Description
This exploratory workshop intends to bring together young and experienced international researchers with expertise in soil structure dynamics and soil biophysical interactions (root-soil and fauna-soil interactions) with different research backgrounds (soil physics, crop science, earthworm ecology), in order to:
- Provide an overview of the state of the art in soil structure dynamics
- (Identify knowledge gaps in structure formation/recovery following disturbance
- Explore new interdisciplinary approaches towards mechanistic frameworks for soil structure dynamics and the role of biophysical processes
- Improve coordination and focus of research efforts.
During two days, the workshop will include presentations and extensive discussion sessions (the chairs of each session are instructed to provide leadership, and prepare the scope for effective discussions with goals contributing to the workshop outcomes). Also included in the workshop program is a visit to the recently established long-term field observatory “Soil Structure Observatory (SSO)” aiming at quantifying post-compaction structural recovery rates under different compaction and management treatments. We plan discussions on knowledge gaps, development of standards and metrics for soil structure, and coordination of future research activities. The workshop brings together world-leaders in the field and a few early career scientists, and promising PhD students (future leaders). The workshop is convened by Dr. Thomas Keller (Agroscope), Prof Dani Or (ETH Zürich) and Prof Achim Walter (ETH Zürich).