The IUSS has been invited to endorse the Policy Brief issued by the Save Soil Movement, The International 4p1000 Initiative, SEKEM. “UNFCCC Policy Brief: Securing Our Future, Making Climate Finance Work for Agricultural Soil,” Conscious Planet, 2024.
The document focuses on the need to reward farmers for improving soil health, essentially through its organic carbon content.
The IUSS Presidents Committee has endorsed the document, on which the IUSS President expressed his comments, which were transmitted to the document’s authors.
Comments
Improving Soil Organic Carbon Content
While increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) is often viewed as a primary goal for enhancing soil health, simply focusing on this aspect can be misleading. High SOC levels can sometimes mask underlying soil issues. For instance, if soil compaction is not addressed, increased carbon might not translate into better soil function. In some cases, too much organic matter can lead to problems like reduced aeration and increased GHG emissions. Thus, a holistic approach that considers multiple soil health indicators is essential.
Reducing soil compaction
Not only SOC is important for soil health. For example, the increased use of heavy machinery in agriculture has led to significant soil compaction and disruption of its structure.. This compaction reduces soil porosity and permeability, impeding root growth and the movement of water and air. It can lead to decreased microbial activity and hinder nutrient cycling. To mitigate these effects and improve soil health it’s vital to explore alternatives such as lighter machinery, reduced tillage practices, or adopting techniques like controlled traffic farming, which can minimize the impact on soil structure.
Regulating Water Fluxes
Water management is also crucial for maintaining soil health. Proper regulation of surface and subsurface water flows can prevent erosion, improve water retention, and enhance nutrient availability. Excessive runoff can lead to nutrient leaching, while inadequate water can stress plants and soil organisms. Implementing practices such as contour farming, riparian buffers, proper irrigation and subsurface drainage can help manage water effectively. By maintaining balanced water fluxes, we can promote healthier ecosystems that support both agricultural productivity and biodiversity.
Conclusion
In summary, while supporting farmers for the improvement of soil organic carbon is important, it should be part of a broader strategy that also addresses other soil issues, such as soil compaction and water management. A multifaceted approach can lead to more sustainable soil management that enhance both soil health and agricultural productivity over the long term.
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, November 30, 2024.
Download the template for the extended abstract/short paper.
For information: iuss.secretariat@crea.gov.it
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).
The IUSS WSY Task Force has been approved as a working group within Division 1 – Soils in Space and Time.
The call for applications for IUSS WSY 2025 is now open. Deadline for submission, November 30, 2024. 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).
Read more: https://www.iuss.org/world-soil-of-the-year/
Click to access Word-Soil-Year-Guidelines-2025.pdf
2025 IUSS World Soil of the Year
Introduction:
Through the World Soil of the Year (WSY), the IUSS endeavors to celebrate a specific soil, on an annual basis, in recognition of our collective responsibility for sustaining soils and their functionality, as well as to promote public awareness of this crucial and increasingly threatened resource. The WSY Celebration contributes to the IUSS Strategic Plan.
https://forms.gle/7dGE3APpN8ZF2rcD8
Deadline: November 30th, 2024
Read more: Find everything there is to know at https://www.iuss.org/world-soil-of-the-year/
Next Stimulus Fund Call
Deadlines: January 15, 2025
Read more: https://www.iuss.org/stimulus-fund/
State of the art
The IUSS Divisions, Commissions and Working Groups Chairs can now share one or few selected publications on the IUSS Alert. Every month, the chairs of the Commissions and WGs of one of the four Divisions can send selected publications to the Secretariat, which will publish them here (see below the selection of Division 1 for this month).
The initiative aims to highlight publications that report the most significant recent progress in the subjects of the WGs and Commissions of a Division. The papers are not necessarily produced by the officers but selected and commented by them.
Please do so by the 15 of every month to make sure your articles will be published in the monthly current issue.
Let’s keep our community posted on the progresses of Soil Sciences.
Publication of the Month
Division 1
A global numerical classification of the soil surface layer
Published paper from Division 1
By: Wadoux, A.M.C. and Mcbratney, A.B., 2024. Geoderma. Volume 447, July 2024, 116915
In this paper, is reported on the development of a natural layer classification system as opposed to the classification of soil profile entities, as a first step towards achieving a comprehensive global numerical soil classification not based on a priori defined classes.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2024.116915
News from national and regional soil science societies 2024
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.
