{"id":701,"date":"2023-10-25T19:38:19","date_gmt":"2023-10-25T17:38:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iuss.org\/?p=701"},"modified":"2023-10-25T19:57:25","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T17:57:25","slug":"iuss-alert-165","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.iuss.org\/alert\/iuss-alerts-2017-2020\/iuss-alert-165\/","title":{"rendered":"IUSS Alert 165 (March 2019)"},"content":{"rendered":"

IUSS News<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

IUSS\u00a0representation at\u00a0EGU\u00a0General Assembly 2019<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

At\u00a0EGU\u00a02019 taking place in Vienna, 7 to 12 April 2017,\u00a0IUSS\u00a0will share a booth with\u00a0ESAFS\u00a0(East and Southeast Asia Federation of Soil Science Societies),\u00a0ECSSS\u00a0(European Confederation of Soil Science Societies),\u00a0BGS\u00a0(Soil Science Society of Switzerland) and\u00a0DBG\u00a0(German Soil Science Society).\u00a0IUSS\u00a0will present its Divisions and their most recent activities. The\u00a0IUSS\u00a0flyer was updated accordingly.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The latest book in the\u00a0IUSS\u00a0soil book series during the International Decade of Soils (2015 \u2013 2024)\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>Global Soil Proverbs \u2013 Cultural Language of the Soil<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0will be presented by\u00a0IUSS\u00a0Secretary Sigbert Huber on 11 April, 15:45-16:15.\u00a0IUSS\u00a0President Elect Laura Bertha Reyes S\u00e1nchez, co-author of the chapter on proverbs in Mexico, will talk about her insights. President Takashi Kosaki will provide an outlook on the next\u00a0IUSS\u00a0soil book. The book can be ordered already from\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>iuss@umweltbundesamt.at<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>; reduced price for\u00a0IUSS\u00a0members:\u00a0EUR\u00a030.00 (plus shipping costs).<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.iuss.org\/index.php?article_id=704<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

A number of\u00a0IUSS\u00a0books will be for sale at the\u00a0IUSS\u00a0booth throughout the\u00a0EGU.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Following the book presentation, from 16:15 onwards, there will be a meet and greet session with the\u00a0IUSS\u00a0President 2019-2020 Takashi Kosaki from Japan and\u00a0IUSS\u00a0President Elect 2019-2020 Laura Bertha Reyes S\u00e1nchez from Mexico.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

You are welcome to visit our booth (No 55) and to join us for the book presentation or come and meet the presidents!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.egu2019.eu\/<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Download flyer:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.iuss.org\/media\/iuss_flyer_v5_2019.pdf<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

International Poster Contest \u2018Soilutions\u2019 to solve soil degradation problems<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

IUSS\u00a0considers stopping soil degradation as one of its most important tasks, and invites you to propose in a poster your \u2018Soilutions\u2019 to address soil problems in order to preserve this unique resource and life. The ideas and proposals should represent the role of the soil as an essential natural resource to preserve the environment.\u00a0IUSS\u00a0will award 1,000\u00a0USD\u00a0from the Stimulus Fund for the best \u2018Soilutions\u2019 poster and 500\u00a0USD\u00a0each for the second and third best poster. The posters shall be submitted until May 31, 2019. The best 12 posters will be displayed on the\u00a0IUSS\u00a0website and a calendar shall be made using these posters.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.iuss.org\/index.php?article_id=26&goback=619<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Request for contributions to\u00a0IUSS\u00a0Bulletin 134<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0IUSS\u00a0Secretariat (<\/span><\/span><\/span>iuss@umweltbundesamt.at<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>) would like to kindly invite all\u00a0IUSS\u00a0members to submit their contributions for our next\u00a0IUSS\u00a0Bulletin 134 (to be published in June) at their earliest convenience, but no later than 15 May 2019. In particular, the Secretariat would welcome conference\/meeting reports and reports on activities dedicated to the International Decade of Soils (2015-2024), answers to the \u201cFive Questions to a Soil Scientist\u201d, your three favourite soil science books and any other information you would like to share with the international soil science community. Also we would like to give more room to national soil science societies to present their recent activities. Please make sure to send high-resolution photos only together with the copyright information (owner of the photos).<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

