Scientific Sessions

21. Land management for improving soil health and environmental quality: Can we achieve synergies?

Jian Liu¹, Diogo Costa², Jean Yong³, Dan Wei⁴, Ying Zhao⁵, and M. G. Mostofa Amin⁶

¹Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås, Norway, Jian.Liu@nibio.no.

²University of Évora, Évora, Portugal, diogo.costa@uevora.pt.

³Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands, jean.yong@maastrichtuniversity.nl.

⁴Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Beijing, China, wd2087@163.com.

⁵Ludong University, Yantai, China, yzhaosoils@gmail.com.    

⁶Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, mostofa.amin@bau.edu.bd.

Land management encompasses the management of soils, nutrients, crops, and water. When poorly implemented, such practices degrade soil productivity and increase soil and nutrient losses to water and air, thereby impairing environmental quality. Today, enhancing soil health and environmental quality are widely recognized as two fundamental objectives of sustainable land management. However, research efforts often address these goals separately, with soil- and water-/or gas-focused studies proceeding in parallel. Increasingly, stakeholders call for a better understanding of the synergies between soil health and environmental quality, as well as the management practices that can deliver co-benefits.

This session invites contributions that investigate land management strategies aimed at improving soil health and water or air quality, with particular emphasis on approaches that consider both dimensions. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Conservation tillage,
• Manure management,
• Precision fertilizer application,
• Crop diversification and cover cropping, and
• Irrigation and drainage management.

Expected outcomes include knowledge sharing on the impacts of management practices on soil health and water/air quality, along with critical discussions on the opportunities and challenges of achieving synergies between the two. Through presentations and dialogue, we aim to clarify when and why management practices succeed, or fail, in meeting both objectives.

Keywords: soil health, water quality, gas emissions, best management practices, sustainability
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22. Soil and Water conservation. The State-of-the-Art throughout study cases in the world.

José Luis Rubio¹, Li Riu², Miodrag Zlatic³, Duihu Ning⁴, Daniel Arenas Lago⁵, Diego S. Intrigliolo⁶, Artemi Cerdà⁷

¹Honorary President of World Association of Soil and Water Conservation – WASWAC. Co-founder and ex President of European Society for Soil Conservation – ESSC. Ex Director Centro de Investigaciones sobre Desertificación-CIDE (CSIC,Universitat de Valencia, Generalitat Valenciana). jose.l.rubio@uv.es

²Ex-President World Association of Soil and Water Conservation (WASWAC). Institute of Soil and Water Conservation. Chinese Academy of Sciences. Ministry of Water Resources. 26, Xinong Road, Yangling 712100. Shaanxi, China. lirui@ms.iswc.ac.cn

³Ex-President World Association of Soil and Water Conservation (WASWAC). Full professor at Belgrade University. Faculty of Forestry. Full professor at the Department for Erosion and Torrent Control. University of Belgrade. miodrag.zlatic@sfb.bg.ac.rs

⁴President World Association of Soil and Water Conservation (WASWAC). Professor, International Research and Training Center on Erosion and Sedimentation (IRTCES). 20 Chegongzhuang West Road, Beijing, China.  100048. ningdave@foxmail.com

⁵Secretario General de la Sociedad Española de la Ciencia del Suelo. Dto. de Biología Vegetal y Ciencia del Suelo (Facultad de Ciencias – Ourense). secs@uvigo.es. secs@uvigo.gal

⁶Centro de Investigaciones sobre Desertificación (CIDE). CSIC-UV-GV, Valencia. diego.intrigliolo@csic.es

 ⁷Soil Erosion and Degradation Research Group. Department of Geography, Valencia University, Blasco Ibàñez, 28, 46010 Valencia, Spain. artemio.cerda@uv.es

Soil and water are two key resources for the humans. Both, water and soil are affected by threats such as pollution, salinization or erosion. Water and soil conservation are essential practices aimed at preserving critical natural resources: soil and water. Conservation practices contribute maintaining environmental conservation, preserve agriculture, control soil erosion, reduce flooding and combat desertification and degradation. This scientific session wishes to show the examples of study cases around the world that can summarize the State-of-the-Art of the soil and water degradation and conservation. Research and examples of applied techniques on contour ploughing, terracing, cover crops, crop rotation, intercropping, agro-forestry, mulching, grass strips…. are welcome. Water conservation involves sustainable use and management of freshwater, reduce wastage and prevent pollution and depletion of water resources. In this sense, contribution related to efficient watering/irrigation management are also welcome to show how precision supplemental irrigation can contribute to the overall water conservation at a basin scale. Water and soil conservation ensures sustainable agriculture productivity, prevents land degradation and desertification, maintains ecological balance, reduce natural disasters (floods and landslides) and supports food and water security. Join us to show your research experience with your examples from your own study sites or by means of scientific research. Join us in Valencia, Spain, for the 2026 Land Degradation and Restoration conference and the positive view of the Successful restoration in degraded land. Cases, strategies and policies scientific session.

Key Words: Soil, Water, Conservation, Study sites, Restoration, World, Strategies, Policies, Impacts.
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23. Soil: Education and Citizen Science

Manuel Pulido Fernández¹, Simone Priori², Tanja Mimmo³

^1. Grupo de Investigación GeoAmbiental, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain, mapulidof@unex.es

^2. Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali, Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy, simone.priori@unitus.it

^3. Facoltà di Scienze Agrarie, Ambientali e Alimentari, Libera Università di Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy, tanja.mimmo@unibz.it

 Understanding soil is essential across various levels of society. At universities, soil knowledge supports research, agriculture, and environmental studies. Farmers and field workers rely on this understanding to improve crop yield, manage land sustainably, and prevent degradation. Public administrations need soil data to design policies on land use, urban planning, and climate adaptation. Environmentally conscious citizens benefit from basic soil awareness to support sustainable practices at home, such as composting or gardening. Soil health directly affects food security, water quality, and biodiversity. Therefore, soil education promotes more informed decisions and responsible behavior. Bridging this knowledge across sectors ensures a healthier planet for next generations, and increasing soil literacy is key to building a more sustainable future.

Within the framework of the MEDSOILS CHALLENGE (2024-1-IT02-KA220-HED-000256480) and ECHO (HORIZON-MISS-2022-SOIL-01-09-101112869) EU projects, we are designing a postgraduate specialization course and several initiatives with regular citizens to increase their awareness, literacy and applied knowledge on soil. Our goal in this session is therefore to share with the community our advances in both projects to obtain a fruitful feedback from similar experiences. So, we invite researchers and practitioners to present works focused on education and citizen science in soil and/or related fields of knowledge. The session welcomes innovative results that highlight pros and cons of citizen generated data (CGD), the degree of satisfaction of educational and citizen initiatives, and the sharing of educational tools like apps, teaching materials, etc.

Key Words: Erasmus+, Soil Mission, Specialization Course, Awareness, Literacy, Educational tools.
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24. Climate Change and Soil Degradation in Semi-Arid Regions: Challenges and Innovative Solutions for Resilience

Mohamed Meddi ¹, Mohamed Abd Salam El Vilay ², Gil Mahé ³ and Faiza Hallouz⁴

¹ Higher National School for Hydraulics of Blida,LGEE, Algeria. m.meddi@ensh.dz

² G20 Global Initiative Coordination Office United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification UN Campus, Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, D-53113,  Bonn, Germany. avilaly@unccd.int

³ National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), HydroSciences Montpellier, France. Gil.mahe@ird.fr

⁴ FSTGAT, USTHB, Bab Ezzouar, Algiers, LGEE Blida, Algeria.

Semi-arid regions are critical hotspots of climate vulnerability, where rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns are dramatically accelerating soil degradation. These areas face a vicious cycle of environmental decline: prolonged droughts desiccate the soil, reducing moisture and organic matter, while subsequent intense rainfall events cause severe water erosion, stripping away the fertile topsoil. Concurrently, wind erosion during dry periods and increasing soil salinisation due to high evaporation rates further degrade land quality. This multifaceted degradation leads to a loss of soil structure, a decline in essential microbial biodiversity, and a breakdown in nutrient cycles. The ultimate consequences are a severe reduction in arable land, a heightened risk of desertification, diminished water resources, and direct threats to agricultural productivity, food security, and the economic subsistence of local populations. This scientific session is designed to foster a collaborative environment among researchers, field experts, policymakers, and local stakeholders. Our primary goal is to translate scientific understanding into actionable strategies. We will delve into the specific mechanisms through which climate change stressors impact soil health, from molecular-level changes in soil biota to landscape-level erosion patterns. The session will serve as a platform to showcase advanced monitoring technologies, such as AI and remote sensing, for tracking land degradation. A core focus will be on sharing and evaluating sustainable land management practices—including water-harvesting techniques, drought-resistant crops, and soil conservation methods—that can enhance ecosystem resilience. This initiative directly supports global efforts like the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to zero hunger (SDG 2), clean water (SDG 6), climate action (SDG 13), and life on land (SDG 15).

Mechanisms of Degradation: Quantitative analysis of erosion (water and wind), salinisation processes, and the impact of compounded climatic extremes on soil physicochemical properties.

Soil Biology Under Stress: Examining the response of soil microorganisms and fauna to warming and drought, and the implications for nutrient cycling and soil health.

Hydro-Climatic Pressures: Exploring the interplay between increased drought frequency, intense flooding events, and their dual impact on soil fertility and water availability.

Innovative Solutions: Presenting case studies on successful adaptation strategies, such as regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and integrated water resource management.

Technology for Monitoring: Demonstrating the application of Artificial Intelligence, geospatial data, and remote sensing for early warning systems and effective land degradation assessment.

Keywords: Climate Change, Land Degradation, Erosion, Desertification, Semi-Arid Regions, Soil Resilience, Adaptation Strategies.
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25. Bridging Indigenous Knowledge and Nature-based Solutions for Soil and Landscape Restoration under UN-Decade on Eco-restoration

Pradeep Kumar Dubey¹, Ram Swaroop Meena¹

¹Department of Agronomy, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India

Recent global assessments–such as the IPCC Special Reports, the IPBES Global Assessment, and the Global Environment Outlook–underscore the urgent need for integrated, inclusive, and landscape-based approaches to address land degradation and accelerate agroecosystem restoration. This proposed session aims to explore how Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK), site-specific agronomic practices, and nature-based solutions can advance restoration outcomes under the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030).

