IUSS Alert 227 (September 2024)

IUSS News

Presidential Election 2024

The Executive Committee has formalized the candidacy of Prof. Bruce Lascelles, Pror. Ravi Naidu and Prof. Renfang Shen and have officially declared them eligible to be voted in the next Presidential Election. The Council will be able to vote for the next IUSS President during the Inter-Congress meeting in Nanjing this coming October.

IUSS has participated in the G7 on Sept. 22 in Ortigia, in the island of Sicily in Italy. The event “Soil and water: today’s challenges and tomorrow’s solutions”, shared by the IUSS and SISS (the Italian Society of Soil Science), explored the central role of soil and water in agriculture, the needs they both face, and the future prospects for these important topics.

IUSS-Inter- Congress 2024. First Announcement

Date: October 20th – 24th, 2024
Location: Nanjing International Youth Cultural Centre (IYCC), Nanjing, China

Organizers:
Soil Science Society of China
International Union of Soil Sciences

The Inter-Congress agenda consists of IUSS Executive Committee and Council member meetings, with a goal to prepare for the World Congress of Soil Science 2026 (WCSS 2026). In addition, a field trip will be organized to explore the soil resources and rich culture in Nanjing.

Theme:
Soil Health for Future Generations

Meeting Format
The IUSS Inter-Congress 2024 consists of Executive Committee Meetings, Council Meetings, an international symposium (October 21, 2024), a site visit to the venue of WCSS 2026 (October 22, 2024) and a field trip (October 24, 2024)

International Forum, Monday 21 October 2024
The international forum features four parallel sessions. Talks will be arranged in areas of the four IUSS Divisions (Soil in Space and Time, Soil Properties and Processes, Soil Use and Management, and The Role of Soils in Sustaining Society and the Environment). Online attendance is supported.

Please contact the Chairs of four IUSS Divisions for further details:
Division 1: Chair: Richard Heck, e-mail: rheck@uoguelph.ca
Division 2: Chair: Giuseppe Corti, e-mail: g.corti@staff.univpm.it
Division 3 : Chair: Renfang Shen, e-mail: rfshen@issas.ac.cn
Division 4: Chair: Claudio Zaccone, e-mail: claudio.zaccone@univr.it

Contacts
Soil Science Society of China:
Xin Song (International forum)
Lingbo Zhou (Payment)
Feifei Tang (Registration)
e-mail: ic2024@issas.ac.cn

International Union of Soil Sciences:
Irene Fabbri, e-mail: iuss.secretariat@crea.gov.it

Website: https://iussic2024.aconf.org/

The bids to host the 2034 WCSS are now open, if you are looking forward to it, just like us, find out how you can apply to be the Country host.
The World Congress of Soil Science is the major IUSS international event, so it is never too early to find out everything there is to know on the application process (Download).

Submit yours within November 1, 2025, to iuss.secretariat@crea.gov.it

IUSS Centennial Conference Proceedings

A message from the IUSS President

Dear colleagues,
We’d like to remind you to submit your short paper or extended abstract for the proceedings of the Centennial. This is a historic occasion not to be missed. Few other scientific societies can boast of having published the proceedings of both their founding conference and their centennial conference! The Royal Society of London and a few others in America have done so, but their founding proceedings were always just a few pages. In our case, we will have the opportunity to compare hundreds of contributions on the same soil subjects! Deadline for submission, September 30, 2024.

Download the template for the extended abstract/short paper.

For information: iuss.secretariat@crea.gov.it

2024 IUSS World Soil of the Year

The “Chernozem of the Balti Steppe, Moldova” was officially proclaimed as the inaugural “IUSS World Soil of the Year” during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Centennial Congress and Celebration in Florence. Official nomination of this soil was provided by the Soil Science Society of Poland and the Canadian Society of Soil Science, on behalf of the Moldovan Society of Soil Science. Dr. Boris Boincean received the award from IUSS President Edoardo Costantini, on behalf of the Moldovan Society of Soil Science, and then provided an overview of the Chernozems of the Balti Steppe. This was complemented with a presentation, by Dr. Cezary Kabala (Chair of the IUSS WRB Working Group), on the global significance of chernozemic soils. Further information regarding the 2024 IUSS WSY can be obtained by contacting Dr. Boincean (bboincean@gmail.com).