General News<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Eurosoil call for sessions \u2013 New deadline<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Dear\u00a0ECSSS\u00a0members and partners,<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We received 73 session proposals before the 1st March deadline, which is quite good. The equilibrium between Themes and scientific fields, however, can be improved. In particular the involvement of stakeholders is increasing progressively. This is new for them and we must be convincing. Many fruitful contacts are still ongoing.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore, we decided to\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>postpone the deadline to 1st of April<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>, and continue our efforts.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

It is good if you can forward this information to your members and partners, and help steering the process. We are on the way to make Eurosoil the soil European voice. Moreover, we work hard on the conference sponsoring, with our commitment \u201caffordable for all\u201d in mind. This goes along with stakeholders involvement. All contacts you could suggest to disseminate the information on sponsoring packages are welcome.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Pascal Boivin, President\u00a0ECSSS<\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/eurosoil2020.com\/<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Video contest on soil erosion: Share your story and win<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

GSP\u00a0is calling for your contribution to the video contest on soil erosion. This contest is addressed to anyone who has witnessed the damaging consequences of soil erosion \u2013 farmers, extension agents, students, researchers, policy makers, businesses and\u00a0NGOs! Submit your video & the registration form by 31 March 2019.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>http:\/\/www.fao.org\/about\/meetings\/soil-erosion-symposium\/video-contest\/en\/<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Global Soil Erosion dataset<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This Global Soil Erosion map 2012 (GeoTIFF format) at 25 km resolution (re-sampled) is available for free download. It is based on the Version 1.1 of the\u00a0JRC\/University of Basel \u201cRUSLE-based Global Soil Erosion Modelling platform (GloSEM)\u201d. The original resolution is approx. 250 m and an example for those data (location: Amazon rainforest) is provided. The data package includes also the soil erosion estimate in 2001, the input factors (K, LS, C, R) and ArcMap project files.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu\/content\/global-soil-erosion<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Call for Nominations \u2013 2019 Land for Life Award: Decades of Impact<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

On behalf of the\u00a0UNCCD\u00a0Secretariat, we are inviting you to nominate candidates for the 2019 Land for Life Award. Please find the nomination form on:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>www.unccd.int\/actionsland-life-programme\/land-life-award<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The Land for Life Award recognizes excellence in efforts towards achieving land degradation neutrality. Individuals, institutions and businesses, non-governmental organizations, policy makers and civil society as well as academic and research organizations are eligible for the award.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

As the UN Convention to Combat Desertification celebrates its 25th year, the 2019 Land for Life Award will be dedicated to\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u201cDecades of Impact\u201d<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>. We will recognize efforts that are contributing to land degradation neutrality on a large-scale, with long-term changes and dedicated actions for 25 years or longer and remarkable positive impacts on land, people, communities, and society as a whole.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

We are looking for
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span>Large-scale land restoration:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0The speed at which countries are implementing the\u00a0SDG\u00a015 target of land degradation neutrality puts it within reach. We want to showcase land restoration on a large scale \u2013 policy measures, for example or specific sustainable land management methods.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Remarkable positive impacts:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0Restoring land has positive effects on food and nutrition security, water, soil, biodiversity, people\u2019s lives and thus a number of other\u00a0SDGs. We are looking for initiatives whose approaches to land restoration show specific positive impact on further\u00a0SDGs.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Transferable approaches:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0The Convention moves forward to achieving land degradation neutrality by 2030. We are looking to award approaches that drive this change.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The deadline for nominations is\u00a030 March 2019. You are welcome to nominate more than one candidate. Please use a separate form for every nomination. Self-nomination is not possible.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Please do not hesitate to contact Ina Neuberger Wilkie\u00a0at\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>L4L@UNCCD.int<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0if you have any questions or require further information.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