Read more: Soil Judging Competition | NZSSS Association (soilscience.org.nz)
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
Read more: https://www.soilscience.org.nz/soilsrotorua2024
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.
Read more: The 2024 BSSS Annual Conference To Take Place In Cardiff – British Society of Soil Science
Czech Society of Soil Science
Budapest Soil Health Forum
Date: 4th December, 2024
The Budapest Soil Health Forum offers an opportunity for scientists and stakeholders involved in soil science and soil management to engage in interactions, knowledge exchange, and networking at a unique scientific event in Budapest on 4 December. The Forum will host three conferences and panel discussions centred around the same question: “How can we protect our soils for the safety and well-being of human society as well as for the functioning of ecosystems, agricultural production, and forestry?”, but will pursue the answer through a variety of disciplinary lenses. The Budapest Soil Health Forum will be the sister event of the BIOEAST & Beyond conference , which aims to advocate for increased and targeted public investment in joint research, innovation, and knowledge transfer within the BIOEAST macro-region. The BIOEAST & Beyond conference will start in Budapest the day following the Forum.
Italian Society of Soil Science (SISS)
World Soil Day: From scientific evidence to a different awareness
Date: December 5th, 2024
Location: Sala Secchi, Ministero della Cultura, Rome
During the World Soil Day, at a time when this issue is increasingly dramatically in the limelight, Research is called to transfer even more scientific evidence to society, to promote a different culture of soil and a new awareness of its crucial importance for life on the Planet.
School of Biodiversity and Bio-indication (BIOBIO 2024)
Date: December 5th, 2024
Location: Sala Consiliare DICATAM Via Branze 38, Brescia
Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage
Date: December 5th, 2024
Location: Campobasso, Università del Molise, aula Fermi
Where food is born
Date: December 5th, 2024
Location: Ist. Comprensivo “G. A. Cesareo”, Via Lucania – Sant’Agata di Militello
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
Read more: https://dsm2025.eventsdashboard.in/
European Confederation of Soil Science Societies
VII INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE ECSSS
VII EUROSOIL 2025 & X Congreso Ibérico de la Ciencia del Suelo
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.
Registration: https://www.eurosoil2025.eu/eurosoil2025/call-abstracts/guidelines
Abstracts Submission: https://www.eurosoil2025.eu/eurosoil2025/registration/registration-fees
Deadline:
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
Read more: https://www.eurosoil2025.eu/eurosoil2025/
e-mail: eurosoil@viajeseci.es
Canadian Society of Soil Science
Soils For Our Future – A Gathering of Global to Local Perspectives
Date: July 20th-25th, 2025
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
The SOILS FOR OUR FUTURE 2025 brings together three conference events: 5th Global Soil Security Conference, Canadian Society of Soil Science Annual Meeting, and International Union of Soil Sciences Division 1 – Soils in Space and Time Meeting. Hosted by the Soil Conservation Council of Canada and the Manitoba Soil Science Society. With over 700 researchers, industry members, leaders of farmer organizations, graduate students and other attendees, SOILS FOR OUR FUTURE 2025 provides a global perspective to today’s research to sustain our future. Spanning five days, the conference provides attendees of the events to meet in plenary/technical sessions with their individual organizations and for all to come together in keynote sessions, tradeshow, posters, workshops and field tours.
Registration to open: February 2025
Read more: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/EVEYHOPOMAGWN/home
Conferences, Meetings and Workshops 2024
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/
United States Consortium of Soil Science Associations
Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management
Boost your agricultural expertise at our Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Workshop. Gain expert insights, practical strategies, and earn Nutrient Management and CCA credits.
Date: December 2, 4, 9, & 11, 2024 (12:00 PM-1:00 PM)
Join Penn State Extension Specialists and Educators for an informative four-session workshop on Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management. This workshop aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of soil fertility fundamentals that underpin effective farming practices and soil health. Event Details: Delve into session topics: soil fertility, lime, nitrogen management, and nontraditional soil amendments. Expand your knowledge and earn credits! Q&A sessions at the end of each day will allow you to seek clarification and engage in meaningful discussions. Additionally, participants attending the live sessions will have the opportunity to earn Nutrient Management and Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credits, enhancing their professional qualifications.
Deadline: December 2, 2024 12:00 p.m.
