*CA-CoP* *CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE*
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Dear Subscribers,
*Please see herebelow the IUSS Alert 128.*
*Apologies for cross-posting.*
*Amir Kassam *
*Moderator*
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URL: www.fao.org/ag/ca
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*From:* The International Union of Soil Sciences - IUSS
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*Subject:* [Bulk] IUSS Alert 128 (February 2016)
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IUSS page <http://iuss.boku.ac.at/index.php?article_id=576> IUSS Alert 128
(February 2016)
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Presentations and photos of IYS Celebration event, Dec. 7, Vienna
The presentations given during the conference “Celebration of International
Year of Soils 2015 – Achievements and Future Challenges” in Vienna on Dec.
7, 2015, have been uploaded on the IUSS website together with a selection
of photos.
Read more <http://www.iuss.org/index.php?article_id=26>
________________________________________________________________________________
Soil policy in the EU
Although agriculture and forests occupy 78% of the surface of the EU,
currently there is not any clearly established soil policy in the EU, and
only some member states have approved legislation. Though there are EU
guidelines and policies on agriculture, water resources and pollution, lack
of European legislation on soil does not ensure an adequate level of
protection in Europe. However, the clear risk to achieve objectives on
biodiversity and climate change led the EU to establish a Soil Thematic
Strategy (2006) on soil protection. The Seventh Environment Action Program
recognizes the progress made in the last decades, but still considers soil
degradation risk as a serious problem, and that “unsustainable land use is
consuming fertile soils, and soil degradation continues, resulting in
impacts on global food security and the achievement of biodiversity
targets”.
Read more <http://www.egu.eu/policy/science/soil-sciences/>
*Source: ASA (American Society of Agronomy) – CSSA (Crop Science Society of
America) – SSSA (Soil Science Society of America) Science Policy Report, 10
February 2016*
________________________________________________________________________________
Potential threats to soil biodiversity in the EU
A recently published JRC article maps the potential threats to three
categories of soil biodiversity (namely soil microorganisms, fauna and
biological functions), and gives guidelines for identifying soils that are
potentially at risk. Ranking the threats to soil biodiversity based on the
knowledge of 107 soil experts from 21 countries, the study found the
potential risk to soil biodiversity to be remarkably high. JRC developed
normalised indices of potential risk to soil biodiversity based on
assessments of the threat associated to 13 possible stressors: climate
change, landuse change, habitat fragmentation, intensive human
exploitation, soil organic matter decline, industrial pollution, nuclear
pollution, soil compaction, soil erosion, soil sealing, soil salinisation,
the use of GMOs in agriculture and invasi ve species. Data are available
for the soil biodiversity threats plus the 13 input layers.
Read more
<http://esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu/content/potential-threats-soil-biodiversity-europe>
________________________________________________________________________________
Soil threats in Europe: status, methods, drivers and effects on ecosystem
services
This report presents some results of the RECARE project. One of the
project’s objectives is to provide an improved overview of existing
information on soil threats and degradation at the European scale. The
report is written by a group of experts from the RECARE team, coordinated
by Bioforsk. In total, 60 persons were involved in the process of writing,
reviewing and editing. Eleven soil threats were considered: soil erosion by
water, soil erosion by wind, decline of organic matter (OM) in peat,
decline of OM in mineral soils, soil compaction, soil sealing, soil
contamination, soil salinization, desertification, flooding and landslides,
and decline in soil biodiversity.
Read more
<http://esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu/public_path/shared_folder/doc_pub/EUR27607.pdf>
________________________________________________________________________________
Call For Nominations: SSSA Awards & Scholarships
The Soil Science Society of America invites nominations for 2016 Awards and
scholarships which recognize researchers, educators, extension
professionals, and students. Nominate a colleague for one of the dozens of
awards. Awards Deadlines: March 22 to initiate nominations and March 29 for
reference letters and final submission. Students can apply for numerous
scholarships. Scholarship Deadlines: March 29 to initiate applications and
April 5 for reference letters and final submission.