World Science Forum on Science, Ethics and Responsibility invites session proposals<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Under the main theme of \u201cScience, Ethics and Responsibility\u201d the 2019 World Science Forum will revisit one of the topics that was fundamental to the creation of the series of fora and has only gained relevance since then. The transformative technological developments of the last twenty years, growing demands for the accountability of research expenditures and the spread of opinions challenging scientific evidence have only reinforced the need for the responsible and ethical use of scientific knowledge.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The 2019 World Science Forum will provide an opportunity for the considerations of scientists, policy-makers, society, industry and science communicators to be challenged from an ethical standpoint in the plenary sessions, and will also allow for more technical debates over issues of science in thematic sessions.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

For the first time in 2019, any scientific organization is invited to apply for the thematic sessions to be included in the main programme of the Forum.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Deadline for submission of session proposals: April 10, 2019<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/worldscienceforum.org\/default-rovat-default-cikk\/call-for-wsf-thematic-session-proposals-110054<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ESSC\u00a0GRANTS\u00a0for young researchers<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The European Society for Soil Conservation (ESSC) provides 2 grants of 500.00 Euro each to 2 young researchers (less than 35 years old) members of the\u00a0ESSC, to support their participation to the 9th\u00a0ESSC\u00a0International Congress.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Application until April 30, 2019.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The application form can be downloaded from:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.iuss.org\/media\/form_grant_essc_9th_int._congress.doc<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>www.9ESSC.UBT.EDU.AL<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Plastic, plastic everywhere: Microplastics in the food system<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Plastics are part of our everyday lives and have been for decades. Lack of recycling has led to \u201cmicroplastics\u201d\u2014tiny particles of plastic\u2014 permeating our environment. Marine life has been heavily impacted, but there is reason to believe that microplastics are in our soil as well. What is certain is that humans are consuming microplastics in their food. The impact this will have on human health is unknown.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/foodtank.com\/news\/2019\/02\/plastic-plastic-everywhere-microplastics-in-the-food-system\/<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

[From:\u00a0ASA-CSSA-SSSA\u00a0Science Policy Report, 6 March 2019]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Soil health, human health research priorities identified<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Soil Health Institute (SHI) released the Conference on Connections Between Soil Health and Human Health report, which includes recommendations for better understanding soil health \u2013 human health relationships. The conference was designed to bring the soil health and human health communities together, establish the current state of collective knowledge, identify gaps and associated priorities, and scope a collaborative path forward.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.prnewswire.com\/news-releases\/soil-health-human-health-research-priorities-identified-300812481.html?tc=eml_cleartime<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

[From:\u00a0ASA-CSSA-SSSA\u00a0Science Policy Report, 20 March 2019]<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Soil loss due to crop harvesting in the European Union: A first estimation of an underrated geomorphic process<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Over the last two decades or so, there has been a lot of research carried out to understand the mechanics and spatial distribution of soil loss by water erosion and to a lesser extent of wind, piping and tillage erosion. The acquired knowledge helped the development of prediction tools useful to support decision-makers in both ex-ante and ex-post policy evaluation. In Europe, recent studies have modelled water, wind and tillage erosion at continental scale and shed new light on their geography. However, to acquire a comprehensive picture of soil erosion threats more processes need to be addressed and made visible to decision-makers. Since 1986, a small number of studies have pointed to an additional significant soil degradation process occurring when harvesting root and tuber crops. Field observations and measurements have shown that considerable amounts of soil can be removed from the field due to soil sticking to the harvested roots and the export of soil clods during the crop harvest. This study aims to scale up the findings of past studies, carried out at plot, regional, and national level, in order to obtain some preliminary insights into the magnitude of soil loss from cropland due to sugar beets and potatoes harvesting in Europe. We address this issue at European Union (EU) scale taking into account long-term (1975\u20132016) crop statistics of sugar beet and potato aggregated at regional and country levels.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0048969719304887?fbclid=IwAR1HOSUSUzrdQMzvnPzVdbTLfZ4fWhVw49o2dMDuenif3cH9U4mie6jyyJo<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Continuing drought will further burden the already depleting groundwater resources of the country, according to associate professor Vimal Mishra<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Nearly 50% of the country is currently facing drought with at least 16% falling in the \u201cexceptional\u201d or \u201cextreme\u201d category, according to\u00a0IIT\u00a0Gandhinagar scientists managing India\u2019s real time drought prediction system. This ongoing drought will pose a lot of challenges in water availability this summer, Vimal Mishra, associate professor at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Gandhinagar, told\u00a0PTI.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/energy-and-environment\/nearly-50-per-cent-of-india-currently-facing-drought-say-iit-gandhinagar-scientists\/article26396033.ece?fbclid=IwAR1KEWt6UNWxfY6KYdvQBWezYe2m0-TmJEGK5sUxdbKH_LCULhKoQ7ozLq0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Conferences, Meetings and Workshops<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2019<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

