Soil sampling in Vinicka Pilot Area, Montenegro

The soil sampling was carried out by the IHMS TRANSFER team in collaboration with a local farmer from Vinicka.

As part of the TRANSFER Danube project, the team conducted soil sampling activities to support the development of an integrated monitoring system for agro-climatic risks.

The fieldwork was conducted on 22 August 2025.

The activity took place in Vinicka, a pilot area located in the northern mountainous region of Montenegro, within the Municipality of Berane.

This initiative was part of Activity A 2.2 of the TRANSFER Danube project, aimed at establishing pilot areas and implementing field measurements to assess and mitigate agro-climatic risks across the Danube region

Soil sampling was conducted on previously selected plot designated for phenological monitoring of maize. A total of five samples per plot were collected, each to a depth of 30 cm.

The collected soil was then measured, packed and dried,  in order to be prepared for analysis of soil characteristics (types, porosity, grain size distribution and sediment cohesion).

Additional data were obtained from the phenological observer to support a more accurate interpretation of the samples. These included:

• Duration of maize cultivation on the observed plots

• Types of fertilizers used

• Irrigation methods applied

All activities were documented through photography to ensure traceability and support future analysis.