Soils

Nederlandse Bodemkundige Vereniging

2008-10-11T19:10:00.003+07:00

De NBV is een vereniging voor alle Nederlandse Bodemkundigen en diegenen die de Bodemkunde een warm hart toedragen. De vereniging heeft als hoofddoel nieuwe ontwikkelingen en activiteiten die in binnen- en buitenland plaatsvinden te ondersteunen en haar leden daarover te informeren. Voorts organiseert de NBV tweemaal per jaar een wetenschappelijke bijeenkomst.

International Union of Soil Sciences

2008-10-11T18:51:00.003+07:00

The International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) is the global union of soil scientists. The objectives of the IUSS are to promote all branches of soil science, and to support all soil scientists across the world in the pursuit of their activities. The society was founded as the International Society of Soil Science (ISSS) on 19th May 1924. The IUSS is a scientific union member of ICSU since 1993. For a historical overview of the ISSS-IUSS click here. The scientific activities of IUSS are undertaken through 4 Divisions and each Division has 4 to 6 Commissions. The Divisions and Commissions are headed by a chairperson and two vice chairs. Divisions & Commissions Divisions, Commissions & Working Groups - Short list

Divisions & Commissions - Description
Division & Commission officers (2006-2010)
Division 4 (2002-2006)

Commissions

Commission on Palaeopedology
Commission on Soil Morphology and Micromorpholgy
Commission on Pedometrics

Working Groups

Working Groups officers (2006-2010)
Working Group on Digital Soil Mapping
Working Group on Salt-Affected Soils
Working Group on Hydropedology

Indian Society of Soil Science

2008-10-11T02:36:00.001+07:00

The Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS) was born in 1934 with 28 members. The Society was registered on December 22, 1934 in Calcutta under Act XXI of 1860 (Registration No. 8164/252 of 1934-35) and formally inaugurated on January 3, 1935 at the Presidency College, Calcutta. Sir Bryce C. Burt, the then Agricultural Commissioner in the Imperial (now Indian) Council of Agricultural Research, was the first President of the Society and Prof. J.N. Mukherjee its first secretary.

O b j e c t i v e s

To cultivate and promote soil science and kindred branches of science
To disseminate the knowledge of soil science and its applications, through meetings, discussions, and publications
To promote judicious interactive use of soil, water and other natural resources, fertilizer and other inputs to maintain quality and resilience of soil for sustainable agriculture
To foster high standards in the teaching and education of soil science
To work in close association with learned societies and organizations having similar objectives
To create public awareness about the importance of soil as a finite natural resource,
To carry out research and to perform all other acts, matters, and things that may assist in, or be conduce to, or be necessary for the fulfillment of objectives and purposes of the Society.

Soil Science Society of Pakistan

2008-10-11T02:29:00.000+07:00

The Soil Science Society of Pakistan (SSSP) is a non-government and non-profit organization of scientists, engineers, technologists and students involved in the profession of Soil Science. The Society, established in 1958, was revived in 1984. Active members of the Society are over 400. The Society works to advance the discipline and practice of Soil Science by acquiring and disseminating information about soils in relation to crop production, environmental quality, ecosystem sustainability, bioremediation, waste management and recycling, and wise land use. Aims and Objectives

Promote Soil Science research and its application.
Create facilities and provide a forum for close cooperation among the scientists working in Soil Science and allied disciplines.
Foster publication of a Soil Science Journal, Newsletter, etc.

German Soil Science Society

2008-10-11T02:20:00.000+07:00

Deutsche Bodenkundliche Gesellschaft

The German Soil Science Society (DBG) is a non-commercial association with about 2.000 members related to soil scientific questions.

The task of the German Soil Science Society is to promote soil science and its relation to neighbouring disciplines through:

concerted scientific work, professional stimulation and education, exchange of ideas and information in the field of soil science;
promotion of the education of young scientists;
public relation activities to inform people about soils, their capacities and required protection as well as the educational value of soil science;
maintenance and fosterage of relations between scientific societies of Soil Science and neighbouring disciplines in and outside Germany, especially the International Union of Soil Science (IUSS).