School of Soil Biodiversity and Bioindication<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Biodiversity and bioindicators in monitoring and management of contaminated soils
\n4\u20137 June 2019, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy
\nApplication not later than 15 April 2019<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.iuss.org\/media\/school_of_soil_biodiversity_and_bioindication__2019_second-announcement.pdf<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Food Security and Climate Change: 4per1000 initiative new tangible global challenges for the soil<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

18-20 June 2019, Poitiers, France. The 4 per 1000 initiative was launched in 2015 as a global initiative to promote the adoption of economically viable and ecologically sound agricultural practices towards carbon sequestration and food security. Despite doubts in terms of feasibility and contribution to climate change mitigation, the soil remains at the heart of the political and socio-economic debate.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The present conference provides an exchange forum for scientists, decision makers, funding organizations (agencies), and geopolitical entities to discuss critical issues and realistic opportunities and challenges for the implementation of the initiative. Collaboration is needed to balance the strong scientific creativity with the pragmatic needs for short- and long-term risk mitigation solutions. Proper stakeholder representation is key. Through a multistakeholders forum, multitude of valid ideas may be able to gain traction, to implement sustainable practices leading to effective soil sequestration across countries that are needed to alter the fundamental trajectory of our global society and quality of life.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The conference aims to build partnerships for soil sustainability and resilience, promote innovation and knowledge exchange, and ensure that appropriate solutions are put into practices under the framework of the 4 per 1000 initiative.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Submission of abstracts until 30 April 2019<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Conference website:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/symposium.inra.fr\/4p1000<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

World Soils 2019 user consultation meeting<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2 \u2013 3 July 2019,\u00a0ESA\u00a0ESRIN, Frascati, Italy. Space-based EO systems provide a means to support the monitoring of some soil chemical and physical properties, directly or indirectly, through the interaction of radiance fields with the (mainly upper) soil layer as shown by many research projects. With the advent of operational EO systems such as the European Union Copernicus Program (including the high priority Copernicus expansion missions), the free and open EO data policies as well as cloud-based access and processing capabilities (e.g.\u00a0DIAS) an EO based Soil Monitoring System appears feasible today. Therefore, a user consultation workshop on space-based EO tools for mapping and monitoring soils will take place at\u00a0ESA\u00a0ESRIN\u00a0with the aim to bring together stakeholders from the policy and user domain with remote sensing experts to discuss the necessary steps to develop such a system.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Deadline for abstract submission: May 31, 2019<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>http:\/\/worldsoils2019.esa.int\/index.php<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

43rd Annual Conference of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria \u201cFood Basket 2019\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding Nigerian Soils: A Panacea for Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security, Preservation of Safe and Healthy Environment and Mitigation of Land Crisis<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

