SOILCRATES-Ireland was present in this impactful 3-day event from 15-17 September in Tullamore Co. Offaly. On the first day, our Living Lab (LL) Leader, Dr Lena Madden, and project researcher Dr Zhaoqi Bin introduced the project and shared practical ways for participants to assess the health of their own soil. The onsite demonstration covered how to measure soil pH and key nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, using fresh soil samples. It also showed how a penetrometer can be used to assess soil compaction and how a cotton-strip test can provide an indication of soil microbial activity. On the following days, they were joined by LL project manager Dr. Laura Rodriguez and researcher Dr. Pablo Tovar, who helped engage with visitors throughout the remainder of the event. Over the course of the three days, SOILCRATES-Ireland engaged with visitors to explain the project and the work carried out with the farmers. The event was a great opportunity to share the LL’s work with a wide audience.