The session will emphasize place-based and participatory restoration strategies that build on the willingness, knowledge, and stewardship of local communities. It will explore how community ownership acts as a cornerstone for sustaining restoration outcomes, particularly in regions where agriculture and forest dependencies are closely linked. Discussions will focus on the role of animal manure, plant residues, and tree-based systems (agroforestry and low-hanging fruit species) in improving soil fertility, structure, and moisture retention while strengthening livelihoods, food, and nutritional security in vulnerable ecosystems.

Key themes will include identifying barriers and opportunities for restoration, methodological innovations, and enabling conditions that foster community-driven interventions. Special emphasis will be placed on how Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Local Communities (LCs) identify local degradation challenges and implement adaptive, low-cost practices offering valuable lessons for scaling up successful models at local, regional, and national levels.

By bridging scientific evidence with traditional ecological wisdom, the session will demonstrate how localized agroforestry and soil-restorative practices can reduce nutrient loss, erosion, and chemical dependence ultimately contributing to land degradation neutrality (LDN), global climate goals under the Bonn Challenge, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the specific target under Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).

Keywords: Agroforestry, Community Participation, Dryland agriculture, Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK), Nature-based Solutions, Soil health, Sustainable livelihoods
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26. Understanding and Quantifying Soil Health: Concepts, Assessment, and Policy Integration

Christine Alewell¹, Surya Gupta¹, Pasquale Borrelli^1,2, Cezary Kabala³, Raimonds Kasparinskis⁵

¹Environmental Geosciences, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse, 30/32, 4056, Basel, Switzerland, pasquale.borrelli@unibas.ch, christine.alewell@unibas.ch

²Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Largo San Leonardo Murialdo, 1, 00146 Roma Rome, Italy, pasquale.borrelli@uniroma3.it

³Institute of Soil Science, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences (WUELS), 50-375 Wrocław, Poland.

⁴Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies Institute of Soil and Plant Sciences Head of Department of Soil and Agrochemistry Mobile phone: +37126479040. President of Soil Science Society of Latvia EJP SOIL national coordinator in Latvia Representative to the Ad Hoc Working Group on the United Nations Decade on Soil Health nominated by GSP-Global Soil Partnership.  raimonds.kasparinskis@lbtu.lv

Soil health is increasingly recognized as a foundational element of sustainable land use, ecosystem functioning, and food security. Yet, its definition, measurement, and implementation remain contested and evolving. This session will focus on the scientific and conceptual foundations of soil health, with the aim of distinguishing it clearly from related terms such as soil security, soil fertility and soil quality. We invite contributions that explore how soil health can be defined through both qualitative and quantitative indicators, spanning biological, chemical, and physical properties.

A central theme of the session is the challenge of translating soil health into measurable terms that can guide land management and inform legislation. We encourage studies that present methodological advances in soil health assessment, including biological activity indicators, soil structure metrics, and integrated health indices. Equally important are policy-relevant approaches that support the integration of soil health into governance frameworks, from local land use strategies to national and EU-level regulations.

This session aims to provide a platform for researchers, land managers, and policymakers to converge around a shared understanding of soil health that is both scientifically robust and practically applicable. By clarifying definitions, improving assessment tools, and aligning science with policy needs, we can move toward more sustainable and resilient soil systems.

Key Topics:

• Soil Health versus Soil Quality and Soil Security: What’s New?
• Quantitative and qualitative methods for assessing soil health
• Soil health indicators in practice: biological, chemical, and physical metrics
• Integration of soil health into policy, legislation, and sustainable land management
• Links to the EU Soil Strategy, UN SDGs, and regenerative agricultural practices

Keywords: soil health, soil quality, soil fertility, indicators, assessment, policy, soil governance, sustainable management
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27. Biochar for a Resilient Future: Soil Regeneration and Degradation Solutions

Primitiva Andrea Mboyerwa¹, Eliakira Nassary Kisetu¹ Rachel Kazeni Mkwizu¹, Yohana Haule², Salma Yassin²

¹Department of Soil and Geological Sciences, College of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture P. O Box 3008, Morogoro, Tanzania primitivaandrea@sua.ac.tz, primitivaandrea@sua.ac.tz

²Sustainable Agriculture Tanzania P.O. Box 6369,  Tushikamane Centre, Kilakala Road, Morogoro, Tanzania  yohana.haule@kilimo.org, salma.yassin@kilimo.org,  info@kilimo.org

Land degradation remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21^st century, threatening food security, water quality, biodiversity, and climate resilience across the globe. In response, biochar a carbon-rich product derived from biomass pyrolysis has emerged as a promising, multifunctional tool for restoring degraded landscapes and improving soil health.

This scientific session explores the latest research, innovations, and field applications of biochar in addressing land degradation and promoting ecosystem restoration. We will highlight interdisciplinary studies that examine biochar’s physicochemical properties, its interactions with soil microbial communities, and its capacity to enhance soil structure, nutrient retention, and water-holding capacity.

Emphasis will also be placed on biochar’s role in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation within land restoration frameworks.

The session will bring together scientists, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss practical implementation strategies, scalability, socio-economic impacts, and region-specific case studies from arid, tropical, and temperate ecosystems. By bridging science and action, this session aims to advance the understanding and deployment of biochar as a nature-based solution for sustainable land management and ecological recovery.

Keywords: Biochar, Land degradation, Soil health, Ecosystem restoration, Carbon sequestration.
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28. Healing Landscapes: Nature-based Solutions for Land restoration and Ecosystem resilience

Marijana Kapović Solomun¹, Milica Kašanin Grubin²,Ilija Čigoja¹, Milica Vranešević³, Carla Sofia Ferreira⁵

¹University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Forestry, Department of Forest Ecology, Vojvode Petra Bojovica 1A, 78000 Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, marijana.kapovic-solomun@sf.unibl.org, ilija.cigoja@sf.unibl.org

²Institute of Chemistry, Technology & Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia, mkasaningrubin@chem.bg.ac.rs

³University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Agriculture, Novi Sad, Serbia, milica.vranesevic@polj.edu.rs

⁵Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Research Centre for Natural Resources Environment and Society (CERNAS), Bencanta, PT-3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal, carla.ssf@gmail.com

Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) are increasingly recognized as effective strategies to prevent and reverse land degradation while strengthening ecosystem resilience, advancing climate adaptation and safeguarding human well-being through a One Health perspective. This session will explore real-world NbS implementation across diverse landscapes, showcasing lessons learned, enabling conditions, governance models, cost-effectiveness and pathways for long-term sustainability. It aims to foster dialogue among scientists, practitioners, policymakers and financing actors to identify actionable strategies for integrating NbS into Land Degradation Neutrality targets, national climate and restoration commitments and international frameworks.

Contributions are invited that demonstrate how the restoration of degraded landscapes — including examples of agroforestry systems, reforestation, wetland, peatland rehabilitation, regenerative agriculture or urban and rural green infrastructure — delivers multiple co-benefits. These benefits may include improved soil fertility, biodiversity recovery, enhanced water security, carbon sequestration, mitigation of heat and flood risks and public health gains through reduced exposure to pollution and emerging zoonotic diseases. The session places particular emphasis on robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks, the development and use of soil, biodiversity, resilience and health co-benefit indicators, as well as scalable approaches that can be adapted from local pilot initiatives to national deployment.

The discussion will highlight NbS as systemic, cross-disciplinary solutions that bridge NbS to address land degradation, environmental restoration, climate action and human health agendas. We welcome contributions that analyse landscape recovery in practice, examine One Health-aligned outcomes, assess nature-based disaster risk reduction, evaluate policy incentives and financing models and offer evidence on how NbS can be effectively scaled and replicated through multi-stakeholder and community-driven partnerships. This session aims to advance both scientific understanding and practical implementation pathways, positioning NbS as a cornerstone of future land restoration strategies worldwide — transforming science into policy and action for a healthier planet and society. We warmly welcome cross-disciplinary research, case studies and implementation experiences that operationalize NbS as a systemic, multi-benefit tool bridging environment–climate–health policy domains, and science-to-policy integration.

Keywords: Nature-based Solutions; Land Degradation; Landscape Restoration; Sustainable Land Management, Ecosystem Services; Monitoring & Evaluation; Governance & Policy; One Health.
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29. Remediation and Enhancement of Degraded Agricultural Soils Through Practical and Innovative Methodologies

Carmen Orts¹˒³, Ángel Marqués-Mateu², María Desamparados Soriano³, Rafael Boluda⁴

¹ Department of Agriculture, Water, Livestock and Fisheries. Generalitat Valenciana. Valencia (Spain). orts_mca@gva.es

² Department of Cartographic Engineering, Geodesy and Photogrammetry, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia (Spain). amarques@cgf.upv.es

³ Department of Plant Production, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia (Spain). asoriano@prv.upv.es⁴

⁴ Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of València. Avda. Vicent Andrés i Estellés 22, 46100 Burjassot, València. rafael.boluda@uv.es

Fertile and nutrient-rich agricultural soils are fundamental for supporting the growth and development of both spontaneous and cultivated plant species. These adventitious plants, which colonize available spaces, can serve as valuable tools for farmers to improve soil quality and stimulate microbial activity, thereby enhancing soil structure and biodiversity. Since the mid-20th century, the widespread use of plant protection products—including pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides—as well as the indiscriminate application of pharmaceuticals, has led to persistent soil contamination. In response, new agricultural management models have emerged in recent decades. These models promote sustainable practices such as cover cropping, vermicomposting, and other bioremediation strategies aimed at revitalizing soil health and the broader agroecosystem. These practices are increasingly supported by advanced monitoring and complementary techniques that leverage geographic information systems (GIS), satellite imagery, drones, sensors, and other innovative tools. This session invites researchers, soil management and monitoring specialists, agronomy students, and farmers to share their field experiences in restoring and improving agricultural soils. The goal is to discuss applied methods and systems, and to offer guidance and inspiration for future initiatives.