In recognition of the success of various national programs, the IUSS WSY program has been implemented to enhance soil literacy across numerous countries and on a global scale. It is expected that this will aid in compiling a registry of soil heritage, to recognize the inherent natural and cultural values of soils, thereby helping to open doors for soil science to integrate with environmental protection activities and projects. A dedicated webpage is currently being developed for the WSY program on the IUSS website.

To support promotion of the 2024 IUSS WSY, a special issue of Geoderma Regional will be published with a focus on chernozemic soils internationally – this is now open for submissions. Further details can be obtained by contacting Cezary Kabala (cezary.kabala@upwr.edu.pl).

Efforts are also currently underway to convert the IUSS WSY Task Force to a regular Working Group within Division 1 – Soils in Space and Time. In the meantime, the call for nominations for the 2025 IUSS WSY is already open. Inquiries, regarding either participating in the Task Force/Working Group or the 2025 IUSS WSY call, can be directed to the Chair of Division 1, Richard J Heck (iuss.div1@gmail.com).

First announcement SUITMA13 SUITMAs in “One Health Perspective”

Date: October 5th – 7th, 2025
Location: Pisa, Italy

The Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET) of the National Research Council (CNR) is keen to invite all the colleagues to participate to the SUITMA (Soils of Urban, Industrial, Traffic, Mining and Military Areas) 13th conference that will be in from the CNR Research Area, on behalf of the International Union of Soil Science (IUSS).

Topics:

SUITMAs as sink and source of pollutants – Keywords: geochemical cycles- urban food production.
SUITMAs to conserve and improve soil quality and biodiversity – Keywords: soil remediation, soil biology, bioindicators of biological soil quality and functionality, genomics.
SUITMAs improvers and ecosystem services – Keywords: waste materials for soil construction, compost rubble mine waste, Technosols.
SUITMA’s challenges for the future- Keywords: soil pedology, Anthropocene, war.

Deadline:

Call for abstract – opening :1 March 2025
Abstract submission, (Max 350 characters, oral or poster, topic 1-4): 1 May 2025
Abstract acceptance: 31 May 2025
Deadline for early bird registration: 10 June 2025

During the conference technical visits and social events will be proposed.

Information request for book on Prof. Cornelis Edelman

Prof. Cornelis Edelman, who chaired the IUSS in 1950, to a large extend, worked internationally. Numerous invitations from foreign governments came to his address. For his biography we are interested in his position between Eastern European and American soil science. With whom did he establish friendship or long-lasting contact? He held good contacts with prof. Stremme, who worked in Poland and made a European soil map. We would like to know more about the personal and professional life of Stremme. We would be most grateful for stories/photos of the fourth international soil congress in Amsterdam (1952). Next to all this, we are looking for results and impacts of his international visits, especially in colonies. Should one have the slightest information about his employee W.A.J. Oosting, we would be grateful to learn about that, because Edelman stood on his shoulders, and little is known about this remarkable scientist who died all too early.

Contact details: Roel During, roel.during@wur.nl

News from national and regional soil science societies 2024

Egyptian Soil Science Society (ESSS)

THE 14TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF ESSS IN COLLABORATION WITH SOIL AND WATER DEPT., FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE, AL-AZHAR UNIVERSITY CAIRO “SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF SOIL AND WATER USES UNDER CLIMATE”

Date: October 1st – 2nd, 2024
Location: Cairo, Egypt

The conference will focus on soil and water resources development: its challenges and different strategies or solutions in the context of global climate change.