Read more: https://extension.psu.edu/soil-fertility-and-nutrient-management
17th International Conference on Soil Micromorphology
Date: December 2nd – 5th, 2024
Location: Puno, Perú
This congress is being proposed as a posthumous tribute to Professor Georges Stoops, who received multiple invitations to participate in soil micromorphology courses offered in Latin America. Unfortunately, due to health reasons, he was unable to attend. The aim of this congress is to provide the micromorphology community with an opportunity to come together in a unique natural setting imbued with historical significance. This gathering intends to foster a sense of camaraderie among fellow enthusiasts dedicated to the study of micropedology. It is precisely for this reason that the proposed theme for this special conference is “Making Friends.”
Read more: Program – 17th International Conference on Soil Micromorphology in Puno – Peru (puno2024.com)
Budapest Soil Health Forum
Date: December 4th, 2024
Location: Budapest, Hungary
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 online participation 02 December 2024
Registration and participation are free of charge.
Read more: to register or submit a paper: https://www.soilhealthforum.hu/
Final national event EJP SOIL: Coltivare il Futuro: Scienza, Politica e Innovazione per la Salute e la Fertilità dei Suoli Italiani
Date: December 4th – 5th, 2024
Location: Rome
In conjunction with World Soil Day, CREA, in collaboration with the European soil research program EJP SOIL, the national soil coordination Soil Hub and the National Rural Network, presents the final national event of the EJP SOIL program. The event, entitled “Cultivating the Future: Science, Politics and Innovation for the Health and Fertility of Italian Soils”, represents an important opportunity to promote collaboration between researchers, politicians and professionals in the agricultural sector, such as producer organizations, agronomists, consultants, technicians and agricultural entrepreneurs. The aim is to provide knowledge and concrete operational tools to improve soil management and raise public awareness of the importance of soil health and fertility, as well as sustainable agricultural practices.
To participate, register at the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScU8TFplLTEJRZc5jwRCYx22HxS7LfSy-xB_p-FGSbXeom4tA/viewform
World Soil Day (WSD) – Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage
Date: December 5th, 2024
Location: Worldwide Events
December 5 marks the United Nations World Soil Day (WSD). This year’s campaign, “Caring for soils: measure, monitor, manage” highlights the crucial role of soil data and information for understanding soil health and optimizing its management. It allows us to monitor soil conditions, assess productivity, and adopt targeted practices that improve soil health. However, without reliable information, we miss the opportunity to fully harness soil’s potential to support agriculture, store carbon, and preserve biodiversity. Let’s make this World Soil Day stand out by spreading the word about the critical role soil data plays in shaping the future of our planet.
International Soil and Water Forum 2024
Date: December 9th – 11th, 2024
Location: Bangkok, Thailand (Hybrid Event)
The International Soil and Water Forum 2024 will address the critical challenges of water scarcity and soil degradation. Co-organized by FAO and the Government of Thailand, this event will convene global leaders, experts, and stakeholders to develop actionable strategies for transforming agrifood systems.
Read more: Soil-Water-Forum-2024@fao.org
International Soil and Water Forum 2024 (fao.org)
Conferences, Meetings and Workshops 2025
International Lysimeter and Ecotron Workshop. “Measurement Methods for Environmental Monitoring “
Date: March 24th-26th, 2025
Location: Hallbergmoos, Germany
The International Lysimeter & Ecotron Workshop gives scientific presentations by renowned soil science researchers for studying soil-plant interactions.
Read more: https://ugt-online.de/en/news/workshops/workshop-2025-environmental-monitoring/
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
Read more: 18th International Symposium on Soil and Plant Analysis (ISSPA); info@isspasymposium.org
The Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress, SRI 2025
Date: June 16th -19th, 2025
Location: Chicago, USA e online
The Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress will celebrate its fifth anniversary in Chicago, Illinois, where it will be held from 16-19 June 2025 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk. SRI is an annual convening focused on action-forward, knowledge-based and inclusive approaches to sustainability.
SRI2025 will be the first time the Congress is held in the United States. The event will build on the momentum of Congresses in Australia, South Africa, Panama, and Finland, connecting both in person and around the world with satellite events and interactive online experiences.
