Nature-based solutions for trace element soil remediation using poplars and co-crops [Póster]

Resumen del póster preentado en el Advancing Soil Knowledge for a Sustainable Future:.the VII EUROSOIL Meeting 8-12 de septiembre de 2025, Sevilla

Soil contamination by trace elements (TE) remains a signi􀂿cant environmental challenge, requiring sustainable remediation strategies. The EDAPHOS project proposes a holistic and innovative land management approach aligned with the EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe,” aiming to reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration through Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). Agroforestry and co-cropping strategies are promising NBS options, offering the dual bene􀂿ts of soil decontamination and biomass production. EDAPHOS investigates this approach across seven case studies located in France, Greece, Italy, Poland, and Spain, each presenting distinct TE concentrations, soil characteristics, and climatic conditions. In spring 2025, 􀂿eld experiments were established (timing adjusted according to local climatic conditions) and will run for three years. The experimental design involves two poplar hybrids (Populus spp.) grown in combination with companion species Brassica juncea and Lablab purpureus. Treatments include monocultures of each poplar hybrid, monocultures of each companion species, and co-cropping combinations of each poplar hybrid with each companion species. A total of 32 plots (four replicates per treatment), each measuring 3.75 × 3.75 m, were established, along with one unplanted control plot for baseline comparison. Soil samples (0–30 cm depth) were collected from each plot at the beginning of the experiment to assess baseline soil physico-chemical parameters and contamination levels. Key properties such as pH and bioavailable TE contents were measured at the beginning of the experiment and will be followed annually after each plant harvest, for a total of four sampling events. Bioavailable TE will be extracted using 0.01 M CaCl2 (1:10 soil-to-solution ratio), following the method of Houba et al. (2000). Pseudototal TE concentrations will be determined at the beginning and end of the experiment via aqua regia digestion (1 HNO3 :3 HCl). Monitoring changes in available TE concentrations and soil properties will help assess the role of vegetation in reducing pollution. By comparing results across diverse contamination levels, soil types, and climatic conditions, this study will support the development of effective and site-specfic-strategies for soil restoration and ecosystem resilience.

This study was funded by the project EDAPHOS. HORIZON-MISS-2022-SOIL-01(Research and Innovation actions to support the implementation of the Soil health and Food Mission). Topic: HORIZON-MISS-2022-SOIL-01-04.

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