The German Soil Science Society organises periodical conferences including scientific excursions as well as targeted symposia and workshops of the commissions, working groups und working committees.

The society releases the „Nachrichten der DBG“ as an information bulletin, the „Mitteilungen der Bodenkundlichen Gesellschaft“ as a non-reviewed publication and the peer-reviewed international „Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science“.
Furthermore, the DBG awards the Fritz-Scheffer-Award to young scientists for scientific excellence.

Soil Science Society of Ireland

2008-10-11T02:16:00.000+07:00

Soil Science Society of Ireland

The Soil Science Society of Ireland was formed in 1977 with the express purpose "to promote the knowledge about, and use of, Irish soils". Members are professionally active in research, teaching, administration, consultancy, advisory services, state agencies, civil service and industry. Members are predominantly drawn from the Island of Ireland.

What do we do ?
The Soil Science Society of Ireland holds two major events each year:

A scientific meeting around Easter-time at which papers are presented orally or as posters - this meeting is now held as part of the Agricultural Research Forum
A field meeting in early September to study and discuss soils and land use in a region / county of Ireland.

The Soil Science Society of Ireland interacts with a range of public bodies to promote all aspects of soil science.

Malaysian Society of Soil Science

2008-10-11T02:11:00.001+07:00

Malaysian Society of Soil Science

We are a non-government organisation (NGO) in Malaysia to promote the study of science within the context of agriculture and to champion environmental stewardship. Inaugurated on April 2, 1971 with 26 founding members, we have since grown into a full-fledged professional entity, having a membership of over 600.

Our members include professionals working in both the public and private sectors, within and outside Malaysia.

Our objectives:

To promote the study of soil science and to create public awareness on the importance of soil conservation within the context of sustainable land management.
To review areas of soil study relevant for national development.
To disburse small grants to needy students and to members attending seminars.

Canadian Society of Soil Science

2008-10-11T02:08:00.001+07:00

The Canadian Society of Soil Science (CSSS) is a non-governmental, non-profit organization for scientists, engineers, technologists, administrators and students involved in professional soil science.

Its Objectives are:

to promote the wise use of soil for the benefit of all society,
to promote research and practical application of findings in soil science and
to promote information and technology exchange among people in professional soil science.

Japanese Society of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

2008-10-11T02:03:00.000+07:00

Japanese Society of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

Purpose

The society is an academic organization and aims to establish modern theory and systematized techniques deeply linking with food production and environmental protection in the fields of Soil Science, Fertilizer Science and Plant Nutrition. Since the society was founded in 1927, it has enrolled over 3000 members and has also enlarged the field of research activities and technical development.

Today, sustainable food production has been received global attentions due to explosive population growth, soil deterioration and other environmental issues such as acid rain, global warming etc. The society dedicates to solving the above issues, and wishes to play a central role in the stable development of human society in the 21st century.

Activities of the society

The society concentrates its activities on academic researches currently including 9 divisions as follows.
1. Soil physics
2. Soil chemistry and soil mineralogy
3. Soil biology
4. Plant nutrition
5. Soil genesis, classification and survey
6. Soil fertility
7. Fertilizers and soil amendments
8. Environment
9. Socio cultural soil science

The society organizes annual meeting and publishes two journals, Soil Science and Plant Nutrition ( Journal website, Instruction for authors, Online submission page ) and Japanese Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition (Nihon Dojo Hiryo Gaku ZassShi - in Japanese)

The society often organizes international meetings in related fields, e.g. International Society of Soil Science (Kyoto, 1990), International Plant Nutrition Colloquium (Tokyo, 1997), International Symposium on Plant-Soil Interactions at Low pH (Sendai, 2004) and so on. It actively participates in and collaborates with the International Union of Soil Science etc.

Czech Society of Soil Science

2008-10-11T01:57:00.000+07:00

Czech Society of Soil Science

New Zealand Society of Soil Science

2008-10-11T01:52:00.000+07:00

The New Zealand Society of Soil Science is a professional society to encourage the advancement of soil science.

It was formed in 1952 and has over 400 local and international members.

