ACTION D.5: Soil monitoring

The Action is required to evaluate the effectiveness of Action C3, which aims at favouring water supply over the woodland during the dry period and, in the case of soil, to promote salt leaching. The comparison of the ex-post soil values with the ex-ante ones (measured under Action A3) allows estimating whether the water supply had a positive impact in reducing salt accumulation in the soil. This is a crucial point for the habitat restoration as the absorption of salt by trees enhanced stress susceptibility of the forest in the past.

The chemical-physical characteristics of the soil will be reassessed in both Project sites towards the end of the project (summer-autumn 2022). In the test areas defined in Action A3, soil pits will be carried out at 1 meter deep. The resulting samples will be analysed to evaluate soil sodicity and salinity following the same methodology set in action A3.

Beneficiary responsible for implementation:

The Action is coordinated by DEB in Palo Laziale, and IMFEin Nestos Delta.

DEB employs:

• a Researcher to supervise the activity carried out in the field (soil pits) and in the laboratory (sample analysis) according to the protocol developed under action A3, and the elaboration of the final Action report;
• a graduate Technician (external) to implement the soil samplings, the laboratory analysis, and the final report.

IMFE employs:

• a Researcher to supervise the activity carried out in the field (soil pits) and in the laboratory (sample analysis) according to the protocol developed under action A3, and the elaboration of the final Action report;
• a graduate Technician (external) to implement the soil samplings, the laboratory analysis, and the final report.