SOLO partner, the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIO-KNAAW), alongside partners from ZALF and the University of Evora, led the second workshop within the scope of SOLO’s Regional Nodes on 19 March 2025 at the Soil Valley living lab in Giesbeek, Netherlands. 

The event brought together 11 participants from diverse societal stakeholders, building on the previous session and assessing the necessary knowledge and innovations for improving soil health in agricultural fields in the Achterhoek region and surrounding areas. 

A discussion on the drivers influencing soil health, building on the outcomes of the previous workshop and the WP3 analysis for each regional node, took place and was followed by a plenary session. Following this, the knowledge gaps regarding the most important themes for the region of Achterhoek - soil biodiversity, soil literacy, and soil structure - were identified. Participants were asked to complete a survey that provided individual reflection on the knowledge required to improve each respective theme and subsequently indicated which of the 10 Knowledge Gaps provided by the Think Tanks are relevant to the region. The surveys were assessed in a manner in which if just one person indicated a Knowledge Gap as relevant, then it would already be considered as meaningful. 

The assessment of the Knowledge Gaps was followed by an interactive prioritisation exercise.  The 10 Knowledge Gaps of each Think Tank mission were printed on pieces of paper and showcased. Each participant was given three stickers per topic, allowing them to indicate which top three Knowledge Gaps they prioritised for each topic by placing a sticker on them. 

The afternoon concluded with a lecture by Wim Van der Putten (NIOO-KNAW) on soil life and the research project behind the famous Dutch film “Onder het Maaiveld’ (EN: ‘Below Ground Level’), offered upon participant request. The workshop ended with a visual summary of the discussions throughout the day, created live by Susan Klinkert (Wageningen University), and displayed during the final networking session. Participants also provided input for future events, including suggestions for speakers, locations, and questions for the upcoming Dutch Soil Week.