Abstract

At global scale, there is the need to increase soil carbon storage and biodiversity and to maximise production using fewer resources. In line with this aim, agronomists and geoscientists are required to offer the scientific base for driving these changes and setting up the new management strategies for the agro-ecosystem. One of the key points behind this land management revolution is the use of evidence-based results, soil monitoring data (physical, chemical and biological properties), process-based models and advanced data analysis instruments in a context of an integrated framework. The lecturers’ board is a new synergy that has arisen to share comprehensive knowledge in the field of meta-analysis, cropping system and environmental models, statistics, GIS and remote sensing, and data management. The school would be an opportunity for PhD students and early-career scientists to learn and practice with real case studies, dealing with research synthesis and meta-analysis, agronomical and environmental models and GIS. The school directors and lecturers intend to share their expertise in a co-operative work with a high share of practical activities using open source and spatial data provided by the European Commission and other international foundations. The school’s focus will be on the following subjects: Advanced Systematic literature analysis (meta-analysis and evidence based scientific approach). Introduction to the critical aspects related to the rational use of process-based model. Modelling of C dynamics in the agro-ecosystem (e.g. ARMOSA, RothC). Soil organisms, microbial decomposition, factors of influence, effects of climate change, greenhouse gas flux measurements, C and N cycling, and water balance. Statistical models for soil mapping and soil characteristics estimation (e.g. linear models, machine learning). Environmental Risk Assessment of pesticides with a focus on soil and groundwater modelling and an introduction to spatial modelling for the evaluation of territorial vulnerability to pesticides. Attendees (after an examination) will receive a course certificate (4 credits). However, it is up to the participant’s institution to recognize the summer school as official course credit. Participants will use their own laptops; software will be open source or under a 6-month license.