Its main activities are the publication of Soil News and other books on soil science; organisation of conferences and sponsorship of students and young scientists to attend conferences; and the awarding of prizes and bursaries for theses, outstanding scientists, technicians, and students. Its members include professional soil scientists, environmental scientists, ecologists, geographers, agricultural scientists, foresters, engineers, geologists, farmers, teachers, and consultants.

Our Goals
The goals of the Society are to:

increase the understanding of soil as a natural and sustainable resource
promote the study of soils at all educational levels
promote sound management of the environment based on an understanding of soils and their importance in ecosystems
promote high professional standards in soil science
provide national and regional guidance on issues concerning land and soil resources
provide an efficient service to members

Africa Soil Science Society

2008-10-11T01:47:00.000+07:00

The Africa Soil Science Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1986 following a meeting of African soil scientists who attended the World Soil congress in Hamburg (Germany). ASSS has successfully organized four International Conferences : Kampala (Uganda, 1988), Cairo (Egypt, 1990), Ibadan (Nigeria, 1994) and most recently Accra (Ghana, 2007).

Australian Society of Soil Science

2008-10-11T00:42:00.000+07:00

Australian Society of Soil Science Inc. (ASSSI).

Our Society is a not-for-profit organisation that acts as a "peak body" for soil scientists across Australia, and seeks to advance soil science in the professional, academic and technical fields. More recently, we have been seeking to raise awareness of soil science in the general community also. Over the coming months, we will unveil the State Soils of NSW, Qld, Vic, SA and WA that have been elected by members, and we'll start to populate this site with information about "hot" soil topics. For a more detailed description of our goals, see our Statement of Purposes.

Members of ASSSI are drawn from all states and territories of Australia and work in government departments, research organisations, universities and private enterprise. All members belong to one of our six Branches, each of which organises a separate program of activities every year. The Federal Council coordinates and oversees this federation of branches.

If you are involved professionally in any aspect of soil science, or simply have a keen interest in soil and soil science, you may apply for membership to ASSSI. The benefits of joining our Society are numerous and can be briefly summarised as follows;

The Society Newsletter, Profile

Profile is a federal newsletter published in March, June, September and December. Issues provide information on upcoming events, branch and federal meetings, minutes and schedules, conferences, feature articles on soil related topics, employment and educational opportunities. Some branches publish branch newsletters also.

National Soils Conference

Every two years a National Soils Conference is organised by the Federal Council with the support of the branch hosting the conference. More recently the ASSSI and New Zealand Society of Soil Science have combined their conferences to create the ANZ Soils Conference every fourth year. The 2008 conference will be a joint conference with NZSSS in New Zealand. These conferences are cheaper for members.

Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) Accreditation Scheme

Members of the Australian Society of Soil Science Inc. can apply for and maintain professional accreditation within the field of soil science with the Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) accreditation scheme. Such accreditation is likely to become increasingly important as employers and clients become aware of the scheme and seek out accredited soil scientists for particular jobs and contracts.

Awards

Each year ASSSI makes a number of prestigious awards to members have excelled in different aspects of soil science. ASSSI also makes awards for the best presentations at each of the National Soils Conferences, and travel grants may be made available to student members of the Society to attend these conferences. ASSSI also has a Honorary Life Membership scheme for those members who have made outstanding contributions to the Society and to the discipline of soil science. Some branches also make available awards to members during the year.

ASSSI Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance

Professional Indemnity insurance and Public Liability insurance are being offered in 2007 by Jardine Lloyd Thompson. ASSSI members interested in obtaining insurance quotes should contact Bill Hogg on 03 9613 1404 or David Piacentino on 03 9613 1482.

Australian Journal of Soil Research (AJSR)

ASSSI members can subscribe to the journal AJSR at a discounted subscription rate prior to March each year.

International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS)

All financial Ordinary members of the Australian Society of Soil Science Inc. automatically become members of the International Union of Soil Sciences. The IUSS provides members with an opportunity to participate in international soil science activities and keep up-to-date with world news.

