Soil systems comprise a multitude of processes across scales and disciplines. As they are part of the "critical zone" the exploration and monitoring of these systems is central in most terrestrial environmental studies.

However, the thorough investigation of soil systems rarely succeeds in jointly approaching the pedological, biogeochemical, ecological and hydrological aspects. Despite great progress in the theory of sampling design and monitoring strategies, the practical exploration of these systems often requires adaptations and compromises. Furthermore, knowledge about sampling strategies and subsequent analysis techniques is frequently not considered when setting up a monitoring scheme or model, bearing large potential for inefficient designs, errors or circular reasoning.

This session invites practitioners as well as theoreticians to present insights from investigations of soils as complex systems with a focus on sampling and monitoring strategies, potential mismatch of process perception and observations, sampling design failures and innovations, conceptual obstacles to transdisciplinary exploration, methods to find light in the darkness of heterogeneity, and novel monitoring approaches. We seek to bring together various findings on exploring soil systems in order to continue the discussion about adequate methods towards a common methodological strategy and standard.

We are looking forward to your abstracts sharing your insights and contributing to a vivid discussion. We especially solicit work of young scientists and challenges also established scientists are troubled with. 

Please note the EGU abstract deadline Jan 11, 2017, 13:00 CET or Dec 1, 2016 if you intend to apply for financial support.

http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2017/session/23320