Compacted soil is a common challenge in urban green spaces. Foot traffic, construction activities, and heavy machinery can compress soil particles, reducing pore space and limiting the movement of air, water, and nutrients. This not only stresses plants but also affects microbial communities that are essential for soil health.

Soil decompaction, through techniques such as air spading around tree roots or pneumatic soil loosening, helps restore the soil’s structure without damaging the delicate root systems. By improving porosity and water infiltration, it enhances root growth, boosts plant resilience, and supports a thriving ecosystem underground.

This practice was one of the solutions tested in the LIFEURBANGREEN project, which also led to the development of new tools within the GreenSpaces platform. With GreenSpaces, municipalities and green managers can optimize urban green management, making decisions based on real data and ensuring healthier, more resilient green areas.

Urban green management is not just about what’s on the surface, but also about what happens beneath our feet!