The Congress has a global audience with strong participation from industry, governments, civil, non-governmental, Indigenous, and intergovernmental organizations as well as researchers and innovators and the agencies and ministries who fund their forward-looking efforts. Each Congress has attracted around 2000 participants from more than 80 countries.
The SRI Congress series is co-convened by the Belmont Forum and Future Earth. In 2025, we are excited to work with the University of Illinois System to mobilize sustainability solutions in the US and around the world.
SRI2025 will spotlight Pathways to Sustainability, sharing implementation strategies and legacies of successful approaches to critical sustainability concerns facing Chicago, the United States, and the globe. It will also provide opportunities to overcome engagement, policy, resourcing, and other hurdles that slow our transformation to more resilient and equitable futures.
This year’s Congress focuses on Pathways to Sustainable Solutions. I2025hemes
Deadline: 7 December 2024
Read more: SRI Congress | Sustainability Research and Innovation Congress
17th Symposium on Bacterial Genetics and Ecology (in conjunction with the 11th Theodor Escherich Symposium)
Date: July 1st –4th, 2025
Location: Graz, University Library Graz, Austria
Main topics of the symposium are:
Defining pathogens from an ecological perspective
- Anthropocene and biogeochemical cycles
- Soil microbiome and One Health
- The human microbiome in health and disease
- Food-gut microbiome axis
- Microbiome engineering for sustainable agriculture
- Microbial production systems and artificial intelligence Submit your abstract until
Deadline for abstract submission: 28 February 2025.
Read more: https://bageco.org/
World association of soil & water conservation
First Announcement of the 6th WASWAC World Conference
Resilient Landscapes: Innovations and Traditions in Climate-Adaptive Soil and Water Conservation (RISE-SWC)
Rabat, Morocco, September 15th-17th, 2025
Organized by The World Association of Soil and Water Conservation (WASWAC) and Institute National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)
About the Conference
World Association for Soil and Water Conservation (WASWAC), in collaboration with the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), is organizing on the 6th WASWAC World Conference on “Resilient Landscapes: Innovations and Traditions in Climate-Adaptive Soil and Water Conservation” (RISE-SWC), scheduled from 15 to 17 September 2025 in Rabat, Morocco. The conference will provide an exchange platform for soil and water resources conservation on a global scale, fostering collaboration among scientists, experts, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world.
Call for abstracts:
Abstracts are invited on any of the above theme areas or other related areas. The abstracts should not exceed 300 words, should be typed follow the template in attached file. The abstract and the registration form (download here Registration form for 6th WASWAC World Conference.docx) should be sent through e-mail at RISE-SWC@inra.ma and make a copy to waswac@vip.163.com in MS word format. Author(s) will be intimated regarding the acceptance of the abstracts.
Important dates:
Abstract submission begins: January 1, 2025
Last date of abstract submission: May 30, 2025
Intimation of acceptance of abstracts: June 30, 2025
Registration fee payment begin: January 1, 2025
Read more: http://www.waswac.org.cn/waswac/LatestNews/webinfo/2024/10/1723118523944354.htm
Opportunities for the IUSS members 2024-2025
Children’s booklet contest on Soil data and information
In celebration of World Soil Day (WSD) 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), and the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) are launching a scientific children’s booklet contest under the theme: “Caring for Soils: Measure, Manage, Monitor.” This contest provides participants with an opportunity to explain the significance of soil data and information for sustainable soil management, fostering a sense of responsibility, and inspiring children to understand the critical role soil plays for our planet. All shortlisted participants will receive soil-related publications, a certificate of participation, recognition on the IUSS and FAO websites, and soil gadgets. Winning booklets will be showcased on IUSS and FAO’s digital and social media platforms.
Winners announced: 5/12/2024, during World Soil Day official celebration.
Read more: World-Soil-Day@fao.org. Children booklet contest 2024 | World Soil Day, 5 December | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Standing Committee for Gender Equality in Science (SCGES)_ Annual Report 2023-2024
The Fourth Annual Report is evidence of current work endeavor on SCGES works to encourage and systematize the exchange of information on gender equality and women in science amongst scientific unions. It contains brief reports from twenty-one partners of SCGES. Exchanging information on all related issues and making them visible is a major motivation for the partners who work together in SCGES. In 2024, SCGES held its second in-person meeting in Paris, where its plans and strategies were discussed intensively. Six Working Groups were created, which has boosted the activity. SCGES has continued to collect data and has worked in cooperation with ISC on a wider collection of data among scientific organizations that will start in November 2024. SCGES membership among international scientific unions has more than doubled in four years.