Read more <https://www.soils.org/awards>
________________________________________________________________________________
Quo grabis? – Working perspectives in soil science
2015 will be remembered as the International Year of Soils. But where is
soil science going and how can young graduates gain a foothold in it? An
evening of discussions goes beyond technical aspects and shows that many
careers are open to young professionals – in academic and applied fields.
Read more
<https://www.ethz.ch/en/news-and-events/eth-news/news/2016/01/quo-grabis-working-perspectives-in-soil-science.html>
________________________________________________________________________________
Patchwork ploughing: Australian farmer creates huge geometric artwork to
fight soil erosion
A South Australian farmer has transformed his land into a gigantic
geometric patchwork in a bid to fight soil erosion. Brian Fischer created
the patterns at Ashmore White Suffolk Stud, north of Adelaide, following
recent bushfires. In the absence of any vegetation, he says the furrows
prevent gusting winds from causing further damage. “The fires cooked
everything,” he told 3AW radio, “but whichever way the wind blows it’s
always at 90 degrees [to the furrows] so it can’t get started”. The idea
dates back to 1944 – if not earlier – when more than one million hectares
of land were destroyed by a raging bushfire in Victoria. Fischer says the
pattern took several days to plough but is saving him 15cm of topsoil
Read more
<http://www.theguardian.com/environment/picture/2016/jan/20/patchwork-ploughing-australian-farmer-creates-huge-geometric-artwork-to-fight-soil-erosion>
________________________________________________________________________________
21st Century US 'dustbowl' risk assessed
US scientists have modelled how a 1930s-like “dustbowl” drought might
impact American agriculture today, and found it to be just as damaging.
Read more <http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35566151>
________________________________________________________________________________
Global nitrogen footprint mapped for first time
The first-ever global nitrogen footprint, encompassing 188 countries, has
found the United States, China, India and Brazil are responsible for 46
percent of the world’s nitrogen emissions. The economic modelling, which
grouped the nitrogen footprint into top-ranking bilateral trade
relationships, noted a trend for increased nitrogen production and found
developed nations largely responsible for emissions abroad for their own
consumption.
Read more <https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/01/160125114124.htm>
________________________________________________________________________________
Why soil matters more than we realise
Personal view on soil on a blog by Richard Bardgett, Professor of Ecology
at The University of Manchester and author of Earth Matters
Read more <http://blog.oup.com/2016/01/the-importance-of-soil/>
________________________________________________________________________________
Why Earthworms are Worth Keeping Around
Earthworms are your personal gardener. These little guys make organic
fertilizer and rid your soil of disease and pests.
Read more <http://www.lawncare.net/earthworms/>
Infographic
<http://visual.ly/worms-worth-how-earthworms-help-green-grass-grow>
________________________________________________________________________________
Conferences, Meetings and Workshops
International Workshop on Archaeological Soil Micromorphology (WASM 2016)
Brno, Czech Republic, May 26 – 28, 2016. Like the previous workshops, most
of the time will be reserved for “microscope time”. Therefore presentations
will mostly be in the form of posters. Everybody is asked to bring and
present shortly her/his own thin sections provided for the workshop
microscoping.
Read more <https://www.gli.cas.cz/cs/wasm2016>
8th International Acid Sulfate Soils Conference
College Park, Maryland; July 17-23, 2016. This conference will provide a
forum for the exchange ideas regarding the origins, properties, management,
classification and reclamation of Acid Sulfate Soils. The organizers hope
to include components for the education of those less familiar with Acid
Sulfate Soil issues and problems (including engineers, geologists,
geographers, politicians/lawmakers, environmental control organizations and
agencies and the general public). Three days will be designated for oral
and poster presentations (July 18, 19 and 21). Additionally, three field
tours are planned throughout the week (July 17, 20 and 22, 23).
