Sassari IP workshop - summer 2022

Third and last SYStem IP workshop had also to be rescheduled - to Spring 2022 due to COVID19 pandemic restrictions of 2020 and 2021. Despite some ongoing restrictions in host country and sin some of partner countries it was attended by a large number of students from partner HEIs. Teaching and learning approaches used in workshops were:  brainstorming, lectures, fieldwork (soil data collection - photographs, feature descriptions), using SYStem application and interactions with other users (providing and receiving feedback, evaluation of other students' work, badges collection, gaming activities).

Such educational approaches encouraged participating students to become autonomous professional thinkers in the field of soil genesis and classification. The workshop in Italy involved students in a series of practical activities designed to develop skills, ideas and confidence. The SYStem activities were a kind of ephemeral apprenticeship workplace, where despite its shortness, relationships were built and fostered, thus helping to develop soft skills of students participating. Students were instructed how to lead a scientific discussion over the soil pit and how to give valuable feedback and receive constructive criticism. 

 Participants were BSc, MSc and Ph.D. students from partner HEI. Students were selected based on their soil science knowledge and English skills (the entrance test). Student selection was also based on their scientific interests and motivation to enhance their master's or doctorate degree to ensure that their educational experience abroad will be beneficial in skills and knowledge. Due to the COVID-19 situation and restrictions varied in partner countries original idea, that four students from each partner HEI participate in the workshop had to be adjusted to the postpandemic reality. 

Students highly evaluated practical skills developed over soil pits. 

Detailed programme of activities in Spring 2023 Italy, Sardegna IP workshop:

Monday, May 9, 2022 

9:30-15:30 UNISS “Polo Bionaturalistico”, Via Piandanna, 4

9:30-10:00 Institutional Greeting (UNISS Rector, Prof. Gavino Mariotti; Department Director, Prof. Emilio Turco) 

9:30-10:00 General presentation about UNISS (Gian Franco Capra), Sardinia (Ludmila Roder), and SYStem Workshop Gian Franco Capra, Antonio Ganga, Ludmila Roder (UNISS) 

10:30-11:15 The SYStem project and the WRB classification system 

Przemysław Charzyński, Marcin Świtoniak (UNITO) Łukasz Mendyk, Bartłomiej Glina (UNIPO), Cezary Kabała (UNIWR) 

11:15-15:30 

Ice breaking and international soil introductions. Formation of 4 field research working groups - P. Charzyński, S. Czigány, A. Ganga, B. Glina, C. Kabała, Ł. Mendyk, V. Penížek, M. Pulido Fernández, E. Reintam, B. Repe, M. Świtoniak, I. Vircava, G.F. Capra, T. Novak, I. Kunchulia

Tuesday, May 10, 2022 

Field activities - Agricultural aspects of Sardinia with particular reference to wine production 7:30-17:00 

Field Excursion (Pocket lunch will be prepared by the Hotel) 

Area: Monti; PROGRAM 

Transect according to vineyards year: 

1. Ex vineyard area with no soil use or pasture; 

2. 3-years old “vermentino”; 

3. 15-years old “vermentino”; 

4. 30-years old “vermentino”.

Wednesday, May 11, 2022 

Field activities  - Agricultural aspects of Sardinia with particular reference to agroecosystems 

8:00-17:30 

Field Excursion

Realization of a longitudinal or a catena transect: 

- The longitudinal will characterize changes in soil use with the following: olive (2) +pasture+maquis

After fieldwork Sardinian typical cheese (ricotta) and honey testing provided by Mores Municipality and local farmers.

Thursday, May 12, 2022 

Field activities - Natural and touristic aspects of Sardinia 

8:00-17:30 

Field Excursion - PROGRAM 

Catena transect according to different sylvicoltural management: 

1. Natural potential vegetation: junyperus maquis (NPT); 

2. Three profiles on area with different sylvicultural and historical management (in the last one the profile is localized at the backslope):

At the end of profile realization and discussion step to "Cala della Barca" cliff area;

Friday, May 13, 2022 

8:30-13:30 - Classroom activities – preparation of soil charts and description, student working group presentations 

15:00-16:30 Workshop evaluation and closing

Saturday, May 14, 2022 -Departure