Keywords: Bioremediation, biodiversity, agroecosystem, soil monitoring, sustainable soil management
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30. Best Practices for In Situ Remediation Technologies of Contaminated Soils, Waters & Groundwater

Alberto Leombruni, Dr. Eng. ^1
1Technical Business Manager. Europe. Soil & Groundwater Remediation. Active Oxygens. alberto.leombruni@evonik.com

Session Objective: The purpose of this Session is to present the current best field experience for applying remediation technologies to treat common environmental contaminants of concern. The potential audience includes site owners, regulators, engineers and scientists who are interested in learning about fundamentals as well as advanced concepts from academic and industry experts.

Session Overview: This session will focus on lessons learned and the best practices that have evolved from applying technologies such as In Situ Chemical Oxidation (ISCO), Enhanced Reductive Dechlorination (ERD), In Situ Chemical Reduction (ISCR), aerobic and anaerobic bioremediation, biogeochemical reduction (BGCR) technologies, and Nature-based solutions for remediating contaminated Soil, Water or Groundwater. The Session is intended to share lessons learned and best practices for these commonly used in situ remediation techniques. This will be accomplished by focusing on key topics of fundamental science, design considerations, application methods, and using case studies to illustrate how all of these can come together successfully. At least 15 minutes will be allocated for each talk. 

Key words: Nature-based Solutions; Land Degradation; Landscape Restoration; Sustainable Land Management, Ecosystem Services; Monitoring & Evaluation; Governance & Policy; One Health.
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31. Roots, Microbes, and Carbon: Reviving soils from the ground up

Amit Kumar¹, Yakov Kuzyakov², Nataliya Bilyera³

¹Department of Biology, College of Science, UAE University, 15551 Al Ain, UAE. Amit.kumar@uaeu.ac.ae

²Department of Soil Science of Temperate Ecosystems, Department of Agricultural Soil Science, University of Goettingen, Göttingen 37077, Germany. kuzyakov@gwdg.de

³Geo-Biosphere Interactions, Department of Geosciences,  University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tübingen,Germany. nataliya.bilyera@uni-tuebingen.de

Soil degradation is one of the greatest challenges to sustaining ecosystem functioning and carbon balance. The rhizosphere represents a biogeochemical hotspot where roots and microorganisms jointly regulate carbon and nutrient cycling, soil organic matter (SOM) stabilization, and soil health.

By integrating insights from plant ecophysiology, microbial ecology, and biogeochemistry, this session aims to identify pathways through which roots and their microbial partners can be harnessed to regenerate degraded soils and raise long-term carbon resilience. Together, we will discuss how restoring rhizosphere functioning can help rebuild soil health, raise soil fertility, and stabilize carbon—reviving soils from the ground up.

Themes of Interest

• Rhizosphere processes and SOM stabilization
• Root traits and functional diversity for soil restoration
• Microbial carbon use efficiency and SOM dynamics
• Depth-dependent root–microbial interactions and subsoil carbon storage
• Integrating rhizosphere functioning into nature-based land restoration strategies

Call for Participation

We invite both invited and contributory presentations from researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working on sustainable cropping systems. Join us in Valencia, Spain (July 20–25, 2026) at the Land Degradation and Restoration Conference to share knowledge, exchange experiences, and shape the future of sustainable food systems.

Key Words: Rhizosphere; Soil organic matter; Depth gradients; Nature-based solutions; Carbon resilience
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32. Rapid transformation of cold-region landscapes under a warming climate

Marc Oliva¹, Attila Çiner²

¹Department of Geography, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

²Istanbul Technical University, Eurasia Institute of Earth Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye

Recent environmental changes are profoundly transforming cold-region landscapes, where glacier retreat, permafrost degradation, intensified paraglacial dynamics, and increasing human activity are reshaping terrain and slope stability. These processes drive rapid geomorphological adjustments and trigger cascading impacts on hydrology, ecosystems, and infrastructure across high-latitude regions, mountain ranges, and high-altitude plateaus.

This session invites contributions that address the mechanisms, rates, and impacts of land degradation in formerly glaciated or permafrost-affected environments, as well as approaches for restoration and adaptation. We welcome studies based on field monitoring, remote sensing, modelling, and experimental approaches that explore:

• Landscape evolution following glacier and permafrost retreat
• Paraglacial processes and slope instability in mountain environments
• Implications for sediment fluxes, ecosystem responses, and natural hazards
• Strategies for mitigation, restoration, and sustainable management in high-mountain regions

The session aims to bring together researchers working on the geomorphological, ecological, and engineering dimensions of landscape degradation and restoration in cold environments, fostering an integrative perspective on the consequences of a rapidly warming climate.

Key Words: Permafrost degradation, paraglacial dynamics, glacier retreat, slope instability, landscape restoration.
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33. Digital Innovations for LDR: From Smart Watersheds to Immersive Monitoring Systems

Digital Innovations for LDR: From Smart Watersheds to Immersive Monitoring Systems

Aiding Kornejady¹, Roberto Sarro Trigueros², Costantino Pala³, Christian Conoscenti⁴, Alec Arditti⁵

¹ Research Department of Natural Resources, Golestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (GANRRC), AREEO, Gorgan, Iran. a.kornejady@areeo.ac.ir ;  aidin.kornejady@gmail.com

² Department of Geohazards and Climate Change, Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME-CSIC), Ríos Rosas 23, Madrid, 28003, Spain. r.sarro@igme.es

³ Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, Cagliari State University (UNICA), Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, 09042, CA, Italy. costantino.pala@unica.it

⁴ Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 22, Palermo, 90123, Italy. christian.conoscenti@unipa.it

⁵ Watershed Sciences Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA. alec.arditti@usu.edu

Session Overview

Accelerating climate pressures and complex patterns of human activity demand new approaches to understand, monitor, and restore degraded landscapes. Cutting-edge digital technologies, when combined with classical field data and remote sensing, are driving a paradigm shift—from isolated monitoring setups to integrated smart basins, AI-driven diagnostics, and immersive learning environments. This scientific session explores how Digital Twin frameworks, sensor-based IoT monitoring, and AI-assisted simulations can redefine both scientific analysis and public awareness in land degradation and restoration. The session will focus on connecting quantitative hydrological and geomorphic data to machine learning engines, deploying them inside game-engine or virtual-reality environments to strengthen both research and societal engagement. We welcome contributions addressing data fusion, visualization, simulation, and early-warning integration for soil, vegetation, and hydrological resilience across scales. Main topics include:

1. Smart Watersheds and Digital Twin Basins – dynamic simulation and monitoring environments for land degradation, soil erosion, and restoration management, integrating physical and virtual data streams.
2. IoT and Sensor Networks for Early Warning Systems – real-time acquisition of erosion, sediment transport, and hydrological parameters for adaptive restoration.
3. Remote Sensing and Close-Range Photogrammetry – UAV, terrestrial, and satellite data in process quantification and digital terrain modeling.
4. AI and Data-Driven Modeling – deep learning and hybrid analytics for prediction, classification, and morphodynamic interpretation of degraded landscapes.
5. Gamified Environmental Education and Policy Interfaces – immersive visualization and serious games for stakeholder training and citizen participation.
6. Smart Eco‑friendly Materials for Soil Stabilization – nanomaterials and bio‑binders designed to improve soil stability and resilience in an environmentally sustainable way.

Keywords: Digital Twins, Smart Basins, Artificial Intelligence, Erosion and Sedimentation, Remote Sensing, Gamification.
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34. Degradation and Restoration of Grasslands

Yakov Kuzyakov¹, Xingliang Xu²

¹ University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany kuzyakov@gwdg.de

² Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China xuxingl@hotmail.com

Grasslands occupy approximatelly 24 million km² globally and play an important role in sustaining biodiversity, supporting livestock production, and storing huge amounts of carbon (C) (ca. 340 Gt C). However, 20–35% of the world’s grasslands are currently degraded, resulting in declining vegetation cover, reduced soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and diminished soil fertility. Biotic and abiotic drivers of degradation, amplified by human activities such as overgrazing, land-use intensification, and animal trampling¸ severely alter vegetation composition and structure.  These processes accelerate organic matter loss through erosion and decomposition, further deepening ecosystem and soil degradation.

A range of passive and active restoration approaches including fencing, reseeding, replanting, and fertilization, have been implemented wordwide, often enabling vegetation recovery  within decades. However, restoring soil structure, carbon pools, and nutrient cycling typically requires much longer timescales due to the slow rebuilding of soil aggregates and stabilization of organic matter.

Join us in Valencia, Spain, for the 2026 Land Degradation and Restoration conference. This session aims to identify local, regional and global drivers of grassland degradation and the mechanisms underlying carbon, nutrient and structural depletion in soils worldwide. We particularly welcome studies addressing ecological processes governing vegetation and soil degradation and recovery under natural and anthropogenic effects across the full spectrum of global changes. We invite laboratory, microcosm, and field studies from arctic to tropical and high-elevation grasslands as well as modelling and conceptual frameworks that elucidate the drivers and mechanisms of degradation and restoration. Contributions that propose innovative or nature-based solutions and explore the recovery of soil structure, functions, and resilience across scales are especially encouraged.

Key Words: Grassland degradation and restoration, Soil structure and fertility, Ecosystem functions, Soil carbon and nutrients, Nature-based Solutions (NbS), Global change, Ecological resilience
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35. When Nature Flickers: Early Warning Signals and the Path to Riverine and Riparian Restoration and Rehabilitation

Adel Sepehr^1,2

¹Department of Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation (DETSI), Brisbane, Australia

²Australian River Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia

adel.sepehr@detsi.qld.gov.au; a.sepehr@griffith.edu.au

Riverine and riparian ecosystems are vital for biodiversity, water regulation, climate resilience, and cultural values. Yet, they are increasingly destabilised by climate extremes, altered flow regimes, invasive species, and intensifying human pressures. Subtle ecological “flickers” often precede abrupt regime shifts, manifesting as rising variance, critical slowing down, and spatial thresholds. This scientific session examines how early warning signals can be detected, interpreted, and applied to anticipate tipping points in riverine landscapes, thereby guiding timely and effective restoration interventions.