Read more
<http://www.midatlanticsoilscientists.org/acid-sulfate-soils-conference/>
Second circular
<http://static1.squarespace.com/static/53cab412e4b09085a6633398/t/562577a9e4b0ac7299d75523/1445296041991/2nd+Circular+8th+IASSC-Final.pdf>
Edafología aplicada sobre los suelos del tropico mexicano
International Summer Course, Yucatán, Campeche, Tabasco y Chiapas, Mexico,
July 18-28, 2016. More information can be obtained via Email
<[log in to unmask]>
3rd International Conference on Hydropedology
Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China, August 16-19, 2016. The
conference theme is “Hydropedology and Natural Resources in the Earth’s
Critical Zone for a Sustainable World”. This once-in-every-four-years event
promises to be stimulating, informative, and enjoyable. A number of global
leaders, active thinkers, energetic researchers, young scientists, diverse
students, industrial practitioners, and other professionals are expected to
attend. Abstract deadline: March 1, 2016.
Read more <http://hydropedology2016.csp.escience.cn/dct/page/1>
International Colloquium on Soil Zoology (ICSZ)
Kasugano International Forum IRAKA, Nara City, Japan, August 22-26, 2016.
Soil zoology is an important component of soil science. There is an
increasing global demand for soil conservation. Knowledge on taxonomy,
biogeography and ecology of soil animals is needed to understand the
sustainable management of planet soil. We believe that this meeting will
contribute to global soil conservation. Therefore, the meeting theme is
“Biodiversity for Our Future Earth”.
Read more <http://soilzoology.jp/icsz_ica2016/>
New Challenges and Strategies of Soil and Water Conservation in the
Changing World Sustainable Management of Soil and Water Resources.
Third World Conference of World Association of Soil and Water Conservation (
WASWAC). Belgrade, Serbia, August 22-26, 2016. First Announcement and Call
for papers. The registration form and detailed information is available at
the conference website.
Read more <http://3rdwaswacconference.sfb.bg.ac.rs/>
Furthermore, there is an announcement of WASWAC Outstanding Youth Paper
Award 2016.
Read more
<http://3rdwaswacconference.sfb.bg.ac.rs/WASWAC_Outstanding_Youth_Paper_Award_2016.html>
Soil Landscape Modelling course in Wageningen, 3-7 October 2016
Following a recent review and the development of novel models, the
soil-landscape modelling community now organises a soil-landscape modelling
course for all interested PhD candidates, postdocs and other academics.
Learning objectives include gaining an understanding of concepts and
modelling approaches, and working on the participant’s own case studies
with some of the available models. It is our intention to make course
attendance as cheap as possible. Ask us about options for support if this
course is very interesting for your work.
Read more <https://www.pe-rc.nl/soil-landscape-modelling>
ISHS Symposium 2016 Sensing Plant Water Status – Methods and Applications
in Horticultural Science
Potsdam (Campus Griebnitzsee), Germany, October 5-7, 2016. This symposium
will provide a platform to exchange findings on established and new methods
in sensing plant water status- ranging from soil water uptake to plant
canopies. Consequently, soil properties and soil water status will be a
major topic. Early registration will end at June 30, 2016. Deadline for
abstract submission is March 15, 2016.
Read more <http://www.spws2016.atb-potsdam.de/>
Sustainable Development of Soil and Water Resources in Nile Basin Countries
Cairo, Egypt, October 17- 19, 2016. Conference topics: Soil resources in
Nile basin countries and optimum management to overcome the encountered
problems; Cooperation between Nile basin countries to control
desertification, erosion, degradation and soil pollution; Sustainable
agricultural development of Nile basin countries; Hydrology of Nile River;
Water policies in the Nile basin countries. Causes and sources of pollution
of Nile River; The scientific cooperation between Nile basin countries to
control water pollution; Enhancement of scientific research cooperation
between institutions in Nile basin countries. Abstracts submission
deadline: end of June 2016. Full texts should be submitted no later than 31
August 2016.
