What is Citizen Science Research?
Citizen science research represents a participatory scientific method that involves the public in the research process. This type of research is an opportunity for all of us to contribute to science, even if we are not experts in a specific field. Your experiences, knowledge of soil and plants, and the tools you use can be of great value for scientific discoveries. By participating in such research, you can help collect data crucial for understanding various aspects of agriculture and nature conservation. This can include anything from monitoring soil conditions to recording changes in plant growth. In this way, you are not only contributing to science but also learning new things, meeting people with similar interests, and strengthening a sense of community and cooperation. Such research often covers large geographical areas and gives us a better insight into the complexity of the nature that surrounds us. Your contribution helps scientists to better understand your perspectives and these processes, and to develop new methods and approaches in agriculture.
What are the goals of this citizen science project?
Considering that Serbia lacks integrated and systematic monitoring of soil quality, which is fundamental for food safety, food quality, and environmental protection, this citizen science project aims to bridge that gap by involving farmers and youth in monitoring key soil health indicators. The goal is to engage farmers and younger generations as true guardians of soil sustainability, through relevant agricultural organizations, preschools, and schools, to jointly monitor soil health indicators in Vojvodina during 2024–2025. With educational support from scientific researchers, citizen scientists will use simple, cost-effective, and standardized methods to sample and measure selected physical, chemical, and biological soil indicators, generating data and drawing conclusions based on them. After validation and analysis, the collected data will be shared with all participants to draw collective conclusions, deepen understanding of soil health, and facilitate future collaborations and initiatives between individual citizens, local communities, agricultural organizations, and research institutions.
Which soil health indicators will citizen scientists monitor?
Farmers on their plots, and children in the yards of their schools and kindergartens, will monitor several key soil health indicators over the two years, including:
- decomposition of organic matter
- soil pH (acidity)
- soil moisture
- soil structure
- soil texture
- number and activity of soil (micro)organisms
All necessary materials and instructions for conducting measurements will be provided, including shovels for digging, rulers for measuring depth, markers for sample locations, and bags for sending samples to BioSens Institute researchers.
What kind of support will citizen scientists receive during the project?
Throughout the two-year project, BioSens Institute and partner institutions will organize educational workshops outside of the main agricultural season to enhance knowledge on soil health. During these workshops, you will have the opportunity to communicate directly with scientists, learn about the latest methods for assessing soil fertility, and gain skills to independently monitor and interpret soil health indicators on your land.
In addition to lectures and practical demonstrations, you will receive a set of instructions, materials, and tools that will enable you to apply this knowledge in your daily work. All of this will be organized in a friendly atmosphere at the Congress Master Centre of the Novi Sad Fair, with food and beverages provided for all participants to ensure an enjoyable learning and networking experience.
For children, educational workshops will be held at their schools or kindergartens.
How will citizen scientists send their data to BioSens Institute researchers?
You will send your observations and measurement results on soil health to BioSens Institute researchers using one of the provided methods: by phone, email, website submission, or by registered mail at the project’s expense. In all cases, it is important to send data regularly and according to project instructions so that the collected data is accurate and relevant for analysis and for improving soil health.
The role of Vojvodina Organic Cluster (VOC) in the Soil Guardians project
VOC plays an important role as a partner and strong support within the Soil Guardians project, as its experience and extensive network contribute directly to achieving the project’s goals – the conservation and improvement of soil resources through sustainable practices. As an initiator and driving force behind the development of organic production in Vojvodina, VOC connects research institutions, associations, producers, and other stakeholders, which is crucial for the Soil Guardians project because it enables a collaborative approach to addressing soil degradation challenges and implementing systemic solutions in practice.
VOC creates a solid regional platform for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and joint development, which directly contributes to the project’s component of expanding knowledge and building the capacities of all involved, with the aim of long-term soil protection. Within the project, VOC supports the organization and promotion of educational workshops for farmers, experts, and all relevant organic sector stakeholders, enabling wider adoption of knowledge and practices for maintaining soil fertility and health – the core mission of the Soil Guardians project.
Furthermore, VOC actively promotes the project’s activities and results through its communication channels and networks, which is important for the Soil Guardians project as it ensures the visibility of project goals, motivates new participants, and encourages the broader community to engage in preserving soil resources as the foundation for a healthy and sustainable agricultural future.