All abstracts should be sent to: E-mail: ejssci@gmail.com; What’s App.: 0036202979482
For registration: https://forms.gle/i5hWCG6pnCtD6exo9

Topics of the Conference:

Modern technologies and soil science:
Environment and soil sciences:
Global climate change and global soil crisis
Conservation, and preservation of soil and water resources
Agricultural soil systems
Sustainable management under global changes

Colombian Society of Soil Science

XXI CONGRESO COLOMBIANO DE LA CIENCIA DEL SUELO
“LA SALUD DEL SUELO COMO BASE PARA EL DESARROLLO SOSTENIBLE”

Date: October 1st – 4th, 2024
Location: Medellín, Colombia

Colombian Society of Soil Science

WORLD CONFERENCE ON SOIL, WATER, ENERGY AND AIR – EUWCSWEA

Date: October 5th- 6th, 2024
Location: Bogota, Colombia

The conference provides a platform for professionals involved in Soil, Water, Energy and Air to exchange knowledge and gain an insight into the state of the art in the current technology, techniques and solutions in Soil, Water, Energy and Air as they have been developed and applied in different countries.

Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies

9th INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM OF INTERACTIONS OF SOIL MINERALS WITH ORGANIC COMPONENTS AND MICROORGANISMS (ISMOM)

Date: October 10th – 14th, 2024
Location: Tsukuba, Japan

Commission 2.5 Interfacial reactions of soil International Union of Soil Science

Key topics such as climate change mitigation, soil C sequestration, rock erosion enhancement, and modeling of soil C and N dynamics are directly or indirectly controlled by the interactions of soil minerals with organic matter and microbes (ISMOMs) that occur at different scales. Progress requires the exploration of interfacial reactions between minerals, organic matter and microbes in the soil, not simply the study of soil C in isolation.

United States Consortium of Soil Science Associations

2024 ASA, CSSA, SSSA INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL MEETING AI INNOVATIONS FOR A CHANGING CLIMATE

Date: November 10th – 13th, 2024
Location: San Antonio, Texas and Limited Virtual

Attend the 2024 ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting to inspire change in agronomy, crop, and soil sciences to impact scientific advancement. Rapidly changing climate is one of the greatest challenges for modern agriculture around the world. But there is hope! By leveraging advanced modeling tools, remote sensing, machine vision, autonomous machinery, and robots, AI enables improved soil management, climate-smart farming, and accurate forest mapping. Together, let’s harness the power of AI to revolutionize the future of agriculture at the 2024 ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. The American Society of Agronomy, the Crop Science Society of America, and the Soil Science Society of America jointly host the premier gathering of ideas, solutions, and innovation from across the field of environmental sciences. Our Annual Meeting is equal parts science, networking, collaboration, and camaraderie. We welcome emerging learners and leaders from industry, government agencies, and academic institutions to explore advances in agronomic, crop, and soil sciences.

Indian Society of Soil Science

GLOBAL SOILS CONFERENCE 2024. CARING SOILS BEYOND FOOD SECURITY: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION & ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

Date: November 19th – 22nd, 2024
Location: NASC Complex, New Delhi

Global Soils Conference 2024 will be a significant and prestigious event to be organized by the Indian Society of Soil Science, New Delhi under the aegis of International Union of Soil Sciences of Italy in collaboration with Indian Council of Agricultural Research and, New Delhi National Academy of Agricultural Sciences. The main objective of the conferences is ‘Caring soils beyond food security: Climate Change mitigation and Ecosystem Services”. This conference aims to address various challenges, issues and concerns, importance of soils and the latest technology developments in sustainable soil/resource management in the light of the global issues such as food security, soil health improvement, enhancing input use efficiency through new fertilizers, rapid soil assessment techniques, land degradation, environmental quality, biodiversity protection and climate change adaptation and mitigation. The event will enable to assemble a diverse array of stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, farmers, and environmental advocates, to engage in a comprehensive dialogue about the importance of soils beyond traditional agricultural perspectives.

Conference deadlines:
Regular-Registration: 17 September to 17 November 2024
On-site-Registration: 18 – 22 November 2024

Abstract: https://isss-india.org/gsc2024/delegate_login.aspx

The New Zealand Society of Soil Science (NZSSS)

2024 MOANA OCEANIA SOIL JUDGING COMPETITION

Date: November 28th – 1st, December 2024
Location: Rotorua, New Zealand

This prestigious professional development event aims to develop skills and knowledge in practical soil description and classification for understanding and interpreting soil and land use capability. No experience required.