Read more <http://www.iuss.org/files/nil_basin_conference_brochure.pdf>
15th International Conference on Soil Micromorphology
Mexico City, Mexico; November 27 – December 5, 2016. This conference will
be organized jointly with the IUSS Commissions 1.3 Soil Genesis and 1.6
Palaeopedology. The early registration fee for full participants at the
Conference will be 200 €; the student fee will be 150 €, with appropriate
verification of student status.
Read more <http://www.icsm.igeologia.unam.mx/>
________________________________________________________________________________
New publications
Bodenatlas Deutschland. Böden in thematischen Karten [Atlas of German Soils
in thematic maps].
Hrsg.: Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR), Hannover
2016, 144 S., 48 Karten, 67 Abb., 8 Tab., 29×36 cm, ISBN 978-3-510-96855-8,
gebunden, 38.80 EUR. Only available in German. Aktuelles und modernes
Standard-Kartenwerk zum Thema Boden für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland; Der
Atlas enthält in einer systematischen Abfolge sieben Kapitel mit
geowissenschaftlichen und bodenkundlichen Grundlagenkarten, zu
bodenphysikalischen und bodenchemischen Kennwerten, zum Wasser- und
Stoffhaushalt des Bodens sowie zu Gefährdungen, zu Potenzialen und weiteren
Darstellungen mit Bezug zum Bundes-Bodenschutzgesetz.
Read more <http://www.schweizerbart.de/9783510968558>
Sediment Quality Assessment – A Practical Guide, Second Edition
By Stuart Simpson and Graeme Batley (Editors), February 2016 by CSIRO
Publishing, 360 pages, Colour photographs, Line Art, 245 × 170 mm, ISBN:
9781486303847, Price Paperback AU $ 79.95.
Contaminated sediments represent an ongoing threat to the health of aquatic
ecosystems. The assessment of sediment quality is, therefore, an important
concern for environmental regulators. Sediment quality guidelines are now
well established in regulatory frameworks worldwide; however, practical
guidance that covers all of the key aspects of sediment quality assessment
is not readily available. In 2005, CSIRO published its highly cited
Handbook for Sediment Quality Assessment. In the ensuing period, the
science has advanced considerably. This practical guide is a revised and
much expanded second edition, which will be a valuable tool for
environmental practitioners. Written by experts in the field, it provides
coverage of: sediment sampling; sample preparation; chemical analysis;
ecotoxicology; bioaccumulation; biomarkers; and ecological assessment. In
addition, detailed appendices describe protocols for many of the tests to
be used.
Biochar in European Soils and Agriculture – Science and Practice
Edited by Simon Shackley, Greet Ruysschaert, Kor Zwart, Bruno Glaser,
February 29, 2016 by Routledge, 302 pages, 95 B/W Illustrations, ISBN:
9780415711661, Price Hardcover £75.00.
This user-friendly book introduces biochar to potential users in the
professional sphere. It de-mystifies the scientific, engineering and
managerial issues surrounding biochar for the benefit of audiences
including policy makers, landowners and farmers, land use, agricultural and
environmental managers and consultants, industry and lobby groups and NGOs.
The book reviews state-of-the-art knowledge in an approachable way for the
non-scientist, covering all aspects of biochar production, soil science,
agriculture, environmental impacts, economics, law and regulation and
climate change policy. Chapters provide ‘hands-on’ practical information,
including how to evaluate biochar and understand what it is doing when
added to the soil, how to combine biochar with other soil amendments (such
as manure and composts) to achieve desired outcomes, and how to ensure safe
and effective use. The authors also present research findings from the
first coordinated European biochar field trial and summarize European field
trial data. Explanatory boxes, infographics and concise summaries of key
concepts are included throughout to make the subject more understandable
and approachable.
