DeliSoil Consortium Advances Soil Health Solutions at Annual Meeting in Copenhagen

The DeliSoil consortium gathered in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 26 to 28 May 2025 for its annual project meeting, hosted by the University of Copenhagen (UCPH). The three-day event brought together project partners from across Europe to reflect on progress, explore field experiments, and collaboratively shape the next phases of work in support of circular solutions for soil health.

Strengthening collaboration across work packages and regions

The meeting opened at UCPH’s Frederiksberg campus with a warm welcome from the hosting team, including Project Coordinator Ansa Palojärvi and Lars Stoumann Jensen, Head of the Plant and Soil section. The session provided an opportunity for all work package (WP) leaders to present key highlights and outline future activities. The Early Career Researcher (ECR) network also shared updates on their growing contribution to the project, reinforcing DeliSoil’s commitment to inclusive knowledge sharing and capacity building.

The General Assembly meeting, held in the late afternoon, enabled all consortium members to align on upcoming deliverables, governance issues, and strategic priorities. The day concluded with a group dinner in Frederiksberg, offering space for informal networking and exchange.

Field demonstrations and thematic dialogue

On the second day, participants travelled to UCPH’s Research Farm in Taastrup to observe long-term field trials and experimental platforms focused on the use of recycled organic products for soil improvement. One demonstration showcased Yara’s organic fertiliser from the YaraSuna portfolio, used as a reference product in a barley cropping system. The trial aims to evaluate the soil benefits of organic materials derived from food waste and by-product streams.

A standout moment was a guided underground tour led by Kristian Thorup-Kristensen which revealed root systems extending over two metres deep, visually illustrating the hidden life of soil systems and the long-term impact of soil management.

In the afternoon, the group returned to Frederiksberg for a World Café-style session, enabling smaller groups to explore four thematic areas through rotating discussions:

• Soil indicators
• Gender perspectives in research and implementation
• Business models for circular soil solutions
• Learning and knowledge sharing between Living Labs

This format generated dynamic exchanges, helping identify new synergies between scientific work and practical implementation.

Consolidating knowledge and setting next steps

The third and final day took place back at the UCPH campus, with optional early visits to greenhouse and laboratory facilities. The formal agenda began with a session on soil health indicators, followed by presentations on knowledge transfer, innovation, and education led by partners from CINSA, MEERI, and the coordination team.

The ECR network also presented its structured approach to continuous engagement, reinforcing its central role in driving innovation and project continuity.

The meeting closed with a wrap-up session led by the coordination team, outlining upcoming milestones and opportunities for continued collaboration. A farewell lunch marked the end of the meeting.

Highlights and outcomes

Key takeaways from the Copenhagen meeting included:

• Strengthened cross-project collaboration between WPs, Living Labs, and regional working groups
• Insightful field demonstrations showing promising early results for tested soil products
• Strategic dialogue on business models and the broader soil health innovation ecosystem
• A clear roadmap for educational activities and dissemination
• Renewed momentum within the ECR network and gender-focused initiatives
• Valuable guest contributions that deepened discussions and introduced new perspectives

The DeliSoil consortium has left Copenhagen with renewed focus and shared commitment to advancing soil health solutions that are circular, innovative, and inclusive.