The competition aims to teach and develop knowledge and practical skills in soil description, classification, and land use interpretation. These skills are vital when it comes to understanding and protecting soil. It is a great opportunity for students, researchers, contractors, council scientists, and anyone interested in soils to learn, network, and experience new landscapes and soils.

The New Zealand Society of Soil Science (NZSSS)

SOILS ROTORUA 2024 – A JOINT NZSSS & SSA CONFERENCE
WEAVING SOIL SCIENCE ACROSS CULTURES & ENVIRONMENTS

Date: December 2nd – 5th, 2024
Location: Rotorua Energy Events Centre, New Zealand

The British Society of Soil Science (BSSS)

THE 2024 BSSS ANNUAL CONFERENCE. SUSTAINABLE SOILS FOR PEOPLE AND PLANET

Date: December 4th – 6th, 2024
Location: Cardiff, UK

The overall conference theme is Sustainable Soils for People and Planet. The packed multi-disciplinary event spanning the built, natural environment and agricultural sectors will provide delegates with a fantastic opportunity to see the latest research and developments within soil science.

Important dates:
Oral abstract submissions will be open until Friday 9 August.
Poster abstract submissions will be open until Friday 6 September.

News from national and regional soil science societies 2025

Digital Soil Mapping Working Group (DSMWG) & GlobalSoilMap working group (GSM WG) of IUSS

3rd JOINT WORKSHOP ON DIGITAL SOIL MAPPING & GLOBAL SOIL MAP. SOIL MAPPING FOR SUSTAINABLE LAND USE PLANNING

Date: January 21st – 24th, 2025

Location: Bengaluru, India

Important dates:
Abstract Acceptance Notification: 1st September 2024
Early Bird Registration Deadline: 1st October 2024

European Confederation of Soil Science Societies

VII INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE ECSSS

Date: September 8th – 12th, 2025
Location: Seville, Spain

EUROSOIL is the official meeting of the European Confederation of Soil Science Societies (ECSSS). It is held every four years and is one of Europe’s most important Soil Sciences events. It provides an excellent opportunity for knowledge transfer among the Soil Sciences community. Over 2000 participants are expected to attend the event and present their findings through oral and poster presentations encompassing all scientific aspects of Soil Science. The event will also feature workshops, and an exhibition of products and services aimed at raising awareness in society, facilitating the exchange of ideas and information, and creating business opportunities offering a platform for researchers, scholars and professionals to exchange knowledge, insights, and innovations. Additionally, during this edition of EUROSOIL, the Iberian Congress of Soil Sciences (CICS) will also be held along with the 1st European Soil Judging Contest in Alicante, one week before the event in Seville.

Deadline:
September 2024: Abstract submission & registration opening
31 March 2025: Early registration deadline
15 May 2025: Regular abstract submission deadline
31 May 2025: Abstract notification to authors
15 June 2025: Regular registration deadline
15 July 2025: Last minute submission (only posters)
8 September 2025: EUROSOIL 2025 starts

Conferences, Meetings and Workshops 2024

Women in Geography – Paths and Perspectives from Around the World

Date: October 2nd, 2024
Location: Webinar online, 13:00-15:00 UTC

This online event is the 11th Standing Committee for Gender Equality in Science (SCGES) webinar and is organized by the International Geographical Union.

Often seen as a bridge between natural and social sciences, geography was institutionalized only in the mid to late 1800s, and its history is intertwined with imperialism, dominance of gender and other hierarchies. Recent efforts have been made to uncover the roles of women as practitioners and subjects in various geographical contexts. Our speakers are prominent women geographers engaged with the questions about the participation of women in geography, the barriers faced and the ways forward, in their country contexts and in international networks of women in geography.

World Data System workshop on AI data readiness

The World Data System (WDS) invite to an exciting workshop on AI Data Readiness. The workshop will be delivered by WDS-ITO Staff, in coordination with the ESIP Data Readiness Cluster. Participants will be introduced the ESIP AI Data Readiness Checklist which encapsulates considerations for data quality, documentation, access, and preparation.

