“Healthy Soil” research platform for Viennese community gardens

Urban gardening is becoming increasingly popular, but many of these activities are carried out in areas with high traffic density or on former industrial land. As a result, there are always reservations about using this gardening practice for food production. One of the concerns is the transfer of heavy metals and other pollutants into the food chain. However, Viennese gardens often do not have easy access to information about their sites. This project aims to establish a platform for Viennese community gardens that provides information on soil health and enables low-level access to soil and plant tests. Viennese gardeners are invited to experiment together with the Institute of Soil Research. This is also intended to promote public awareness of the scientific process. Last but not least, the project is intended to contribute to the sustainable existence of valuable urban green spaces and thus promote the sustainability of the city of Vienna in general.