LivingSoiLL Brings Soil Science to European Researchers’ Night 2026
Soil health took centre stage at this year’s European Researchers’ Night, as LivingSoiLL partners UNITO and UTAD opened their research to the public in Portugal and Italy.
Vila Real: Life Underground and Where Theatre Meets Soil Science
In Portugal, the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) brought soil science to two venues: Vila Real, and Barca d’Alva.
UTAD presented “Soil Explorers” and “Minhokisses”. The latter focused on earthworms and their role in recycling organic waste. Visitors learned how earthworms aerate soil naturally, create channels that help retain water, break down organic matter alongside other soil micro-organisms, and protect soil from erosion.
Also, UTAD took a more artistic route to soil literacy. The activity “Húúúmus!!! – a arte e a ciência do solo vivo” (Húúúmus!!! – the art and science of living soil) brought performing arts and science together. Together, they uncovered the secrets of the ground beneath our feet. They discovered how its script and set were built. At the same time, they explored the vital role earthworms play and learned about the importance of healthy, sustainable soils through the observation of live specimens.
Turin: Super Plants Under Pressure
On Saturday 26th September, the University of Turin (UNITO) team joined the local UNIGHT initiative. They present a stand titled “Super-piante sotto pressione!” (Super plants under pressure). Visitors were invited to explore how far plants can be pushed by extreme growing conditions.
The stand featured transparent pots comparing plants grown in compacted and non-compacted soils, allowing visitors to see first-hand how compaction affects root development. In addition, the UNITO team linked these observations to a real case close to home: the region’s hazelnut orchards, where soil compaction is a persistent challenge. The activity also introduced the strategies researchers are testing to help plants cope, ranging from agronomic interventions to the use of bio stimulants.
A Shared Message
These activities took different forms and ran in different countries and languages. Still, they shared one clear goal: to raise public awareness of soil health and the biodiversity it sustains. Overall, by combining hands-on demonstrations and creative storytelling with everyday examples, the LivingSoiLL teams showed why good agricultural practices and soil conservation matter. In short, protecting this resource is essential for the future.