As part of the development of the SOIL-XR immersive learning experience, field activities in Sicily are providing real-world references for the next stage of the project.

Multiple soil profiles were opened and documented, allowing the different soil layers, structures and characteristics beneath the surface to be observed in their natural environment. Paola Bambina from the University of Palermo contributed to these field activities, supporting the observation and documentation of the soil profiles.

The collected photographs, videos and field observations will provide valuable reference material as the SOIL-XR team moves into the development of the XR experience. The aim is to bring normally hidden soil layers into an immersive digital environment, where users will be able to explore and better understand what lies beneath their feet.

By connecting real field observations with immersive technologies, SOIL-XR aims to make soil science more visible, interactive and accessible to students, educators and the wider public.