The Catalan Association of Public Universities (ACUP) and Justinmind, Spanish partners of the European project Literacy boost through an Operational Educational Ecosystem of Societal actors on Soil health (LOESS), showcased its educational resources during Transcatalònia 2025, held this year in the Baix Empordà region (Catalonia).

Transcatalònia is an annual itinerant activity organized by the Soil Section of the Catalan Institution of Agrarian Studies (ICEA), with support from the Spanish Society of Soil Science (SECS). This initiative deepens knowledge of Catalonia’s soils through a field trip where various soil profiles are observed, either through soil pits or natural slopes. At each site, morphological and analytical characteristics of the soil are described. The activity, aimed primarily at university students and professors, professionals in the field, and individuals interested in soil science, has a clear educational and outreach focus.

This year’s edition began early at the IRTA center in Monells, where the activity was introduced, the visit points were outlined, and a geological and geomorphological overview of Baix Empordà was provided. A toposequence focused on volcanic materials followed, along with reflections on the role of soil microorganisms in integrated agricultural system management.

At midday, participants traveled to the IRTA – Mas Badia agricultural experimental station, where Núria Jové presented the LOESS project and its developed educational resources. A dedicated presentation on the application of virtual and augmented reality was delivered by Xavi Renom from Justinmind. After lunch, the group visited long-term trial plots focused on soil fertility management and regenerative agriculture.

In the afternoon, the group moved to Montgrí Park to examine the geological and geomorphological context of the area and learn about the characteristics of polycyclic soils.

The day finalised with a visit to the fortified farmhouse Torre Bagura, featuring a defense and watchtower, located in Torroella de Montgrí. The closing session took place once again at IRTA-Mas Badia.