14 \u2013 18 July 2019, Makurdi, Nigeria. On behalf of the organizing committee, it is our great pleasure to invite you to the 43rd Annual Conference of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria in conjunction with\u00a0LOC\u00a0Makurdi. The theme of the conference is \u201cUnderstanding Nigerian Soils: A Panacea for Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security, Preservation of Safe and Healthy Environment and Mitigation of Land Crisis\u201d, with a number of sub-themes including Soil Vegetation\/Climate Relationships, Soil Survey and Land Use Planning as a Tool for Mitigating the Land Use Crisis, Soil Fertility, Plant Nutrition and use Planning Agrochemicals for Sustainable Agricultural Productivity in Safe and Healthy Environment, Soil and Water Management for Sustainable Agricultural Productivity, Managing Land and Environmental Degradation for Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security and Management of Soil Organisms and Indiscriminate Agrochemical Use for Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security; understanding the properties, functioning, impacts and long-term evolution of Nigerian soils in order to achieve food security.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Abstract submission deadline extended to April 15, 2019<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.iuss.org\/media\/photo-2018-11-01-22-15-35.jpg<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Summerschool \u201cCertificate in Archaeological Soil Micromorphology and Phytolith Analysis\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

5-10 August 2019, Universit\u00e9 Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium. This summer, the Universit\u00e9 Libre de Bruxelles organises for the first time a Summerschool \u201cCertificate in Archaeological Soil Micromorphology and Phytolith Analysis\u201d. It is a one-week training programme in English focusing on the basics of archaeological soil micro morphology and phytolith analysis, including intensive microscopy sessions and an on-site visit in the Brussels area.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Application:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/bit.ly\/2UU4YPx<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

More information:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>summerschool@ulb.ac.be<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Wageningen Soil Conference 2019 \u2013 Understanding soil functions<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

August 27 \u2013 30, 2019, Wageningen, the Netherlands. Wageningen University & Research is delighted to invite you to join us at the fourth edition of the Wageningen Soil Conference. As in previous editions, the aim is to discuss the importance of soils. In the 2019 edition, the focus will be on \u201cUnderstanding soil functions: from ped to planet\u201d. To do this we will adopt a new style of conference, with traditional conference talks in the mornings, followed by a range of scientific and interactive topic workshops in the afternoons.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Abstract submission deadline: April 15, 2019<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Download 2nd Circular:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.iuss.org\/media\/wsc2019_second_circular.pdf<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.iuss.org\/index.php?article_id=21<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

International Workshop on Archaeological Soil Micromorphology<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2-4 September 2019, Basel, Switzerland. Due to the restricted number of microscopes during this Workshop of the Working Group on Archaeological Soil Micromorphology (WASM), we have to limit the number of participants to 35. The rules are simple: first come, first served.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2nd circular:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.iuss.org\/media\/wasm_basel_2019_2nd-circular.pdf<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Registration until May 31, 2019:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.iuss.org\/media\/registration_form_wasm_2019_basel.pdf<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

In case of questions, please contact:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>geoarchaeology@unibas.ch<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

TERRAenVISION 2019<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

3-7 September 2019, University of Barcelona. Join the second edition of the TERRAenVISION conference. This year the conference will be on working towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). TERRAenVISION proposes more than 20 sessions in which different aspects of Science for Society will be addressed. Among them, Land degradation and Restoration, Environmental & anthropogenic drivers for soil pollution, Ecosystem services, Fire in Earth system, Nature-based solutions, Science policy interface.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/terraenvision.eu\/<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

CODATA\u00a02019 \u2013 Towards next-generation data-driven science: policies, practices and platforms<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

19-20 September 2019, Beijing, China. Science globally is being transformed by new digital technologies. At the same time, addressing the major global challenges of the age requires the analysis of vast quantities of heterogeneous data from multiple sources. In response, many countries, regions and scientific domains have developed Research Infrastructures to assist with the management, stewardship and analysis. These developments have been stimulated by Open Science policies and practices, both those developed by funders and those that have emerged from communities. The\u00a0FAIR\u00a0principles and supporting practices seek to accelerate this process and unlock the potential of analysis at scale with machines.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This conference provides a significant opportunity to survey and examine these developments from a global perspective. The convening organizations are now inviting session proposals by 15 April 2019: all proposals related to open science and open data,\u00a0FAIR\u00a0data, research data management and stewardship, research infrastructures and platforms are welcome.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Deadline for session proposals: April 15, 2019<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>http:\/\/worldsoils2019.esa.int\/index.php<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