Registration: October 1/3rd, 2024

EuroGEO Workshop 2024

Date: October 08th h 09:00- 10th h 17:00, 2024
Location: Krakow Poland, Holiday INN | An IHG Hotel

EuroGEO isthe regional coordination mechanism that aims to consolidate and coordinate activities throughout Europe that contribute to GEO (Group on Earth Observations) initiatives. The Cnr is among the partners of the event. Since EuroGEO’s inception, the European landscape has significantly changed. Firstly, at EU level, with the implementation of the EU Space Programme, which provides the necessary infrastructure, data, and technological advancements, whilst EuroGEO coordinates and integrates these resources to address global and regional challenges through GEO work programme activities. And secondly, at GEO level, with the adoption of the ‘post-2025’ GEO work programme, which shifts from “Earth observation” to “Earth Intelligence” and from a focus on services to equity, in order to bridge the global information gaps.

Organized by: EuroGEOSec Consortium ARMINES, PSL, EARSC, CNR, NOA, EVENFLOW, OGC (https://eurogeosec.eu/secretariat.html)

The Sixth Global Proximal Soil Sensing Workshop

Date: October 14th – 17th, 2024
Location: Ghent, Belgium

The workshop is organized by Ghent University on behalf of the Working Group on Proximal Soil Sensing (WGPSS), established in 2008 under the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS). The Sixth Global Proximal Soil Sensing Workshop will continue the discussion from theoretical and practical perspectives, focusing on the applicability of technology in natural resources management. The Workshop invites participants from academia and industry, working on topics including soil and environmental sciences, agricultural engineering, archaeology, forensic investigations, sensor development, near surface geophysics, spectroscopy, agronomy, spatial statistics, and artificial intelligence.

Read more: Home | GPSS-2024Home | GPSS-2024

10th International Symposium on Forest Soils (ISFS 2024)

Date: October 15th – 19th, 2024
Location: Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, PR China

The theme of ISFS 2024 is “Forest Soils under Global Change: Processes, Biodiversity and Ecological Services”, and seven topics will be included that range from assessing the impact of global change factors on carbon, water and nutrient cycling, and ecosystem functioning and services to reclaiming degraded forestlands and managing the resilience of reclaimed land.

The role of Youth in the Agroecological Transformation: insights from Youth Networks from all over the world

Date: October 16th, 2024
Location: 2:00- 3:00, HYBRID-SIDE EVENT, WORLD FOOD FORUM

In-person: Faisal Room at FAO, Rome, Italy and online: web streaming on World Food Forum website.

Through our hybrid side-event organized during the World Food Forum (15-19 October 2024), we will spotlight the pivotal role of youth in promoting agroecology, connect existing Youth Networks and hope ignite the creation of new movements and initiatives. We will also showcase the innovative contributions of young individuals and groups, inspiring others to join the movement towards sustainable agricultural practices.

Co-organizers: the Agroecology Coalition, the Agroecology Europe Youth Network (AEEUYN) and the Young Professionals for Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD).

8th International Symposium on Biofumigation, green manures and cover crops

Date: October 21st – 25th, 2024
Location: San Pedro (BA), Argentina

Read more: https://biofumigacion.ar/en/home/

International Conference: Impacts of Soil Amendments on Dryland Agro-Ecosystems (ISADAE 2024)

Date: October 28th – 30th, 2024
Location: Reims, France

The University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA) with IRD and INRAE organize ISADAE2024 conference aims to provide a platform for discussing the latest research and developments in soil management practices and their impact on dryland agro-ecosystems. It also aims to foster international cooperation in developing strategies and projects for sustainable soil management in dryland agro-ecosystems. The Conference is supported by the European Union’s PRIMA research and innovation program and EXEBIO.

Read more: Included in the registration fees, the ISADAE 2024 conference offer the possibility of publishing a proceeding paper in a Scopus Indexed journal, and to participate in a forthcoming special issue in the newly launched journal Cambridge Prisms: Drylands, details of which will be announced soon.

