Alpine Living Labs for Soil Health of Alpine Pastures

Alpine pastures cover about 15% of the Alps and are vital for the livestock farming, biodiversity, hazard protection, cultural heritage and tourism. Yet, they face major challenges: soil compaction, erosion, loss of organic matter, climate extremes, abandonment, shrub encroachment and conflicts between intensification and traditional management. ALL4Pastures responds to these challenges by establishing Living Labs in five Alpine countries (Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Slovenia). These serve as hubs where farmers, scientists, stakeholders and policymakers co-create solutions in a multi-actor approach. The consortium unites 21 partners, forming a highly interdisciplinary team ranging from soil scientists over sociologists to historian and filmmaker. Objectives are to promote soil health by soil monitoring, improved soil information and a reduction of soil erosion, to develop soil-friendly practices of vegetation management, to preserve soil fertility, and valuable forage for livestock and to raise awareness for soil as a social and cultural resource. Structure includes four scientific WPs (soil monitoring, socio-economics, innovative management, and policy recommendations) that closely interact with the Living Labs. The labs foster participatory research, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. Two additional work packages focus on coordination and dissemination, ensuring strong collaboration across the consortium. Methods combine harmonized soil sampling, stakeholder workshops, field experiments, and digital tools (e.g., remote sensing) to generate robust, comparable data. Collaborative processes guarantee locally adapted, science-based solutions. A broad dissemination strategy includes handbooks, videos, workshops, and political dialogues ensures that results are scaled up and reach diverse audiences. Impact: ALL4PASTURES aims to improve soil monitoring, foster stewardship, and secures the long-term future sustainability of alpine pastures. By bridging science, practice, and policy, the project strengthens ecosystem services, supports rural livelihoods, and promotes the cultural and ecological value of alpine pastures.