The 4th Training School of the COST SUSTAIN Action (CA22144) is organized by the Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources of the Democritus University of Thrace (Orestiada) and will be held from September 24 to 26, 2025, in Alexandroupoli.

Democritus University of Thrace, the lead partner of #DigiAgriFood — the first European Digital Innovation Hub in Agrifood — actively supports the initiative by showcasing field technologies (drones) on the second day of the event, in a rice field in the Feres area.

This Training School brings together experts and early-career scientists from across Europe and beyond to:

• Examine the challenges of current salinity monitoring methods
• Analyze the importance of temporal and spatial variability in soil measurements
• Present new tools and technologies (e.g., XRF, drones) for rapid and accurate salinity assessment
• Develop strategies for salinity management and mitigation

Through lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and a field visit, the event fosters knowledge exchange and the building of scientific networks for the sustainable management of soil resources.

The Problem

Soil salinity is a slowly progressing but critical threat to agricultural productivity and natural ecosystems. Climate change exacerbates the issue, making the understanding and management of salinity a top priority for food security and environmental protection.

About the COST SUSTAIN Action

The COST SUSTAIN Action (CA22144) aims to build a global interdisciplinary network to tackle soil salinity in the context of:

• Food security
• Sustainable agricultural practices
• Climate change adaptation

Main Activities:

• Study of plant and soil responses under saline conditions
• Generation of knowledge for better water, soil, and production management
• Highlighting the value of saline soils and landscapes
• Connecting stakeholders in the agricultural sector
• Developing policy frameworks for salinity management

Collaboration and dissemination of best practices contribute to resilient landscapes and the sustainable use of saline soils.

Venue – Event Details

The meeting is open but with a strictly limited number of participants.

Library of the Departments of Medicine and Molecular Biology & Genetics, DUTH
Dragana, Alexandroupoli 68100
📍 Map: Google Maps

Important: On the second day, 25/9, activities will take place in a rice field in the Feres area, as per the following schedule:

Field Day Schedule – Thursday, 25 September

09:00–09:30: Departure from Alexandroupoli to rice field, Feres
10:00–12:00: Field Visit: Introduction to the Field Day and demonstration of XRF equipment (X-Ray Fluorescence)
📍 Location on Google Maps: Link
12:00–14:00: Excursion to the Evros Delta (25 km from Alexandroupoli) and return to the city

Limited spots – participation upon registration only.

Activities:

• Soil mapping and soil profile analysis
• Evaluation of soil properties and mycorrhizal colonization
• Salinity measurements using XRF
• Visit to rice fields in Feres – this year showing significantly increased salinity issues
• Drone demonstration over rice paddies

Keynote Speakers:

• Michail Orfanoudakis, Assoc. Professor, DUTH (Coordinator)
• Ibrahim Ortas, Professor of Soil Science, Cukurova University, Turkey
• Katarzyna Negacz, Professor, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Eleni Avraam, Professor, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
• Maria Konyushkova, PhD, Salinity Expert, FAO

📄 Detailed agenda and more information:
🔗 sustaincostaction.eu/event/4th-training-school-of-the-sustain-cost-action
📧 For inquiries and registration:
morfan@fmenr.duth.gr & morfan@me.com