We highlight the multifaceted role of rehabilitation pathways, from assisted natural regeneration and weed management to geomorphic re-design and hydrological connectivity, in stabilising ecosystems and re-establishing resilience. Emphasis is placed on integrating biophysical indicators with socio-ecological dimensions to design adaptive, context-specific solutions. This session illustrates how monitoring frameworks and modular tools can translate early warning science into practice, enabling managers to reduce risks, enhance ecological recovery, and strengthen resilience against climate-driven disturbances.

This session also explores how connectivity concepts in river corridors can be leveraged to restore ecological functions, reduce off-site impacts, and improve water quality. Policy frameworks and decision-support systems that incorporate early warning indicators and ecosystem service assessments are discussed, facilitating the adoption of restoration practices at watershed and regional scales.

Join us at the 2026 global conference on Land Degradation and Restoration, where this session invites contributions that bridge science, policy, and practice. We welcome interdisciplinary research, co-designed approaches with local communities, and quantitative assessments of long-term restoration benefits. By fostering dialogue across sectors, this session aims to strengthen the role of early warning science and riverine restoration and rehabilitation in advancing global sustainability agendas, including the UN SDGs, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, and climate adaptation strategies.

Keywords: Riverine System, Ripirian, Flickering, Critical Slowing Down
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36. Political Ecology and Governance Issues in Land Degradation: Comparative Approaches to Sustainable Restoration from Iran and Beyond

Artemi Cerdà ¹_, Saharnaz Shokoohi Zadegan²_, José Luis Rubio Delgado ³_, Hasan Khosrvai ⁴

¹ Soil Erosion and Degradation Research Group. Department of Geography, Valencia University, Blasco Ibàñez, 28, 46010 Valencia, Spain. artemio.cerda@uv.es

²Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous Regions, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Daneshkadeh Ave, Karaj, Alborz, Iran. Shzsaharnaz@gmail.com

³Department of Soil Degradation and Conservation at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). Camí de la Marjal, s/n. Apartado Oficial. 46470 Albal, Valencia, Spain. jose.l.rubio@uv.es

⁴ Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous Regions, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Daneshkadeh Ave, Karaj, Alborz, Iran. Hakhosravi@ut.ac.ir

Land degradation is a serious issue, often influenced by political and governance factors, particularly in regions where development goals take precedence over environmental sustainability. In Iran, climatic and natural pressures, along with ineffective governance frameworks, fragmented land-use policies, and inherent contradictions in regulations, have exacerbated soil erosion, desertification, and ecological decline. Centralized decision-making, overlapping institutions, and corruption in natural resource management have intensified socio-ecological vulnerabilities and hindered sustainable restoration efforts. This session, grounded in the perspective of political ecology, examines how failures in governance, developmental trajectories, and political agendas interact to influence land degradation processes. It also highlights the crucial role of Scientific Diplomacy in fostering transnational collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy integration aimed at sustainable land restoration. The session utilizes key national case studies, such as the drying of Lake Urmia, land subsidence in central provinces, and persistent water shortages in Khuzestan, to explore the multi-scale governance factors contributing to environmental decline. Additionally, it aims to broaden the analysis by incorporating comparative insights from other arid and semi-arid regions, including North Africa, South Asia, and the Mediterranean. Researchers and practitioners from various countries are encouraged to share innovative policies, institutional reforms, and community-based governance models that have effectively contributed to alleviating degradation and promoting land restoration. Through interdisciplinary and regional dialogue, the session seeks to identify adaptive, transparent, and inclusive governance strategies that integrate political accountability with sustainable land management. Addressing land degradation necessitates a shift in governance perspectives—one that connects ecological resilience with developmental justice.

Key Words: Comparative Governance, Desertification, Iran, Land Degradation, Political Ecology, Scientific Diplomacy
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37. Land Degradation in Shifting Cultivation Landscapes: Integrating Indigenous Knowledge for a Sustainable Future in the Global South

Artemi Cerdà ¹_, Saharnaz Shokoohi Zadegan²_, José Luis Rubio Delgado ³_, Hasan Khosrvai ⁴

Gaurav Mishra¹, Krishna Giri¹, Dong‐Gill Kim², Rosa Francaviglia³

1 Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun, India gaurav.mishra215@gmail.com, krishna.goswami87@gmail.com

2 Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, PO Box 128, Shashemene, Ethiopia donggillkim@gmail.com

3 Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Rome, Italy r.francaviglia@gmail.com

Shifting cultivation practices, deeply rooted in the cultural and ecological contexts of communities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, have been at the centre of discussions on land degradation and sustainable management. Although traditionally considered a factor contributing to soil nutrient depletion and environmental damage, recent interdisciplinary research indicates that the effects of land degradation in these areas are influenced by variables such as fallow management, demographic changes, regulatory frameworks, land tenure systems, and the loss of Indigenous knowledge.

This session will examine land degradation in the shifting cultivation regions of the Global South, highlighting the role of Indigenous ecological knowledge, community-driven stewardship, and innovative governance in promoting environmental health and resilience.

Keywords: Socio-ecological landscapes, land degradation, Indigenous knowledge, Global South, LDN.
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38. Remote Sensing and Machine Learning Applications for Land Degradation and Restoration

Mahdis Amiri¹, Jonathan Li²

¹    Independent Researcher in Geohazards and Remote Sensing, Iran, mahdisamiri94@gmail.com

² Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada junli@uwaterloo.ca

This session aims to explore innovative applications of Remote Sensing, Google Earth Engine (GEE), and Machine Learning (ML) in assessing and monitoring land degradation processes and restoration dynamics. With the rapid increase in the availability of Earth observation data, the integration of cloud-based platforms and artificial intelligence has opened new perspectives for large-scale, near-real-time environmental analysis.

The session welcomes contributions that focus on:

– Mapping and quantifying land degradation using multisource satellite data (e.g., Landsat, Sentinel, MODIS)

– GEE-based frameworks for land cover change detection, vegetation monitoring, and soil quality assessment

– Machine learning and deep learning models for predicting erosion risk, desertification trends, and restoration potential

– Integrating biophysical indicators and socio-environmental datasets for sustainable land management

– Comparative studies and case applications across arid, semi-arid, and humid regions.

Relevance and Goals:

This session will bring together researchers and practitioners from different regions to share methodologies, datasets, and results that advance our understanding of land degradation monitoring. The main goal is to promote the use of open-access data, reproducible workflows, and AI-driven tools for decision support in land restoration.

Expected Participants and Researchers:

The session will be co-organized with international experts working on remote sensing, land degradation modeling, and restoration monitoring from various countries. We anticipate contributions from both academia and applied research institutions.

Key words: Remote Sensing; Google Earth Engine; Machine Learning; Land Degradation; Restoration; Soil Erosion; Desertification; Sustainable Land Management.
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39. Nature-based and Green-Technological Solutions for Soil Health Management under Abiotic Stresses in the Climate-Change Era

Karen Ghazaryan¹; Abhishek Singh¹

¹Faculty of Biology, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia, kghazaryan@ysu.am; sinxabishik@ysu.am

In the era of climate change, soils in agricultural and natural ecosystems are increasingly challenged by abiotic stresses including salinity, drought, temperature extremes, and heavy-metal toxicity that negatively impact soil fertility and nutrient status. This session is dedicated to exploring nature-based and green-technological solutions for maintaining and restore soil health in these challenging conditions.

This session will be a forum for promoting discussion between soil scientists, ecologists, agronomists, environmental biotechnologist as well as policy makers like how scaling up of sustainable nature-based solutions and green technological tools-based approaches that contribute to the enhanced health of soils, increased resistance against abiotic stress under climate change era. For example,

• How do soil physico-chemical and biological properties evolve over time in response to Nature-based Solutions (NbS) such as biochar, compost, and microbial consortia under abiotic stress conditions (salinity, drought, heat and heavy metal toxicity)?
• How can NbS and green technological innovations (biogenic nanoparticles, nano-biofertilizers, and sensor-based systems) be effectively integrated into a experimental frameworks to predict soil health dynamics and restoration efficiency?
• What are the most reliable indicators or parameters such as enzymatic activity, microbial diversity, and nutrient-use efficiency for assessing the effectiveness of NbS-based soil restoration practices?
• How can precision farming tools and remote sensing technologies be utilized to detect early signs of soil degradation and guide adaptive soil and crop management strategies?
• How can data-driven approaches, including artificial intelligence and decision-support systems, improve the prediction, mapping, and mitigation of abiotic stress impacts on soils and crops?
• How does the long-term implementation of NbS and sustainable green technologies influence soil resilience, ecosystem stability, and nutrient cycling in the context of climate change?

This session is based on the following themes:

• Theme 1: Nature-Based Solutions for Soil Health Restoration

 Utilization of Nature based solution (NbS) (biochar and organic amendments like compost, vermicompost and biofertilizers) to improve and restoration of soil structure, microbial activity and nutrient cycling.

• Theme 2: Integration of Nature-Based Solutions and Green Technological Innovations

The use of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) alongside green technologies, including biogenic nanoparticles, nano-biofertilizers, bio-stimulants, and microbial consortia, is being integrated with sensor-based soil monitoring systems. These combined strategies are intended to improve the resilience of soil and plants against abiotic stresses like salinity, drought, heat, and heavy metal exposure. They are essential in supporting the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 2, 6, 13, and 15.

• Theme 3: Advanced Monitoring, Decision-Support, and Precision Farming Tools for Soil and Crop Stress Management

Implementation of advanced monitoring and decision-support technologies, including remote sensing, real-time sensor networks, and modelling platforms for optimal management decisions, increasing soil resilience or reducing the damage occur by abiotic stresses in agricultural systems.

Keywords: Nature-based solutions, Soil health, Abiotic stress, Green technological tool, Biogenic nanoparticles, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), One-Health.

