Field demonstration in Montehermoso, Spain and National Node Meeting

The visit combined awareness-raising, practical learning and field-based soil observation. Participants and monitors from the ESCALA Training and Employment Programme – “Oficios Verdes Montehermoso” were introduced to the Horizon Europe projects ECHO SOIL and Soil-X-Change while carrying out practical activities in the field. The session aimed to make soil-health concepts understandable through direct observation and simple methods that can be repeated outside a laboratory setting.

The activity began with an introduction to ECHO SOIL and Soil-X-Change. Before independent field work, a practical example was provided to show how to collect soil information and how to register and use the ECHO application. Participants then worked together or in pairs, using 26 kits during the exercise. No problems were reported with the installation or use of the application.

Jesús Baena, from AMBIENTA, explained the importance of soil and the use of its characteristics as indicators of health for different land-use interests, including agriculture and forestry. A simple soil-texture exercise was also carried out: participants moistened soil material and assessed it by touch using their hands.

The field visit also provided an opportunity to discuss related initiatives implemented by the organisation. During the activity in the Arroyo de Peño area, the LIFE ALNUS TAEJO project and a silvicultural treatment were mentioned for Juan José (AMB) as examples connected to broader environmental and land-management themes.

Good Practices and Knowledge Exchange

The visit used demonstration and learning-by-doing rather than a purely theoretical presentation. This format allowed participants to connect soil-health concepts with observable field characteristics and digital data collection. The exchange also created links between soil monitoring, sustainable land management and other local environmental actions.

Also, students participating showed strong interest, environmental commitment and willingness to acquire new technical knowledge. Appreciation is also extended to Pablo, the monitor, for his guidance and motivation, and to María José, the director, for her management, active involvement and support for initiatives that enrich the training programme. The work carried out by the wider team in the natural environment was also recognised.

Conclusions:

Twenty-six ECHO kits were used in a guided, hands-on field exercise.

Participants were able to install and use the ECHO application without reported technical difficulties.

The combination of explanation, paired field work and tactile soil assessment supported an accessible introduction to soil-health indicators.

The activity linked soil monitoring to wider agricultural, forestry and environmental-management considerations.