Training modules

The trainings of the Soil Doctors are structured into modules, targeting different soil topics according to local conditions. Each module includes:

Four posters addressing a specific soil topic;
Related practical exercises addressing at least one chemical, one physical and one biological soil property;
A final soil assessment followed by recommendations aiming to reduce soil degradation while improving soil fertility and food security.

An example of agenda as well as guidelines for implementation are provided for each Module.

Module 1 is an introductory module, always including Poster #4: “What is soil?” and other basic posters.

Module 2 is an advanced module, developed after the completion of Module 1.

Module 1

Topic	What is soil?
Objective	Understand the role of soils for ecosystem services; illustrate the importance soil physical, chemical and biological properties, the role of soil organic matter for supporting healthy soils; provide an overview of appropriate sustainable soil management practices that can improve soil conditions and prevent soil degradation.
Soil kit	Basic soil kit
Posters	What is soil? How to enhance SOM? What is soil pH? How to best manage your soil
Field exercises	Texture Agg. stability Soil pH SOM: colour Roots
Evaluation and recommended practices

Agenda | Guidelines/Tutorial

Implemented by: Mexico (PUEIS)

Topic	What are soil salinity and sodicity?
Objective	Understand the importance of soil structure and soil organic matter for regulating water retention and infiltration; provide an overview of the main threats related to salt-affected soils such as nutrient imbalance and soil compaction; illustrate proper sustainable management practices that can reduce or prevent the negative impacts of salinity on soil properties.
Soil kit	Salinity soil kit
Posters	What is soil? How to enhance SOM? What is soil pH? What are SAS? How to manage SAS?
Field exercises	SOM: colour Soil salinity Soil pH Roots Infiltration
Evaluation and recommended practices

Agenda | Guidelines/Tutorial

Implemented by: Kazakhstan

Topic	Soils for nutrition
Objective	Emphasize the role of soil nutrients and soil structural components for agricultural production with a strong link to food security and nutrition; identify the best soil conditions that optimize plant nutrients uptake; provide recommendations on the sustainable nutrients management.
Soil kit	Basic soil kit
Posters	What is soil? How to enhance SOM? What is soil pH? How to best manage soil nutrients
Field exercises	Texture Structure Soil pH SOM: colour Roots
Evaluation and recommended practices

Agenda | Lignes directrices/Tutoriel

Mis en œuvre par: Bangladesh | Malawi | Burkina Faso

Topic	Recarbonización de los suelos globales (RECSOIL)
Objective	To scale up sustainable soil management practices with a focus on soil organic carbon (SOC) by (a) preventing future SOC losses and increasing SOC stocks in soils; (b) improving farmer income; and (c) contributing to food security.
Soil kit	Basic soil kit
Posters	What is soil? What is soil organic matter? How to enhance SOM? + OR What is soil pH? What is soil biodiversity?
Field exercises	Texture Soil structure Soil pH SOM: colour Roots Mottles Earthworms
Evaluation and recommended practices

Agenda | Guidelines /Tutorial

Implemented by: Mexico, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Togo

Topic	Soil fertility
Objective	Recognize the role and importance of soil structural, chemical and biological properties for plant growth, ensuring crop production in many agricultural environments; identify the best soil conditions that optimize nutrients availability, thus, limiting the use of fertilizers; provide recommendations on sustainable nutrients management.
Soil kit	Basic soil kit
Posters	What is soil? How to enhance SOM? What is soil pH? How to manage soil nutrients?
Field exercises	Texture Agg. stability Soil pH SOM: colour Roots Nutrient availability
Evaluation and recommended practices

Agenda | Lignes directrices /Tutoriel

Mis en oeuvre par: Bolivia | Colombia

Under preparation