This session promotes Nature-based and green technological approaches for restoring degraded soils and improving resilience to climate-induced stresses.
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40. Understanding Peatlands and the Global Cost of Their Degradation

Iryna Raiskaya¹, Gerald Jurasinski¹

¹ University of Greifswald, Soldmannstraße 15, 17489 Greifswald, Germany.

iryna.raiskaya@uni-greifswald.de; gerald.jurasinski@uni-greifswald.de

Peatlands cover about 3% of the Earth’s land surface, yet they store nearly one-third of all global carbon. Despite their importance for climate, biodiversity, and water storage and regulation, peatlands are often overlooked in land degradation discussions, which usually focuses on mineral soils. This session aims to close this awareness gap by introducing conference participants to the unique properties, vulnerabilities, and global implications of peatlands degradation.

Organic soils are fundamentally different from mineral soils in their composition, hydrology, and stability. They form under waterlogged, oxygen-poor conditions and accumulate extremely slowly. However, once they are drained or disturbed, they degrade rapidly.

The main drivers of peatland degradation worldwide include drainage for agriculture and forestry, peat extraction, infrastructure development, overgrazing, water diversion, pollution, and broader land-use change. In many regions, climate-related drought and increasingly severe wildfires further accelerate degradation. Together, these impacts set off a series of degradation processes—such as oxidation of peat, subsidence, nutrient loss, erosion, and fires—that leads to substantial GHG emissions and causes irreversible soil loss.

This session will combine scientific findings with interactive discussion format to help participants build a clear understanding of how peat degradation works, why it drives climate change, and why it should be recognized as a core global land degradation issue.

Format:

1. Opening & Framing

Introduction to the session and an overview of why peatland degradation matters globally.

• Short talks
• What makes peat soils unique
• How peat soils degrade and why it happens so fast
• Global consequences of losing peatlands
• Interactive Group Activity

Comparative problem mapping: participants contrast peat and mineral soil degradation processes and explore why the differences matter.

• Results & Discussion

Presentation of group findings, discussions, and session wrap-up.

Keywords: Peatlands, Soil Degradation, Organic Soils, Drainage, GHG Emissions, Land-Use Change.ure-based and green technological approaches for restoring degraded soils and improving resilience to climate-induced stresses.
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41. Smart-based monitoring and assessment of land degradation in Iran

Ataollah Kavian¹, Mahin Kalehhouei²

¹ Department of Watershed Management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agricultural Sciences and

Natural Resources University (SANRU), Sari 68984, Iran. a.kavian@sanru.ac.ir

² Former Ph.D. Student, Department of Watershed Management Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, Tarbiat Modares Resources University, Noor 46417-76489, Iran. At Present: Post-Doctorate Fellow, State Key Laboratory of Water Engineering Ecology and Environment in Arid Area, Xi’an University of Technology, China. kalehhouei@xaut.edu.cn

Land degradation (LD) changes the natural functions of the land, which will have a significant impact on the ecosystem. In other words, LD includes changes in soil, water, and vegetation and can lead to a decrease in environmental quality and the destruction of natural resources. For example, soil erosion, which is the result of LD, can reduce soil fertility and productivity by removing nutrient layers of the soil, thereby jeopardizing the food security of stakeholders. Today, LD is increasing due to population growth and increasing demand for basic necessities. Other human activities, including agriculture, construction, deforestation, pollution, excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, over-cultivation, and lack of sustainable agricultural principles, are driving this phenomenon. The consequences of this phenomenon include a decrease in biodiversity, climate change, and the emergence of social and economic problems, such as population migration and increased poverty.

In Iran, the process of LD is increasing for various reasons, including frequent droughts, mismanagement of natural resources, and unbalanced development. In this regard, LD indicators play a major role in assessing the state of the environment and natural resources. Land-use change, soil carbon changes, and net primary production are some of the indicators for assessing LD. Ecosystems and biodiversity are significantly affected by the conversion of natural land to agricultural, urban or industrial land. In Iran’s watersheds, land-use change is occurring at a rapid rate, and these changes have directly affected soil carbon and net primary production.

To control and moderate the rate of LD, it is necessary to adopt scientific and innovative solutions. Continuous monitoring and assessment of the condition of the land is one way to combat this phenomenon. Accurate and structured monitoring can help quickly identify sensitive and damaged areas, as well as assess the health of soil and vegetation. Meanwhile, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), as data collection tools, can provide accurate and rapid information about the condition of agricultural lands, forests, vegetation, and environmental changes. This technology can provide high-resolution aerial images of even remote areas, helping researchers and farmers identify damaged areas, assess soil health, and monitor climate change. The data can also be analyzed to develop more efficient natural resource management plans. The use of artificial intelligence is another important solution for monitoring and assessing LD. Artificial intelligence algorithms can play an influential role by analyzing big data and identifying complex patterns in climate change and its impacts on land. For example, using machine learning, it is possible to make accurate predictions about changes in the intensity, duration, and frequency of natural phenomena such as droughts or floods. This information can help managers and planners at various scales from the watershed to the macro level to make critical decisions about watershed management. Smart watershed management is another innovative approach to ecosystem and watershed management that can help improve the efficiency and sustainability of these areas. The process of smart watersheds involves the use of advanced technologies, big data, and artificial intelligence analytics to monitor, manage, and optimize water and soil resources. Overall, the combination of these technologies and scientific approaches can help control and reduce LD in Iran, leading to the preservation of natural resources and improvement of environmental quality. Likewise, the importance of monitoring and evaluation as a key tool in sustainable management of natural resources and combating LD cannot be ignored.

Key Words: Advanced Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Land degradation, Machine Learning, Smart Watershed Management.

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42. Integrating High-Resolution Remote Sensing data into Soil Loss Models for Multi-Scale Landscape Analysis

Antonio Minervino Amodio¹, Dario Gioia¹, Giuseppe Corrado², Artemi Cerdà³

¹ Institute of Heritage Science, National Research Council (ISPC-CNR), Area della Ricerca, C.da S. Loja, Tito,85050 Potenza, Italy; dario.gioia@cnr.it (D.G.); antonio.minervinoamodio@cnr.it (A.M.A.)

² University of Basilicata, Department for Humanistic, Scientific and Social Innovation (DIUSS), Matera, Italy; giuseppe.corrado@unibas.it

³ Soil Erosion and Degradation Research Group. Department of Geography, Valencia University, Blasco Ibàñez, 28, 46010 Valencia, Spain. artemio.cerda@uv.es

Soil erosion represents a critical hydro-geological hazard and a primary driver of global land degradation. As climate change and anthropogenic pressures intensify, the need for advanced predictive modeling has become essential. While traditional estimation methods (such as erosion plots and sediment traps) remain foundational, the focus is shifting toward integrating these approaches with high-resolution datasets to support increasingly complex geomorphological models. This session aims to consolidate interdisciplinary research centered on the quantification and numerical modeling of soil loss and short-term erosion processes. We are particularly interested in how innovative remote sensing and UAV-derived data can be used to parameterize and validate models across diverse landscapes—from evolving slopes to rill and gully networks.

A core objective of this session is to highlight the evolution of landscape evolution modeling. We welcome research that demonstrates the advancement from empirical equations, such as the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), to dynamic, process-based simulations that capture the physics of sediment transport and topographic change at high spatial and temporal scales.

We invite contributions that utilize innovative modeling approaches to:

• Model Spatial Distribution & Rates: Utilizing multi-temporal analysis and remote sensing to drive models that estimate geomorphic processes across natural environments;
• Reconstruct Surface Dynamics: Integrating UAV and TLS (Terrestrial Laser Scanning) platforms to create high-fidelity digital elevation models (DEMs) for 4D landscape evolution modeling.
• Evaluate Model Performance: Applying and comparing empirical or physical models—including USLE, RUSLE, USPED, SIMWE, and WEPP—to investigate complex landscape dynamics and sediment yield.
• Extract Anthropogenic Parameters: Developing modeling workflows to quantify the impact of human activities (e.g., intensive agriculture, recreational trail use) on soil stability.
• Predictive Safeguarding: Using erosion models to assess and mitigate the risk of instability in archaeological and historical sites, ensuring their long-term preservation.

Key Words: Landscape Evolution Modeling; Multi-temporal Analysis; Geomorphological Processes; Land Degradation; Soil Erosion; High-resolution Datasets

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43. From waste to solution: Hydrochar and Biochar for the Restoration of Degraded Soils

Rubén Forján¹, Alvaro Amado², Lorena Salgado³, Leticia Merchán¹, Verónica Asensio⁴, Antonio M. Graña⁵

¹ Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Area of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry. University of Salamanca. Av. de Filiberto Villalobos, 119, 37007 Salamanca, Spain. forjanruben@usal.es, leticiamerchan@usal.es

² Institute of Carbon Science and Technology. INCAR-CSIC. C. Francisco Pintado Fe, 26, 33011 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain alvaro.af@incar.csic.es

³ Environmental Biogeochemistry & Raw Materials Group, and Institute of Natural Resources and Territorial Planning (INDUROT), University of Oviedo, Mieres, Spain salgadolorena@uniovi.es

⁴Department of Plant Biology and Soil Science, Faculty of Biology, University of Vigo, As Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain. verosaf@uvigo.es

⁵ Department of Geology – Geodynamics Area – Faculty of Sciences. University of Salamanca. Plaza de los Caídos s/n, 37008 Salamanca, Spain amgranna@usal.es

Within the global environmental and resource-management context, three closely interrelated challenges currently prevail: the degradation of soils, the massive generation of waste, and the rise in greenhouse gas emissions. At the European Union level, several initiatives, such as Nature-Based Solutions and Zero Waste strategies, have been launched to address these problems. One promising approach that can contribute to mitigating them is the production and application of biochar and hydrochar as soil amendments. Firstly, these materials are produced from a wide range of organic residues, preventing them from ending up in landfills or in uncontrolled disposal. At present, amendments are being developed that combine biochar and hydrochar with other technologies, such as nanotechnology, through the design of composite materials. Secondly, when applied as amendments, biochar and hydrochar can improve or restore degraded soils by enhancing soil structure, water retention, nutrient cycling and biological activity. These techniques can be applied to agricultural soils, vineyards, post-mining soils and brownfields, among others. Thirdly, they contribute to the stabilisation and long-term sequestration of the carbon contained in the original biomass feedstocks, thereby enhancing the capacity of remediated and improving soils to shift from being net CO₂ sources towards functioning as effective CO₂ sinks. This scientific session welcomes experimental studies at both laboratory and field scale, as well as contributions on the design of new biochars, hydrochars and composite materials aimed at improving or restoring degraded soils.

