GLOBE News
The Asia and Pacific Region Digs Deeper: Exploring the Science of Soil Webinar
The GLOBE Asia and Pacific region hosted an engaging session of the Digging Deeper: Exploring the Science of Soil webinar on 25 August 2025. The event brought together 34 participants, including students, educators, country coordinators (CCs), and community members from Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and India, with representation from the regional Working Groups on Technology, Evaluation, and Education.
Soil Characterization and Analysis
Dr. R.K. Garg, GLOBE Mentor Trainer, professor of ecology, Udaipur University, delivered an insightful presentation on soil characterization, describing soil as a complex mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, and air that sustains plant life. He emphasized key methods of analysis—studying soil structure, texture, color, consistency, and root systems—while also highlighting practical fieldwork methods. Dr. Garg also outlined soil sampling techniques, tools used in the field, and methods for reconstructing soil profiles, giving participants a solid foundation for environmental data collection.
Soil Temperature Monitoring
Dr. Garg further explained the importance of soil temperature monitoring in plant growth and ecosystem functioning. He shared calibration techniques for soil thermometers, methods for recording soil temperatures at 5-cm and 10-cm depths, and practical tips for students to ensure accurate and consistent data collection.
Soil in Earth Systems
Dr. Rod Allen, GLOBE Mentor Trainer, chair of the GLOBE Education Working Group, and GLOBE the Philippines country coordinator, broadened the discussion by linking soil to other Earth systems—water, atmosphere, and vegetation—emphasizing its pivotal role in environmental research. He also discussed the interconnectedness of soil and trees, noting their combined importance for oxygen production, medicine, and human infrastructure.
Agricultural and Ecological Insights
Dr. Allen shared data-driven insights on soil temperature variations with depth, demonstrating how this information influences agricultural practices such as crop germination and planting decisions. He also explained the role of soil pH in plant growth, nutrient availability, and crop-specific requirements, offering participants a practical understanding of how soil management impacts agriculture.
Hands-on Learning: Soil pH Protocol
To encourage student engagement, Dr. Allen introduced the Soil pH protocol from the GLOBE program. He outlined simple steps and required materials for soil pH testing, stressing the importance of accurate calibration and proper documentation. This protocol was highlighted as an accessible entry point for schools and young scientists to actively contribute to environmental monitoring.
Announcements and Next Steps
The webinar concluded with important announcements from Dr. Desh Bandhu, Coordinator of the Asia and Pacific GLOBE region:
- An International Conference on Environmental Education for Sustainable Development will be held in Delhi, 24–26 September 2025.
- A seminar on wetlands is being planned, with details to follow.
- CCs were encouraged to explore funding opportunities to enable their participation in the in-person Delhi conference.
- Continued collaboration was emphasized to sustain momentum and strengthen the GLOBE program in the Asia and Pacific region.
In summary, this session provided participants with a rich blend of scientific knowledge and practical training, bridging soil science with global environmental issues. By combining technical insights with student-friendly protocols, the webinar underscored the importance of soil as a living system—a foundation for ecosystems, agriculture, and sustainable development.
The discussions also reflected a strong commitment to collaboration across the Asia and Pacific network, ensuring that GLOBE continues to empower communities, educators, and students to contribute meaningfully to environmental science.
Stay tuned for updates on the September conference in Delhi and upcoming activities under the GLOBE Soil Webinar Series.
News origin: GLOBE Implementation Office