On March 17, 2026, the Collegium Geographicum of the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan hosted a seminar entitled “Ground is Knowledge. Mission of Soil in Research, Education and Practice”. The event brought together a total of more than 80 participants, representatives of the academic community, experts and students interested in soil science, environmental protection and sustainable development.
The meeting provided a space for the exchange of knowledge and experience between science and practice. During the seminar, current directions of soil research were presented and its key role in the functioning of ecosystems, water management and food production was emphasized. Special attention was paid to the challenges of soil degradation and the need to build public awareness of soil conservation. Dr. hab. Barbara Pawlowska, Prof. UG, an expert in the Energy Transition Lab program of the Center for Sustainable Development, presented a speech during the seminar titled. “Sustainability in the programs of the University of Gdansk”.
The highlight of the event was the grand opening of the Demonstration Soil Garden, a new educational space established at the Collegium Geographicum. The garden was created thanks to the support of the Provincial Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Poznań and is a joint venture of two faculties of the Adam Mickiewicz University.
The newly opened garden serves as a “living laboratory,” allowing direct learning about the properties and processes of the soil. Among its features are soil profiles and a so-called “glebarium” where one can observe the decomposition of organic matter and the processes leading to humus formation. It is complemented by mini-experimental plots and installations to analyze the effects of water and organic fertilization on plant development.
The garden will be used for teaching and popularization activities – both during academic classes and workshops and educational events. Its goal is not only to transfer knowledge, but also to build awareness of the importance of soils as one of the key environmental resources.
The seminar also highlighted the importance of international initiatives, such as the Soil Mission implemented under the Horizon Europe program. These activities focus on restoring soil health, developing scientific cooperation and engaging the public in environmental activities. In this context, selected results of the LOESS project, which involves partners from many European countries, were also presented.
The event showed that soil – although often overlooked – plays a fundamental role in the functioning of the environment and the quality of human life. The opening of the Demonstration Soil Garden is an important step toward popularizing knowledge about soil and strengthening educational and research activities in this area.
We would like to thank all the participants for their attendance and active participation in the seminar. We invite you to visit the newly established Soil Garden and to participate in future initiatives organized by the Department
The seminar was organized as part of the international LOESS project (funded by the Horizon Europe program) in partnership with the University of Gdansk (Center for Sustainable Development), Institute of Fertilization and Soil Science PIB in Puławy. On the UAM side, the event was also supported by the Office of Social Innovation and Sustainable Development.
Photo gallery and additional information: the UAM website.
photo and text: Przemysław Stanula (UAM), elaborated by. Szymon Gronowski, CZRUG