Key Words: biochar, hydrochar, soil, metal, carbon sequestration, mining, agricultural soil, brownfield soil.

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44. Understory Vegetation Effects on Soil and Water Conservation

Jiaqing Liu¹, Wenjie Liu²

¹ College of Ecology and Environment, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, Xinjiang, China. liujiaqing@xju.edu.cn

² CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, China. lwj@xtbg.org.cn

Soil and water conservation is one of the major functions of forest vegetation, including reducing the splash erosion of rainfall, weakening runoff and sediment erosion, and improving soil structure. Although the overstory canopy intercepts the amount of rainfall that reaches the ground, it significantly increases the size diversity of raindrops. In the case of a high overstory-canopy forest with less understory vegetation and litter layer, these large raindrops (i.e., throughfall) would have a substantial impact on the soil surface, resulting in soil erosion. Therefore, understory vegetation is essential in forest ecosystems as a protective barrier against soil erosion. A full assessment of different understory vegetation management practices is needed in diverse forest systems to achieve soil and water conservation, especially for tree plantations. An optimal management practice should be proposed to contribute to the sustainable development goals of human beings. This session welcomes pure and applied scientific research to discuss the effect of different understory vegetation on soil and water conservation. Experimental and theoretical research with site demonstration and literature review are welcome. Soil erosion measurements, estimations, models, and case study sites will be shown in this scientific session in Valencia within the Land Degradation and Restoration, Spain, in 2026.

Keywords: understory vegetation, throughfall, runoff, soil erosion, plantation forests

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45. Land Degradation in Central European Countries: Challenges and Solutions

Bořivoj Šarapatka¹, Peter Strauss²

¹Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic, borivoj.sarapatka@upol.cz

²Federal Agency for Water Management, Institute for Land and Water Management Research, Petzenkirchen,  Austria, peter.strauss@baw.at

“in cooperation with national soil science societies of Central European countries”

In the Central European space, as in other parts of the world, soil represents one of the most endangered natural resources. However, in Central Europe – probably more than in other regions of Europe – the environmental conditions  clash with the turbulent historical development of landscape management. Currently, the dominant types of degradation include primarily water and wind erosion, soil compaction, loss of organic matter, contamination, and acidification, resulting in reduced landscape retention capacity and a decline in biodiversity.

A key theme of this section is the comparison of the influence of different socio-economic and political conditions on agricultural management in the post-war period since the 1950s. Central Europe offers a unique “laboratory” where the consequences of different developmental trajectories can be compared within a relatively small territory. On one side stand the countries of the so-called former Eastern Bloc, where massive collectivization took place involving the creation of large enterprises controlled by the state or cooperatives. This led to extensive land consolidation, the removal of landscape features, and the deployment of heavy machinery, which accelerated erosion and other degradation processes as well as landscape vulnerability. On the other side stand countries or regions where the model of smaller private farms and family farming was preserved. Although production intensification occurred here as well, the preservation of a finer mosaic of land tenure often contributed to better protection against soil and land degradation.

Within this section, we welcome contributions dealing primarily with:

• The quantification of the current extent of erosion and other degradation processes in the context of historical changes in landscape structure.
• Comparative studies of the impacts of large-scale farming versus fragmented ownership on soil quality.
• The influence of the EU Common Agricultural Policy on remedying or deepening these historical burdens.
• Trends in the development of landscape management systems in individual regions about soil degradation processes.
• Modern management practices and agrotechnical procedures for the revitalization of degraded soils in Central European conditions and other similar climatic and soil areas.

The goal is to open a discussion on how to cope with the divergent developments under these different conditions and to outline trends in sustainable soil management also considering climate instability and demands for fulfilling both the production and non-production functions of the soil.

Key Words: Land Degradation, Central Europe, Historical Development, Natural Conditions, Problems, Challenges, Solutions

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46. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Innovations for Food Security and Climate Resilience

Hafiz Mohkum Hammad^1*, Farhat Abbas^2*, Wajid Farhad³ and Artemi Cerdà^5*

¹Department of Agronomy, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan-61000, Pakistan. hafiz.mohkum@mnsuam.edu.pk 

²College of Engineering and Technology, University of Doha for Science and Technology, Doha, P.O. Box 24449, Qatar. farhat.abbas@udst.edu.qa

³Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, Uthal, 90150, Pakistan. ajidfarhad@gmail.com

 ⁴Soil Erosion and Degradation Research Group. Departament de Geografia, Universitat de València, Blasco Ibàñez, 28, 46010 Valencia, Spain. artemio.cerda@uv.es

This session highlights the critical role of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) and crop growth modeling in strengthening food security and supporting climate resilience in agricultural productions. It presents an in-depth review of recent literature that integrate CSA concepts to enhance agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability under changing climate conditions.

The session will also explore policy frameworks and decision-support tools, including crop models, that are widely used to assess food security and climate mitigation pathways. Crop modeling tools help analyze genotype × environment × management (G×E×M) interactions, optimize resource use, and inform scenario-based planning for future climate risks. Integrating such models within CSA frameworks enable researchers and policymakers to design evidence-based strategies that promote climate resilience and sustainable agricultural development. The transformative potential of crop models and CSA innovations in guiding informed decisions for climate adaptation and mitigation being adopted across the globe will be introduced.

We warmly invite you to join us in Valencia, Spain, at the 2026 Land Degradation and Restoration Conference. This session welcomes contributions that bridge the science policy practice divide, demonstrate co-design approaches with local communities, and quantify the long-term benefits of CSA for food security and climate mitigation particularly in vulnerable farming systems.

Key Words: Carbon Sequestration; Crop Growth Modeling; Global Challenges; Green House Gases.

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47. Advanced Technologies for Soil Erosion and Land Degradation Mapping

Ben Jarihani^1,2, Bakhtiyor Pulatov², Federica Fiorucci³, Roy Sidle⁴, Abdulkhakim Salokhiddinov⁵, Vasila Sulaymonova⁶

¹James Cook University, Townsville, Australia. ben.jarihani@jcu.edu.au

²Department of Ecology and Sustainable Development, Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies, Tashkent Uzbekistan, rector@caguniversity.uz

³ National Council of Research, Institute for Hydrogeological Research (CNR-IRPI), Perugia, Italy. federica.fiorucci@cnr.it

⁴Mountain Societies Research Institute, University of Central Asia, Khorog 736000, Tajikistan. roy.sidle@ucentralasia.org

⁵Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers(TIIAME), National Research University, Tashkent Uzbekistan pepiwm@gmail.com

⁶EnviroVision Consulting Company, Bishkek Kyrqyzstan, envirovision.ca@gmail.com

Session Description

This session will focus on recent advancements in geospatial science and their application to soil erosion and land degradation assessment and monitoring. The increasing availability of high-resolution remotely sensed data—such as optical and radar satellite imagery, satellite-derived digital elevation models (DEMs), UAV/drone imagery, LiDAR, and emerging “big-data” analytics—has revolutionised our ability to map and understand land degradation processes at multiple scales.

We invite contributions that demonstrate the use of cutting-edge technologies and methods for:

• Mapping soil erosion and land degradation using remote sensing and GIS.
• High-resolution change detection through drones and LiDAR.
• Historical changes using stereoscopic historical aerial photographs
• Integration of machine learning and AI for predictive modelling of erosion risk.
• Ground-based and subsurface techniques (e.g., ground-penetrating radar) for validating remote observations.
• Big-data approaches for analysing long-term trends and drivers of land degradation.

The session will explore how these technologies can:

• Improve monitoring and early warning systems.
• Support restoration planning and sustainable land management.
• Enhance understanding of erosion dynamics under climate change and human pressures.

We encourage an open-data, open-methods approach to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. Contributions highlighting interdisciplinary approaches, case studies from diverse landscapes, and participation from scientists at all career stages are welcome.e.

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48. Ecosystem Restoration for Climate Change Mitigation: Processes, Practices, and Co-Benefits

Organizers: Daniel Morant^1,2, Luis Roca ², Oscar Andreu ², Antonio Camacho ¹

¹Department of Plant Biology, Universitat de València, Spain. Daniel.Morant@uv.es; Antonio.Camacho@uv.es

²Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Universitat de València, Spain. Luis.Roca@uv.es; Oscar.Andreu@uv.es

Ecosystem degradation is both a driver and a consequence of climate change, undermining the capacity of natural systems to regulate greenhouse gas fluxes, buffer climate extremes, and sustain human well-being. Ecosystem restoration has emerged as a key nature-based solution for climate change mitigation, with growing evidence that the recovery of soils, vegetation, and ecological processes can significantly enhance carbon sequestration, reduce emissions, and increase ecosystem resilience. Across terrestrial and aquatic systems, restoration interventions influence carbon storage and nutrient cycling at multiple spatial and temporal scales.

Soils and sediments play a central role in these processes, acting as major carbon reservoirs and regulators of biogeochemical cycles. Degradation through land-use change, erosion, contamination, and altered hydrology has reduced the climate-mitigation potential of many ecosystems, often turning them into net sources of greenhouse gases. Restoration strategies such as revegetation, soil regeneration, hydrological recover, agroecological practices, or other assisted natural recovery aim to reverse these trends and retrieve ecosystem structure and function. However, the effectiveness of restoration for climate mitigation depends on ecosystem type, management history, climate context, and the integration of ecological, biophysical, and socio-economic dimensions.

This session focuses on ecosystem restoration as a scientifically robust and policy-relevant pathway for climate change mitigation. It aims to bring together researchers and practitioners working across disciplines to share advances in understanding restoration-driven carbon dynamics, greenhouse gas balances, and co-benefits such as biodiversity recovery, land degradation neutrality, and climate adaptation. We welcome contributions presenting restoration outcomes under current and future climate scenarios. By fostering cross-ecosystem and cross-disciplinary dialogue, this session seeks to strengthen the evidence base for restoration strategies that deliver meaningful and durable climate-mitigation benefits.

