trends in soil analysis technology including the Vis-NIR and X-ray tomography. These tools allow us to ‘visualize’ what is inside the soil at a very localized level and to map both the structure and nutrient content as well as organisms within the soil without having to take a large sample. These techniques assist in elucidation of the natural rhythms of the subsoil, and the distribution of the resources such as water and carbon.

Thirst Modelling: BODIUM and ECOSYS

BODIUM as well as the ECOSYS model will be the foundation of DeepHorizon’s novel approach towards investigating the subsoil systems. Originally growing out of BonaRes, BODIUM has since been honed as part of a broader effort, in conjunction with ECOSYS, for a complete and accurate model of the myriad functions within layered subsoil context. Such models enable researchers and stakeholders to understand how water regulation, nutrients and carbon cycling occur in the subsoil system and let more light on the complexity of ecosystems.

These simulations help BODIUM and ECOSYS predict the effects of various agricultural and land management activities on sub-surface systems. For example, some of these models can illustrate how some practices impair water uptake or alter nutrient content and interactions of microbial and root structure in the soil. This ability to predict the outcomes is important in establishing workable measures for the condition and stability of the soil, potentially eliminating long term harm.

In addition, the information collected through BODIUM and ECOSYS serves as a basis for designing policies. These models are useful because they enable policy makers to predict whether particular decisions that are likely to be made about land use will have positive or negative impacts, thus making the solutions to problems of environmental degradation more effective solutions that are capable of balancing productivity and conservation. In this sense, as our DeepHorizon blog users can understand, both BODIUM and ECOSYS link research and practice contributing to the identification of optimum solutions for improving the status of the soil.

DeepHorizon and Climate Change

The Role of Carbon is the keyword in combating climate change and soil is the second biggest pool of carbon on the planet. DeepHorizon study is aimed at identifying the possibility of increased or decreased underground carbon stocks through enhanced carbon sequestration in the subsoil. This not only combats climate change, but it also promotes better and more fruitful health of soils. To do this, the DeepHorizon team uses computer models to investigate the effects of various land-use profiles on the Earth’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide and report back to farmers and policy makers on the best practices to adopt.

People come together to support DeepHorizon

DeepHorizon is a research program but it includes local farmers, researchers, policy makers and other people belonging to the society. To this end, it organizes a community referred to as the Community of Practice (CoP) to include people from all over Europe to share and develop practice-based solutions. The concept behind is that information studied in a laboratory is used in real fields and areas of crops, which in its turn means a direct link between theory and practice. In this way, DeepHorizon ensures that its results are interesting and valuable in daily practice, increasing people’s understanding of the importance of soil in the environment.

Conclusions

The DeepHorizon project is significant critical turning point for advancing knowledge and management of the subsoil. Incorporating advanced models like BODIUM and ECOSYS and technology) the project provides a holistic view into the importance of the subsoil in supporting ecosystems and in combating climate change. These tools enable the scientists, farmers and policy-makers understand, on a concrete and empirical basis, what type of practices in agriculture and land-use most effectively contribute to water/ moisture conservation, carbon sequestration and nutrient recycling and retention.

On the one hand, DeepHorizon is not just a scientific project that tries to approach practice, but it is also a collaborative community that can change the reluctant mind of the industry to turn into sustainable subsurface resources preservation. Thus, the coordinated identification of subsoil characteristics aims at turning expertise in subsoil exploration into public policies and practical actions that would be environmentally friendly as well as promoting agriculture production.

Thus, DeepHorizon is turning into a crucial project to create a more responsible society for soil, in which productivity and preservation will be the cornerstone for a more robust and sustainable world. Hoping that the subsoil remains unseen and untouched by many, such a collective work of experts is closely intertwined with decisions about life above ground and incorporated into the European environmental agenda.

Louvain-la-Neuve, 25 October 2024 – The European project DeepHorizon, funded by the European Commission and led by UCLouvain under the direction of Prof. Mathieu Javaux, successfully celebrated its Kick-Off Meeting (KoM) at the Earth and Life Institute (Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium). This inaugural event marked the beginning of a significant international effort focused on investigating deep soils (i.e. layers below 30 cm depth), which are essential to ecosystem health and the development of sustainable agricultural practices.

Discussion on Advances in Sampling and Monitoring Methodologies

A key aspect of the meeting was the review of advancements in deep soil layer sampling and monitoring methodologies. During the sessions, research teams discussed the sampling techniques they will implement across 40 study sites, covering a wide variety of soil types, land uses, and climatic conditions in Europe. This unique sampling campaign will enable the collection of critical data for analyzing the structure and functionality of subsurface soils, facilitating in-depth study and providing farmers and land managers with tools for more informed and sustainable soil management.

An International Commitment to Transform Agriculture and Mitigate Climate Change

The event began with a warm welcome from the director of the Earth and Life Institute, Professor Marnik Vanclooster, followed by an overview of the project presented by Prof. Mathieu Javaux, DeepHorizon coordinator. Each of the partners, representing scientific institutions across Europe, outlined their roles within the project and how their specific contributions would help achieve the ambitious goals set forth. With more than twenty organizations involved, the project aims to develop models and practices that will enhance knowledge of subsurface soils, a crucial resource for environmental sustainability and food security.

Innovation in Soil Monitoring and the Role of Parallel Projects

Among the key innovations presented were the Bodium and ECOSYS simulation models, which were discussed in the context of their application to predict changes in soil functions. These advanced models will enable precise quantification of the combined impacts of climate change and land use practices on soil health. Additionally, participants visited sampling sites in the university farm and wood (Bois de Lauzelle) to review and validate the sampling protocols that will be applied.

Initiatives in line with DeepHorizon were also presented, which addresses issues related to soil sustainability within the European context. The meeting also featured the participation of the EU Soil Observatory, which will provide essential scientific support for the data and results obtained, thus supporting sustainable soil management policies at the European level.

Benefits for Farmers and Society

The DeepHorizon project offers multiple long-term benefits. For farmers, new insights into deep soils will provide tools to optimize land use, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, and improve water management efficiency. These sustainable management practices will contribute to enhanced carbon sequestration, soil fertility, reduced erosion, and ultimately, increased agricultural productivity.

For society, the impact of DeepHorizon goes beyond food production. Advances in subsurface soil research will strengthen carbon capture, helping mitigate climate change, and will support biodiversity by enhancing essential ecosystem services such as nutrient regulation and water filtration. In sum, DeepHorizon is projected to be a pillar in the transition towards more resilient and sustainable soil management in Europe.