Tea Bag Index
from 21/05/2019
The Tea Bag Index App is a Citizen Science project focused on soil research and climate change. It aims to measure soil decomposition dynamics by collecting data on the rate at which organic matter decomposes. The App encourages participation from Citizen Scientists worldwide, allowing them to contribute to improving climate models and advancing soil research. By using the well-known tea bag method, participants help track the biological activity in soils, which is a crucial factor in the global carbon cycle.
The Tea Bag Index method was developed and successfully tested by a group of scientists from Utrecht Univeristy, the Umeå University, the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, and the AGES - Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety. Using the Tea Bag Index app, developed by the SPOTTERON Citizen Science Platform, Citizen Scientists can participate in the tea bag experiment by burying a tea bag (Lipton green tea or rooibos) in the soil and retrieving it about three months later. Users can document the decay of the tea inside the bag, providing valuable data on how organic matter decomposes in the soil. They can also enter the type of tea bag (woven nylon or non-woven PET) and record the condition of the tea after the decomposition process. The App allows participants to share their findings with the global community and track changes in soil health over time.
Aim
The aim of the Tea Bag Index project is to gather data on soil decomposition to enhance our understanding of the carbon cycle and its role in climate change. By collecting data from different regions worldwide, the project contributes to improving climate models and better understanding how soil degradation can either exacerbate or mitigate climate change. The App supports this global initiative by providing an easy way for schools and individuals to participate in soil research to improve our understanding of soil health and its impact on the environment.
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Profile image design by: SPOTTERON Citizen Science App Platform | www.spotteron.net
Logo design by: SPOTTERON Citizen Science App Platform | www.spotteron.net
Created May 22, 2025, 3:08 a.m.
Updated May 22, 2025, 11:28 p.m.
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