Key Words: Ecosystem restoration, climate change mitigation, carbon sequestration, soils, nature-based solutions, greenhouse gas balance, ecosystem services.

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49. Integrating Aromatic and Medicinal Plants into Land Degradation Neutrality Strategies: Evidence from Mediterranean and North African Restoration Programs

Kamel Msaada¹, Soumaya Bourgou¹

¹ Laboratory of Aromatic and Medicinal Plant, Biotechnology Center in Borj Cedria Technopole, BP. 901, Hammam-Lif, 2050, Tunisia; msaada.kamel@gmail.com; soumaya.bourgou@cbbc.rnrt.tn

Land degradation affects over 25 % of terrestrial ecosystems worldwide, with Mediterranean drylands being among the most vulnerable regions. Native aromatic and medicinal plants (AMPs) such as Rosmarinus officinalis, Thymus spp., Lavandula spp., Salvia spp., and Sideritis spp. possess remarkable eco-physiological traits deep root systems, drought tolerance, allelopathic facilitation, and high essential oil-driven soil microbial stimulation—that make them ideal candidates for ecological restoration while simultaneously delivering socio-economic benefits. This contribution demonstrates, through field evidence from Spain (Comunidad Valenciana, Murcia, Castilla-La Mancha), Morocco, Tunisia, and Jordan, that strategic reintroduction of locally adapted AMPs rapidly enhances vegetation cover, root biomass, soil organic carbon, aggregate stability, and microbial diversity in degraded matorral and steppe ecosystems. Restoration trials show 30–70 % reduction in soil erosion and up to threefold increases in plant diversity within 3–5 years compared to conventional techniques. Beyond ecological outcomes, AMP-based restoration generates sustainable rural livelihoods through essential oils, herbal products, and agritourism, significantly improving social acceptability and long-term maintenance of restored sites. We argue that systematic integration of autochthonous AMPs into Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) commitments and large-scale restoration initiatives (e.g., UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, European Green Deal) offers a cost-effective, multifunctional strategy aligned with SDG 15.3. Practical guidelines for species selection, propagation of local ecotypes, plantation design, and monitoring protocols are provided to facilitate operational uptake by policymakers and restoration practitioners. 

Keywords: Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Land Degradation Neutrality, Ecosystem Restoration, Nature-based Solutions, Mediterranean Drylands, Soil Rehabilitation

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50. Degradation and Restoration of Agricultural Watersheds

Roey Egozi^1,3, Yanay Farja² , Patrick Chavel ^1,3

¹Soil Erosion Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security, Israel (roey@volcani.agri.gov.il)

²Tel-Hai College, Israel (yanay@telhai.ac.il)

³Model Farm for Sustainable Agriculture, Agriculture Research Organization, Volcani, Israel (patrickc@volcani.agri.gov.il)

Human activities are severely impacting river ecosystems, causing biodiversity loss and ecological harm. These damaged ecosystems further diminish biodiversity and weaken climate resilience, especially in agricultural stream watersheds that are highly vulnerable to intensive farming practices such as agrochemical use, water extraction for irrigation, and habitat modifications to reduce flood risk and expand farmland. Human changes in agricultural streams often lead to channelization, altered flow patterns, increased sediment buildup, loss of riparian vegetation, decreased ecological functions, and reduced climate resilience. This global problem frequently results in conflicts among stakeholders, including farmers, conservation groups, government and regulatory agencies, and the public. However, examining the geographic characteristics of agricultural catchments—including physical, cultural, and socio-economic factors—may show that many of these conflicts are unfounded and can be resolved.

We invite interdisciplinary papers focused on agricultural stream catchments that address issues or solutions related to integrated watershed management. Topics include soil erosion, non-point source pollution, flood control, ecological restoration, community resilience to climate change, economic valuation, and regenerative agriculture practices. We especially want to highlight how Earth’s surface processes are influenced by human activity and the level of stakeholder engagement in the proposed or implemented solutions.

     Key Words: Watershed, land degradation, land restoration, Agriculture

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51. Soil Microbiome Diversity, Networks, and Functions in Degraded and Restored Lands: A One Health Approach

Lyudmyla Symochko¹ and Ioannis Anastopoulos²

¹ University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. lyudmilassem@gmail.com

² University of Ioannina, Arta, Greece. ianastopoulos@uoi.gr

Soil degradation profoundly alters soil microbiome diversity, structure, and functioning, with cascading consequences for ecosystem resilience, food security, climate regulation, and human and animal health. This section proposes an integrative exploration of soil microbiome diversity, interaction networks, and functional potential in degraded and restored lands, framed explicitly within the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of environmental, plant, animal, and human health.

We invite contributions that examine how land degradation processes such as erosion, salinization, contamination, deforestation, and intensive agriculture reshape soil microbial communities and disrupt microbial interaction networks. The section aims to bridge molecular, ecological, and systems-level perspectives, including high-throughput sequencing, network analysis, functional profiling, and field-based assessments. Special attention will be given to links between soil microbiomes and aboveground biodiversity, crop and livestock health, pathogen dynamics and zoonotic disease risk, and human well-being. 

The section contributes to the development of One Health approach for the integrated understanding and management of land degradation and restoration processes. By integrating microbiome ecology with land degradation and restoration research, this section seeks to identify microbial indicators of soil health, reveal mechanisms underpinning successful restoration, and inform nature-based solutions and policy frameworks.

The session will foster interdisciplinary discussion among soil scientists, ecologists, microbiologists, restoration practitioners, and health researchers, contributing to sustainable land management and resilient socio-ecological systems.

Keywords: Soil microbiome; microbial diversity; soil functions; land degradation; ecological restoration; One Health; ecosystem resilience.

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52. A Multi-Pillar, Multi-Stakeholder Framework for Soil Restoration: Bridging On-Ground Action, Policy, and Public Awareness

Rico Rau¹

¹Conscious Planet (Save Soil Movement); praveena.sridhar@consciousplanet.org; rico.rau@consciousplanet.org

Soil degradation is a complex global challenge requiring coordinated action across all sectors. This session will present a Multi-Pillar, Multi-Stakeholder Framework for achieving successful, scalable, and sustainable soil restoration (SSR). The framework posits that SSR success hinges on the synergistic application of three critical pillars: 1) On-Ground Implementation (e.g., regenerative agriculture); 2) Policy and Governance Support (e.g., legal frameworks and financial incentives); and 3) Mass Awareness and Education (e.g., media engagements) which can be achieved on a large scale only by the collaboration of diverse stakeholders—including Scientists, NGOs/CSOs, IGOs, Governments, Farmers, and Finance Institutions. To demonstrate the framework in action, the session will feature 2 case studies (e.g. the recently passed IUCN resolution ‘007’ on soil security or the Cauvery Calling project in south india) which showcase successful collaboration between multiple stakeholders with the final objective of large scale on-ground implementation measures which protect and restore degradad soil for future generations. The session aims to foster a shared understanding of effective multi-stakeholder collaboration, moving beyond siloed approaches to generate replicable models for soil restoration at regional, national and global scales. Effective soil restoration requires overcoming not just scientific and technical barriers, but also institutional, political, and social inertia. A comprehensive framework that coordinates all stakeholders and all scales of action is essential for achieving the necessary speed and scale of restoration.

Key Words: Soil Health, Stakeholders, Farmers, Agricultural Policy

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53. Biotechnological Innovations for Restoring Degraded Landscapes

Komal Rani¹, Neelu Singh¹ Harish Singh Ginwal² Amit Pandey³

¹ICFRE- Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, 482021 India. krani@icfre.org, neelu.singh@gov.in

²Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248006, India. ginwalhs@icfre.org

³ICFRE- Institute of Forest Productivity, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 835207, India.  pandeya@icfre.org

Land degradation involves complex, interacting biological, chemical, and physical constraints that often limit the success of conventional restoration efforts. Recent advancements in biotechnology, including microbial biotechnology, bioinoculants and biofertilizers, and plant tissue culture, present promising avenues to overcome many of these constraints by providing science-driven, scalable tools for ecological restoration.

This session brings together research that integrates biotechnological innovations with restoration ecology and sustainable land management. We invite contributions that explore the use of plant tissue culture and propagation for producing high-quality restoration planting material, microbial biotechnology approaches (e.g., plant growth-promoting microbes, mycorrhizal inoculants) to enhance soil health and nutrient cycling, molecular tools for assessing species suitability and genetic diversity, and bio-based inputs that improve plant establishment under degraded soil conditions. Additionally, the session welcomes studies addressing the ethical, ecological, and governance implications of applying biotechnology in restoration scenarios.

By fostering dialogue between biotechnologists, soil scientists, and ecologists, this session aims to identify how biotechnological tools can be integrated with nature-based solutions to improve restoration outcomes across forest lands, grasslands, mined landscapes, and other degraded ecosystems.

Key Words: Biotechnology, PGPRs, Ecological Restoration, Soil Health, Microbial Inoculants, Plant Tissue Culture, Degraded Landscapes, Nature-Based Solutions

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54. From Soil to Plant: Biochar and Biostimulants in Climate-Resilient Agroecosystems

Ilva Licaj¹ and Mariapina Rocco¹

¹Department of Science and Technology (DST), University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, BN, Italy. ilva.licaj@unisannio.it, rocco@unisannio.it

 Soil and water are foundational resources for agricultural productivity, ecosystem functioning, and climate change mitigation, yet they are increasingly threatened by land degradation, water scarcity, and intensifying climate extremes. The combined impacts of prolonged droughts, declining soil organic carbon, and reduced water-use efficiency pose serious challenges to sustainable food production, particularly in Mediterranean and semi-arid environments. Innovative soil amendments and plant-based biostimulants are emerging as key tools to restore soil functions, improve water retention, and enhance crop resilience under climate stress.