Conference website: International Conference on The Impact of Soil Amendments on Dryland Agro-Ecosystems – Sciencesconf.org

European Society for Soil Conservation. Global Soils Conference 2024 Caring Soils Beyond Food Security: Climate Change Mitigation & Ecosystem Services

Date: November 19th – 22nd, 2024
Location: NASC Complex, New Delhi

Indian Society of Soil Science, New Delhi under the aegis of International Union of Soil Sciences, Italy in collaboration with Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi.

The main objective of the Global Soils Conference 2024 is ‘Caring soil beyond food security: Climate Change mitigation and Ecosystem Services”. This conference aims to address various challenges, issues and concerns/ importance of soils and the latest technology developments in sustainable soil/resource management in the light of the global issues such as food security, soil health improvement, enhancing input use efficiency through new fertilizers, rapid soil assessment techniques, land degradation, environmental quality, biodiversity protection and climate change adaptation and mitigation.

11th Edition World Soil Day 2024

Date: Novembre 29th to December 5th, 2024
Location: Normandy Region, France

Theme: Soil data and information.
After a successful WSD 2023, the 2024 edition will continue to establish the legitimacy of organizing a large-scale World Soil Day for 4 networks (AFES, Gis Sol, RMT Sols & Territoires and RNEST) in France, and to pursue exchanges on the law on soil health proposed in 2023 by the European Commission.
Finally, AFES, as coordinator of the European SOILSCAPE project (Spreading Open and Inclusive Literacy and Soil Culture through Artistic Practices and Education) funded as part of the objectives of the Mission Soil, this 11th edition of the JMS will continue to strengthen links with artistic players to reach more audiences, potential players in soil preservation.

The program and the speakers will be updated regularly, and the opening of the ticket office is scheduled for mid-October 2024.

Read more: For an overview of the provisional program and further information, go here: https://www.afes.fr/evenements/journee-mondiale-des-sols-2024/

17th International Conference on Soil Micromorphology

Date: December 2nd – 5th, 2024
Location: Puno, Perú

Important dates: Acceptance of abstracts: July – September 2024

Budapest Soil Health Forum

Date: December 4th, 2024
Location: Budapest, Hungary

Please be informed that registration and abstract submissions for the “Budapest Soil Health Forum” are possible till 7th October.

The Budapest Soil Health Forum is to be held in association with the high-level closing event of the Agricultural Chapter of the Hungarian EU presidency.

The Forum aims to bring together leading experts, researchers, and practitioners to discuss the latest advancements and applications of artificial intelligence in enhancing soil health.

The Forum consists of four events, including two international conferences, a workshop and a panel discussion:

Artificial Intelligence for Soil Health — international conference
Improving Soil Health: Amendments, Monitoring and Modelling — international conference
Soil Organic Carbon and Soil Health – conference workshop
Soil-X-Change: Soil Management Innovation – panel discussion

Join us for a day of insightful presentations, networking opportunities, and collaborative discussions to advance the field of soil health through AI solutions, monitoring, soil management and more. The registration and participation are free of charge.

Important dates:
Registration for on-site participation: 7 October 2024
Abstract submission deadline: 7 October 2024
Feedback on abstract acceptance: 10 October 2024
Final program available on: 20 October 2024
Registration for online participation: 2 December 2024

Registration and participation are free of charge.

Read more: to register or submit a paper: https://www.soilhealthforum.hu/

Conferences, Meetings and Workshops 2025

18th International Symposium on Soil and Plant Analysis.
Advancing Agricultural Science for Global Sustainability

Date: June 9th -13rd, 2025
Pre-Symposium Workshop: June 9th. Post-Symposium Tour: June 14th-16th
Location: Durham, North Carolina USA

The Soil and Plant Analysis Council (SPAC) announces that registration, sponsorship opportunities, and a call for abstracts for the 18th International Symposium on Soil and Plant Analysis (ISSPA) are now open. The meeting of ISSPA 2025 is hosted by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and North Carolina State University and will take place in Durham, North Carolina, USA, June 9 – 13, 2025, in partnership with the Australasian Soil and Plant Analysis Council, Agri-Laboratory Association of Southern Africa, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s Global Soil Partnership.