9th\u00a0ESSC\u00a0International Congress<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

September 26-28, 2019, Tirana, Albania. The European Society for Soil Conservation & the Agricultural University of Tirana are delighted to invite you to the 9th\u00a0ESSC\u00a0International Congress. In this 9th edition of the congress, the focus will be on \u201cSoil\u2019s Contribution to People: from Food to Life Supporting Services\u201d.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Deadline of abstract submission: May 31, 2019<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>http:\/\/9essc.ubt.edu.al\/<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

3rd Intensive Training Course on Soil Micromorphology<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

30 September \u2013 11 October 2019, Tremp (Lleida), Spain. This course will comprise lectures, exercises with thin sections provided by the lecturers and also with material brought by the participants and visits to a thin section lab. Both analogic and digital polarising microscopes will be available, with a maximum of 2 participants per microscope, as well as facilities to work with them during extra time and to discuss the participants own thin sections with lecturers and colleagues. A certificate issued by the University of Lleida, under the auspices of the International Soil Science Society and the Institut Cartogr\u00e0fic i Geol\u00f2gic de Catalunya will be handled to the participants who attend a minimum hours of lectures.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>http:\/\/www.cfc.udl.cat\/fc\/curso\/2322<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Contact:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>rosa.poch@macs.udl.cat<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

World Science Forum on Science, Ethics and Responsibility<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

20-23 November 2019, Budapest, Hungary. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 1999 World Conference of Science,\u00a0WSF\u00a0will return to Budapest to be hosted once again by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences under the main theme \u201cScience, Ethics and Responsibility\u201d. In the 21st century, ways of separating the scientific method from values, beliefs and opinions are no longer self-evident, and the complex realities of science call for a greater consensus in the ethical principles of scientific research. High expectations for direct economic and social returns also bring new responsibilities regarding the evaluation of scientific performance and the value of scientific research.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In this new era, finding new channels to the minds and the hearts of the general public might prove to be the greatest challenge for science communicators.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Speakers of\u00a0WSF\u00a0will discuss the opportunities and risks of the new technological revolution in biological engineering, artificial intelligence, and other highly debated fields of scientific research that have the potential to radically transform human life.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Deadline for session proposals: April 10, 2019<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/worldscienceforum.org\/<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

New publications<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Microbiology for Sustainable Agriculture, Soil Health, and Environmental Protection<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Edited by Deepak Kumar Verma, 1st Edition published 19 March 2019, by Apple Academic Press, 408 pages, 16 Colour illustrations, 39 B\/W illustrations,\u00a0ISBN: 9781771886697.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

With contributions from a broad range of experts in the field, this volume focuses on important areas of microbiology related to soil and environmental microbiology associated with agricultural importance. The information and research on soil and environmental microbiology presented here seeks to act as a gateway to sustaining and improving agriculture and environmental security.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Part I focuses on soil microbiology, dealing extensively with studies on the isolation, culture, and use of Rhizobium spp. and mycorrhizae to improve soil fertility, plant growth, and yield. This includes research progress on biogeochemical cycles, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), microbial interactions in soil and other soil activities, microbial diversity in soil, biological control and bioremediation, and improvement of beneficial microorganisms (N2 fixers, phosphate solubilizers, etc.).<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Part 2 goes on to focus on microbiology for crop disease management and pathogenic control in sustainable environment, with chapters on disease management of agricultural and horticultural crop plants through microbial control and how microbial control may a be a potential solution for a sustainability in agriculture. Part 3, Microbiology for Soil Health and Crop Productivity Improvement, features a chapter on the activity and mechanism of nitrogenase enzyme in soil, which is very important for soil health and crop production and productivity. Part 4 presents two chapters entirely devoted to the environmental pollution and its control, looking at the interaction of microbes in aqueous environments and eco-friendly approaches.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.routledge.com\/Microbiology-for-Sustainable-Agriculture-Soil-Health-and-Environmental\/Verma\/p\/book\/9781771886697<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Predictive Soil Mapping with R \u2013 an Open Access book in Rmarkdown<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Hengl, T., MacMillan, R.A., (2019). OpenGeoHub foundation, Wageningen, the Netherlands, 370 pages,\u00a0ISBN: 978-0-359-30635-0.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Book cover artwork:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/github.com\/Envirometrix\/PredictiveSoilMapping\/blob\/master\/figures\/PSMwR_cover.pdf<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Tom Hengl and Robert MacMillan have recently published an Open Access book on Predictive Soil Mapping with R (PSMwR). PSMwR is based on applying statistical and\/or machine learning techniques to fit models for the purpose of producing spatial and\/or spatiotemporal predictions of soil variables, i.e. maps of soil properties and classes at different resolutions. PSMwR is about understanding the main concepts behind soil mapping, mastering R packages that can be used to produce high quality soil maps, and about optimizing all processes involved so that production costs can also be reduced. Authors are experienced soil mappers and have spent over 6 years collecting materials, running courses in R (see e.g.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>http:\/\/youtube.com\/c\/ISRICorg<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/OpenGeoHubFoundation<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>) and promoting Open Soil Data standards.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>http:\/\/soilmapper.org<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

