From 4–8 May 2026, Lietuvos inžinerijos kolegija (LIK) in Kaunas is hosting the ACE²-EU Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “Soil Moisture Regulation in the Context of Climate Change”. The programme brings together students and international partners from across Europe to explore the impact of climate change on soil systems, agricultural sustainability, and human health.
The programme is organised by LIK as the lead and host institution, in cooperation with Constantin Brâncuși University (Romania), the Medical University of Gdansk (Poland), and Santarém Polytechnic University (Portugal), alongside external stakeholders from the agricultural sector.
During the on-site week in Kaunas, participants engage in lectures, seminars, laboratory work, and case studies focused on soil moisture regulation and climate adaptation. The programme examines the application of biological soil amendments such as biochar, compost, and microbial inoculants to improve soil water retention and support sustainable agriculture under drought conditions.
Lectures introduce the effects of climate change on soil moisture dynamics and agricultural resilience, with emphasis on the links between soil management, food safety, nutritional quality, and public health. Seminars focus on regional drought impacts and their consequences for agricultural systems and food production.
Laboratory activities provide hands-on experience in comparing water retention in treated and untreated soils and introduce basic ecotoxicity assessment methods. Case studies highlight real-world applications of biological soil additives in farming practice, demonstrating their role in improving soil performance and reducing environmental impact.