Download: 4th-SCGES-Annual-Report.pdf
Read More: https://gender-equality-in-science.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Executive-Summary.pdf
The Right to Participate in and Benefit from Science
The ISC’s interpretation of ‘the right to participate in and benefit from science’ provides a clear framework for understanding the right to science, emphasizing its application in research, policy, and global access to scientific knowledge. It clarifies the obligations, opportunities, and responsibilities in ensuring universal access to science, fostering global dialogue to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future. Participating in and benefiting from science (abbreviated to ‘the right to science’) is a universal human right, but the understanding and application of this right has been problematic. The ISC’s interpretation clarifies what ‘the right to science’ means, and how it will shape the practice of science, and the use of the knowledge generated.
Read more: https://council.science/our-work/right-to-science/
Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and CoSystems Services (IPBES)
Call for nominations for fellows for the methodological assessment of integrated biodiversity-inclusive spatial planning and ecological connectivity (6 Sep 2024 – 24 Jan 2025).
The IPBES fellowship programme, which is part of a larger capacity-building portfolio of activities, targets early-career individuals who wish to gain experience by participating in the work of IPBES. Selected fellows will participate in the preparation of the chapter of the assessment for which they are selected, and their contribution acknowledged as part of the citation for that chapter. Fellows will attend author meetings and receive training to gain an in-depth understanding of the IPBES assessment processes and the science-policy interface. Fellows will also be paired up with a mentor for the assessment period.
Deadline: January 10, 2025
Read more: Call for early-career fellows
Other News
Farmer contest: Soil health guardians
The contest aims to raise awareness of soil health and promote sustainable soil management globally by empowering farmers by demonstrating effective and innovative practices to improve soil health. By participating, valuable knowledge will be shared and SSM practices may be included as case studies in GSP publications. There will be the possibility also to have the chance to network with other champion farmers and agricultural experts, fostering collaboration and learning. Additionally, innovative soil management efforts will be recognized internationally, highlighting your contributions to sustainable agriculture.
Announcement of the winners: 5th December 2024
Podcast contest: caring for soils: measure, manage, monitor
Make it easy for kids to understand how soil data and information can be used to assess soil health and productivity and support sustainable soil management. Create a fun and educational video podcast.
Registration form: https://www.fao.org/world-soil-day/contests/podcast_contest_2024
Winners announced: 5 December 2024, during World Soil Day official celebration.
New publications
Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbook
By: National Committee on Soil and Terrain, Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
This fourth edition specifies methods, standards and terminology for soil and land surveys. It is widely used throughout Australia, providing the official source of definitions and codes for the characterization of landform, vegetation, land surface, soil and substrate.
Paper back: December 2024
ISBN: 9781486317660, 228 pages
Read more: https://www.publish.csiro.au/book/8129/;
After publication, the eBook will also be available to download free from website.
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. Atlante dei dati ambientali. Ed.2024. ISPRA
The Atlas of Environmental Data offers an overview and a selection of the main environmental data in Italy. The Atlas is divided into six thematic sections: geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, climate change and anthroposphere.
ISBN: 978-88-448-1228-7
Download: ATLANTE_DATI_AMBIENTALI_2024_rev2_ottobre.pdf
Read more: Atlante dei Dati Ambientali. Edizione 2024 — Italiano
IUSS Secretariat Service Communication
To IUSS Commission and Working Group Chairs: you are kindly requested to inform the Secretariat whenever there is a change within your Commission and/or Working Group officers. In this way, it will be possible to keep the IUSS Officers Mailing List regularly updated.
To IUSS Full Members: please do not forget to let the Secretariat know about your new President, Secretary, Contact Person. This will be vital in keeping the mailing list updated, so you will not miss out any communication.
Please provide the new name, surname, position and e-mail address to: iuss.secretariat@crea.gov.it
If you are interested in promoting your product or book, event, job call in our Alert, please send an email to iuss.secretariat@crea.gov.it.
IUSS Alerts are e-mailed to more than 3,000 individual subscribers and 80 national soil science societies globally. Please forward the IUSS Alerts to your friends and colleagues. Send information for IUSS Alerts to iuss.secretariat@crea.gov.it.
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