SOIL-XR is a collaborative initiative between partners from Cyprus and Italy aiming to improve soil literacy through immersive technologies, Living Labs, and co-creation activities. By combining citizen science, environmental education, and XR technologies, the project seeks to make soil learning more interactive, accessible, and engaging for different audiences.

Following our internal kick-off meeting held in March, the consortium has already started developing the project’s Living Lab methodologies and co-design activities focused on soil awareness, regenerative practices, and innovative educational approaches.

Through participatory workshops and immersive XR experiences, SOIL-XR will actively engage teachers, students, researchers, scientists, local communities, and environmental stakeholders in exploring the hidden world beneath our feet. The project aims to promote a deeper understanding of soil ecosystems and their importance for biodiversity, climate resilience, food systems, and sustainable land management.

Our Living Labs in Sicily and Cyprus, together with a virtual XR environment, will explore topics such as soil biodiversity, soil and water interaction, soil erosion and conservation, regenerative agriculture, and soil organic carbon through hands-on and collaborative learning experiences.

In the coming weeks, we will launch the T2.1 Needs Assessment & Requirement Mapping survey to gather insights from educators, students, researchers, and stakeholders and help shape the future SOIL-XR learning experience.

SOIL-XR is funded through the SOILSCAPE Open Call under the Horizon Europe programme.