LandGIS: Open Land Data service<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

In 2018 the OpenGeoHub foundation released a web mapping system called \u201cLandGIS\u201d and which is envisaged as \u201can OpenStreetMap-type system\u201d for land-related environmental data. LandGIS provides access to new datasets including global maps of soil types (<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5281\/zenodo.1476844<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>), soil texture fractions (<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5281\/zenodo.1476854<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>), soil organic carbon (<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5281\/zenodo.1475457<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>), relief (<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5281\/zenodo.1447209<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>), geology, land cover\/use\/degradmicroplatation (<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5281\/zenodo.1475449<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>), climate (<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5281\/zenodo.1420114<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>), current and potential vegetation (<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5281\/zenodo.1450336<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>,\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/peerj.com\/articles\/5457\/<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>). It also comes with a basic\u00a0API\u00a0(<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/landgisapi.opengeohub.org<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>) which allows users to overlay points and get values within seconds. With LandGIS we combine the power of distributed data and Machine Learning based on the Open Source software to produce global seamless maps of environmental dynamics and ecosystem services.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/opengeohub.org\/about-landgis\/<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Notice both items above are available under Open Data or Open Access \/ Open Source licenses and are meant to stimulate collaboration and sharing of data and code.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The International Yearbook of Soil Law and Policy 2018<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

By Dr. Harald Ginzky, Dr. Elizabeth Dooley, Dr. Irene L. Heuser, Dr. Emmanuel Kasimbazi, Dr. Till Markus, Dr. Tianbao Qin, Springer International Publishing, Print\u00a0ISBN: 978-3-030-00757-7, electronic\u00a0ISBN: 978-3-030-00758-4,\u00a0DOIhttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/978-3-030-00758-4.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This book presents an important discussion on urbanization and sustainable soil management from a range of perspectives, addressing key topics such as sustainable cities, soil sealing, rehabilitation of contaminated soils, property rights and liability issues, as well as trading systems with regard to land take.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This third volume of the International Yearbook of Soil Law and Policy is divided into four parts, the first of which explores several aspects of the topic \u201curbanization and sustainable management of soils.\u201d The second part then covers recent international developments, while the third part presents regional and national reports, and the fourth discusses cross-cutting issues. Given the range of key topics covered, the book offers an indispensible tool for all academics, legislators and policymakers working in this field. The \u201cInternational Yearbook of Soil Law and Policy\u201d series discusses central questions in law and politics with regard to the protection and sustainable management of soil and land \u2013 at the international, national and regional level.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>https:\/\/www.springerprofessional.de\/international-yearbook-of-soil-law-and-policy-2018\/16510178<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Advertisements<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

financially supported<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

ML3 ThetaProbe<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0\u2013 Soil Moisture and temperature measurement sensor<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The ML3 ThetaProbe delivers exceptional accuracy and durability<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0__________________________________________________<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n