________________________________________________________________________________
Job offers
Professor in the field of soil resources
The Department of Environmental Systems Science (http://www.usys.ethz.ch)
of ETH Zurich in¬vites applications for a professorial faculty position
focusing on (1) the role of soil as a key natural resource, supporting a
wide range of forest and other terrestrial ecosystem functions and services
and (2) quantifying the effects of changes of land use and climate on
various soil functions at local to global scales. The appointment will be
at full professor level. Candi¬dates should be interested in
system-oriented multidisciplinary research and are expected to develop an
innovative and internationally recognized research program, making an
important contribution to linking the assessment and modelling of soil
function to land-use and climate change.
The successful candidate will have a strong background in soil sciences as
well as an inter¬national track record in research and will be a motivated
and capable university teacher. Ad¬ditionally, skills in mathematical
modelling and/or spatial information systems are a great plus. Teaching
duties will include introductory and advanced-level courses on the
asses¬sment, modelling and management of soil resources as part of the
environment. The new professor will be expected to teach undergraduate
level courses (German or English) and graduate level courses (English).
Please apply online
<https://www.bi.id.ethz.ch/recruiting_app/url/Position/14319618?guest=true>
Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and
a statement of future research and teaching interests. The letter of
application should be addressed to the President of ETH Zurich, Prof. Dr.
Lino Guzzella. The closing date for applications is 15 March 2016. ETH
Zurich is an equal opportunity and family friendly employer and is further
responsive to the needs of dual career couples. We specifically encourage
women to apply.
Read more
<http://www.facultyaffairs.ethz.ch/facultypositions/Soil_Resources_VP>
Executive Director of the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR)
programme, Beijing, China.
The International Council for Science (ICSU), the International Social
Science Council (ISSC) and the UN International Strategy for Disaster
Reduction (UN-ISDR) invite applications for the post of Executive Director
of the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR) programme, which will be
vacant on 01 June 2016.
The Executive Director of IRDR is expected to:
- Lead on the elaboration and implementation of a strategy and workplan
in close collaboration with the co-sponsors and the Scientific Committee;
- Facilitate the development, implementation and co-ordination of IRDR
science projects, policy projects and those carried out jointly with
partner programmes;
- Lead on the development and implementation of a communications and
outreach strategy;
- Actively engage with the IRDR community (international centres of
excellence, national committees, etc.) and stakeholders in China, across
the region, and globally (including the international policy community and
funding agencies);
- Promote the establishment and/or strengthening of national IRDR
committees and regional initiatives, with an emphasis on improving the
science/policy interface;
- Lead on fundraising for the programme; and
- Ensure effective representation and links between IRDR and other
relevant international research programmes and their sponsoring
organizations, including Future Earth.
The Executive Director will hold a PhD in a natural, social, medical or
engineering science discipline related to natural hazards and disaster risk
reduction and have several years of direct experience in international
programme management. Proven management, fundraising, and diplomatic
skills, and capacity to work in a multi-cultural environment will be
essential. Both an excellent command of written and spoken English and a
working knowledge of Mandarin are required.
The following additional qualities are considered to be essential: ability
to lead and motivate a small team; operating in a complex area; high level
of flexibility and adaptability; ability to think strategically while
managing the operational side of the programme, including host reporting
requirements; an understanding of Asian and other cultures.
Applications should include: (i) a Curriculum Vitae; (ii) a covering letter
explaining why you are interested in the post, and outlining the skills and
experience you feel you, the candidate, could bring to IRDR and its IPO;
and (iii) the names and addresses of three individuals who have indicated
their readiness to provide a reference. Applications combined into a single
PDF file should be sent to the International Council for Science (ICSU) via
e-mail to [log in to unmask], with “IRDR Executive Director” in the
subject line. The closing date for applications is 18 March 2016 midnight
Paris time (CET).
Read more <http://www.irdrinternational.org/>
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