Abstract Deadline: March 7th, 2025
Abstract Acceptance Notification: April 1st, 2025

Opportunities for the IUSS members

New video on soil description and soil classification

Peter Schad and Chris Just from the Technical University of Munich (Germany) made a new video on Soil Description and Soil Classification. It uses the 4th edition of the World Refefence Base for Soil Resources (WRB). The description is according to the new WRB Field Guide (Annex 1 of the WRB Manual – replacing for WRB the FAO Guidelines for Soil Description, 2006) and the classification considers the new WRB edition. It is available here: https://wrb.isric.org/teaching-material/

During COVID, we produced some videos in German: the description according to the German field handbook and the classification according to the German national soil classification and, in English and Spanish, according to the FAO Guidelines for Soil Description (2006) and the 3rd edition of the WRB (2015).

They were published on the teaching platform of our university in 2020 and in 2022 our institute established a YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-dL7jrqhzwoFfKNLTwGXxQ.

9th Intensive Training Course on Soil Micromorphology

Location: University of Lleida, Tremp, Catalonia at Department of Chemistry, Physics and Environmental and Solar Sciences – Av. Rovira Roure 191E 25198 LIeida Catalunya

Duration: 2-weeks in September-October 2024

TWAS Visiting Experts programme for researchers based in low and low-to-middle income countries

This programme provides institutions and research groups in developing countries, especially the Least Developed Countries and those with limited outside contacts, with opportunities to establish long-term links with world leaders in areas of science other than mathematics and physics and help develop capacity-building in their country.

Read more: Call for applications

Deadline: October 7, 2024

Singapore Academies South-East Asia Fellowship (SASEAF)

Programme for postgraduate researchers from South-East Asia to Singapore research institutions

The SG Academies South-East Asia Fellowship (SASEAF) Programme aims to facilitate meaningful collaborations between Singapore’s distinguished research institutions and promising postdoctoral researchers from South-East Asia. This fellowship offers a 2-year opportunity to engage in impactful research that contributes to advancements in their respective fields.

Deadline: November 30, 2024

Read more: Call for applications

Other news

New joint report released by the WMO “United in Science: Reboot climate action”

The ISC has contributed to a new report by the World Meteorological Organization on the urgent need for climate action that must be rebooted at September’s United Nations Summit of the Future. The new report explores how advances in natural and social sciences, new technologies and innovation enhance our understanding of the Earth system and could be game changers for climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.

New publications

British Society of Soil Science: Protecting Science in Times of Crisis

This document addresses the urgent need for a new approach to safeguard science and its practitioners during global crises. With many conflicts spread over vast geographical zones; increasing extreme weather events due to climate change; and natural hazards such as earthquakes in unprepared regions, this new report takes stock of what we have learned in recent years from our collective efforts to protect scientists and scientific institutions during times of crisis.

DOI: 10.24948/2024.01

Atlante dei Dati Ambientali. Edizione 2024

By: De Corso S., De Benedetti A.A., Cimini A., D’Antona M., De Fioravante P., Di Leginio M., Finocchiaro G., Vaccaro L., Giunta M., Munafò, M. (a cura di), 2024. ISPRA, None/2024

The Atlas of Environmental Data, a volume that ISPRA proposes in this new edition, offers an overview and a selection of the main environmental data in Italy. It provides cartographic representations that show the distribution of the main environmental information on the territory which, together with graphs, tables and texts, illustrate the situation of our country. The aim is to provide accurate and updated territorial information on topics such as soil, water, biodiversity, air, climate, waste, energy and the environmental impacts of human activities and, at the same time, to help raise awareness of the environmental challenges that await us and contribute to the achievement of the objectives of sustainable development and restoration of degraded ecosystems. The Atlas is divided into six thematic sections: geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, climate change and anthroposphere.

Download pubblication (pdf 26 mb): Atlante_dei_dati_ambientali_2024.pdf (isprambiente.gov.it)

ISBN: 978-88-448-1228-7