British Society of Soil Science

2008-10-11T00:37:00.001+07:00

British Society of Soil Science

The Society was founded in 1947 to advance the study of soil. It does his through the promotion of research and education. Soil is a very precious resource that has a range of functions. These include support for plants, ecosystem biodiversity, and growing medium for crops. Soils interact with the wider environment, acting as a store and filter for water. Soils support many human activities, and preserve evidence of our cultural heritage.

The Society promotes research by organising several conferences each year and by the publication of its two scientific journals, the European Journal of Soil Science, and Soil Use and Management. It promotes education through a number of initiatives aimed at schools, colleges and universities. The Society has a regular and varied programme of scientific conferences on a wide range of soil-related issues. Find out more about future conferences. Membership details can be obtained from the Society Administrator, Dr Jim Gauld. For further information about the work of the Society, please contact the Society Secretary, Dr Rob Parkinson.

Soil Science Society of America

2008-10-11T00:24:00.000+07:00

The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) is a progressive, international scientific society that fosters the transfer of knowledge and practices to sustain global soils. Based in Madison, WI, and founded in 1936, SSSA is the professional home for 6,000+ members dedicated to advancing the field of soil science. It provides information about soils in relation to crop production, environmental quality, ecosystem sustainability, bioremediation, waste management, recycling, and wise land use.

SSSA supports its members by providing quality research-based publications, educational programs, certifications, and science policy initiatives via a Washington, DC, office.

SSSA is the founding sponsor of an approximately 5,000-square foot exhibition, "Dig It! The Secrets of Soil," which opened July 19, 2008 at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.

Because of their common interests, SSSA, American Society of Agronomy, and Crop Science Society of America share a close working relationship and same office staff in Madison, WI. Each organization is autonomous with its own bylaws and governing boards of directors.

As a member, you may subscribe to Society journals at a reduced rate. You will also receive member discounts on books and publications, and on Annual Meeting registration fees. A subscription to the Societies' monthly magazine, CSA News, and e-mail News Flash is also included with your membership.

Soil Scientists

2008-10-10T19:14:00.000+07:00

List of some soil scientists taken from: Alfred Hartemink

What is Soil

2008-10-10T13:47:00.000+07:00

This definition is from the Soil Science Glossary (Soil Science Society of America).

soil - (i) The unconsolidated mineral or organic material on the immediate surface of the earth that serves as a natural medium for the growth of land plants. (ii) The unconsolidated mineral or organic matter on the surface of the earth that has been subjected to and shows effects of genetic and environmental factors of: climate (including water and temperature effects), and macro- and microorganisms, conditioned by relief, acting on parent material over a period of time. A product-soil differs from the material from which it is derived in many physical, chemical, biological, and morphological properties and characteristics.

This definition is from Soil Taxonomy, second edition.

soil - Soil is a natural body comprised of solids (minerals and organic matter), liquid, and gases that occurs on the land surface, occupies space, and is characterized by one or both of the following: horizons, or layers, that are distinguishable from the initial material as a result of additions, losses, transfers, and transformations of energy and matter or the ability to support rooted plants in a natural environment.

The upper limit of soil is the boundary between soil and air, shallow water, live plants, or plant materials that have not begun to decompose. Areas are not considered to have soil if the surface is permanently covered by water too deep (typically more than 2.5 meters) for the growth of rooted plants.

The lower boundary that separates soil from the nonsoil underneath is most difficult to define. Soil consists of horizons near the earth's surface that, in contrast to the underlying parent material, have been altered by the interactions of climate, relief, and living organisms over time. Commonly, soil grades at its lower boundary to hard rock or to earthy materials virtually devoid of animals, roots, or other marks of biological activity. For purposes of classification, the lower boundary of soil is arbitrarily set at 200 cm.

The second edition of Soil Taxonomy, A Basic System of Soil Classification for Making and Interpreting Soil Surveys is now available here in PDF format for printing or viewing. A printed copy is also available.

Soil Taxonomy Text (PDF; 9.9 MB)
Soil Taxonomy Maps (PDF; 15.1 MB)
Errata Sheet for Soil Taxonomy (PDF; 7 KB)