This scientific session focuses on the role of biochar and plant-derived aqueous solutions of bioactive molecules as integrated strategies for soil restoration and climate-smart agriculture. Emphasis is placed on the production and characterization of locally sourced biochar, its interaction with soil physical, chemical, and biological properties, and its capacity to improve nutrient availability, carbon sequestration, and water-holding capacity. In parallel, the session explores the use of  the aqueous solution of bioactive molecules known as an enhancer of plant and root system defenses in organic farming.

We highlight multidisciplinary approaches that combine soil science, plant physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and eco-physiology to understand soil–plant–water interactions across scales. Case studies will demonstrate how biochar and bioactive extracts influence crop performance, soil biodiversity and ecosystem services in laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions. Particular attention is given to drought stress mitigation, oxidative stress regulation, hormonal signaling, and root–leaf anatomical plasticity as key mechanisms underlying improved resilience.

Join us in Valencia, Spain, for the 2026 Land Degradation and Restoration conference. This session invites contributions that bridge fundamental research and applied solutions, promote the use of local biomass resources within circular economy frameworks, and quantify the long-term agronomic and environmental benefits of biochar and plant biostimulants.

Key Words: Biochar, Plant biostimulants, Climate-smart agriculture; Drought stress mitigation, Soil organic carbon, Carbon sequestration, Circular economy.

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55. Land Use Changes: Impact of the Green Transition on Agricultural Soils

Víctor Altés¹, Daniela Álvarez¹, José Ramón Olarieta¹

¹ Soil and Water Research Group, University of Lleida, Spain. victor.altes@udl.cat; joseramon.olarieta@udl.cat

The challenges facing society today are very diverse, and one of them is climate change. It is imperative that both governments and citizens are aware of this and act accordingly to slow down and reduce our impact on the planet. One of the global strategies is to replace fossil fuels with renewable forms of energy.  This change must also be accompanied by a general reduction in energy consumption, which can lead to a decrease in the human footprint on the planet. This process is commonly referred to as the green transition or energy transition.

For this reason, photovoltaic plants, wind farms and biogas factories, among other initiatives, are being promoted at European, national and regional level. Any reduction in the use of fossil fuels, which produce high carbon dioxide emissions and exacerbate climate change, is positive. However, not all renewable energy projects are necessarily positive, nor do they contribute to greater sustainability.

It is the case that many of these alternative energy projects are being promoted on agricultural and forest land, not only causing an irreversible change in land use, but also a reduction in the food sovereignty of that region. Furthermore, they do not respond to the needs of the specific region where they are planned, often underfunded rural areas, but rather perpetuate the existing territorial imbalance, in addition to having various social, economic and environmental impacts.

Is it necessary to reduce food sovereignty and make irreversible changes to land use under the pretext of implementing ‘clean’ energy? Is it really a green transition, if it involves the irreversible destruction of fertile agricultural land?

This session aims to bring to the table a debate on the consequences of the changes in land use that are taking place in many rural areas around the world, with the approval of the authorities, as it theoretically responds to a need for a green energy transition. Another objective is to propose alternatives that are viable for all the sectors involved, while really considering the needs of local populations, and respectful of agricultural soils, particularly of those of special quality.

Format:

1. Opening & Framing
   Introduction to the session and an overview of the green transition and its impact in rural areas
2. Short talks
   ● The importance of agricultural soils for rural areas: beyond food production
   ● Land Use Changes in Spain: impact of photovoltaic solar plants
   ● Why biogas is not a renewable energy source
   ● What regulations are in place or may be developed to control land use change?
3. Group Activities: reflection and brainstorming
   Create a space for reflection so that participants can discuss the importance of soil loss for energy production. Discuss whether renewable energy proposals are compatible with the preservation of agricultural soils.
4. Discussion
   Presentation of group findings, discussions, and session wrap-up.
5. Alternatives for a real green transition

Keywords: Land Use Change, Green Transition, Soil Degradation, Photovoltaic Solar Plants, Biogas, Rural Development, Food Sovereignty

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56. Spatial Analysis in the Study of Land Degradation and Restoration

José Antonio Rodríguez-Martín¹, Carmen Orts²˒³, María Desamparados Soriano³, Josep Vicent Llinares-Palacios⁴, Rafael Boluda⁵

¹ Environmental Department, INIA-CSIC, Ctra. A Coruña km 7,5, 28040 Madrid (Spain). rmartin@inia.csic.es

² Department of Agriculture, Water, Livestock and Fisheries. Generalitat Valenciana. Valencia (Spain). orts_mca@gva.es

³ Department of Plant Production, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia (Spain). asoriano@prv.upv.es

⁴ Chemistry Department, Higher Polytechnic School of Gandia, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia (Spain). jollipa@qim.upv.es

⁵ Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of València. Avda. Vicent Andrés i Estellés 22, 46100 Burjassot, València. boluda@uv.es

Land degradation critically impacts ecosystem functions and resilience, driven by deforestation, soil erosion, intensive agriculture, urbanisation, and climate change. Since degradation patterns vary spatially, spatial analysis—which focuses on georeferenced data—is essential for understanding, mitigating, and restoring affected areas. Unlike conventional data analysis, spatial context allowing  to identify degradation causes, patterns, and impacts. Technologies like geospatial modeling, GIS, and remote sensing enable precise mapping of vulnerable zones, prioritization of interventions, and tracking of land-use changes (e.g., vegetation loss, soil erosion). Spatial analysis also guides restoration strategies (reforestation, soil conservation, water management) and monitors progress through indicators like biodiversity recovery and soil quality. Integrating socioeconomic and environmental data supports holistic solutions aligned with community needs, promoting sustainability and development. As a key tool for optimizing resources and maximizing impact, spatial analysis is vital to understand the state of the environment and achieving land degradation neutrality and the Sustainable Development Goals.

This session invites studies applying spatial analysis techniques to analyse natural resource distributions and degradation dynamics.

Keywords: spatial analysis, geospatial modelling, multiscale characterization, spatial interpolation, croplands, desertification, soil degradation, digital mapping, multivariate geostatistics, land use and variability progress

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57. Ai-Based Portable Hydrometeorological and Pollution Monitoring System

Aryan Salvati^1*, Ali Salajegheh¹, Alireza Moghaddam Nia¹, Ataollah Shirzadi², Himan Shahabi³

^1* Department of Arid and Mountainous Regions Reclamation, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran. Aryansalvati1240@gmail.com

² Department of Rangeland and Watershed Management, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.

³ Departments of Geomorphology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.

Abstract

Reliable flood forecasting and early warning systems require high-resolution, real-time hydroclimatic data collected through safe and non-invasive monitoring approaches. This study introduces a portable and intelligent hydroclimatic monitoring system developed to support advanced flood forecasting and early warning applications in riverine and flood-prone areas. The proposed platform integrates non-contact sensing technologies, including radar-based Doppler velocity measurement, sonar time-of-flight depth measurement, and laser distance measurement for dynamic water surface reference, along with meteorological sensors for air temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, and precipitation. The system architecture eliminates direct interaction with flowing water, ensuring operational safety and data reliability during severe flood events. Hydrological and meteorological observations are processed using a multi-sensor data fusion framework coupled with a novel hybrid modelling approach based on hydrological processes, data assimilation techniques, and meta-heuristic algorithms to estimate discharge and detect rapid hydrological changes. These real-time outputs enable short-term flood forecasting, anomaly detection, and early warning generation, while effectively reducing noise from turbulence, debris, and surface instability. The monitoring system operates automatically using solar power, wireless data transmission, and local data storage for communication outages. The proposed solution provides a modern and scalable approach to flood forecasting and warning systems that offers significant potential for improving disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and sustainable water resources management.

Key Words: Flood Forecasting; Early Warning Systems; Hydroclimate Monitoring; Non-Contact Measurement; Doppler Radar; Data Fusion; Smart Flood Management; Real-Time Hydrology.

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58. Transforming Legacy Mining Sites into Protected Wetlands and Biodiversity Hotspots: Innovative Models for Biodiversity Net Gain

Pelaez-Sanchez Sara¹, Gegundez Camara María Pilar², García Hoyos Mariano², Martín Herranz Laura² ,Sardinero Roscales Santiago³ ,  Sánchez Torres Raquel⁴, Alonso Moreno Raúl⁴

¹ Consultant at Restoring S.L.,

² Environment and Resources Sustainability, Holcim Spain S.A.U.

³ Department of Botany, Environmental Science Institute, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo. ⁴Technician at Brinzal NGO.  

The extractive industry faces the dual challenge of rehabilitating degraded land and meeting international biodiversity targets. This session explores successful case studies where mining legacy sites have been transitioned into high-value ecological corridors and protected wetlands. We focus on the shift from traditional “technical” restoration to “ecological” restoration, where the goal is not just to cover the ground but to foster self-sustaining ecosystems that provide vital services such as carbon sequestration, water purification, and habitat for endangered species.

A central pillar of this session is the “Beyond the Fence” approach. We will discuss strategies that integrate industrial sites into broader landscape-scale conservation efforts, ensuring alignment with the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions and relevant international resolutions on natural heritage in mining environments. Special attention will be given to innovative governance and Land Stewardship Agreements—such as public-private-NGO partnerships—that provide the legal and financial frameworks necessary for long-term sustainability.

Key Themes:

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in Mining: Metrics and longitudinal monitoring for verifying positive biodiversity outcomes post-extraction.

Landscape Connectivity: Case studies on the transition of limestone quarries (e.g., La Chanta and Yepes-Ciruelos) into biodiversity hotspots integrated into regional wetland catalogues and drylands.

Collaborative Governance: The role of NGOs and local communities in stewardship models (e.g., the Holcim–Brinzal partnership).

Climate Resilience: Restored quarries as strategic water reserves and micro-refugia in climate-vulnerable Mediterranean regions.

Global Standards: Implementing WWF and SER (Society for Ecological Restoration) standards to achieve high-tier forest and wetland restoration.

Key Words: Mine Restoration, Nature-based Solutions, Wetlands, Biodiversity Net Gain, Land Stewardship, Cultural Heritage and Landscape Connectivity.

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