*Global CA-CoP* *CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE*

*for sustainable agriculture, land use and ecosystem management*

Dear Susbscribers,

Please see herebelow the latest IUSS Alert 193 (July 2021).

Apologies for any cross-posting.

*Amir Kassam *

*Moderator*

*Global CA-CoP*

e-mail: [log in to unmask]

URL: http://www.fao.org/conservation-agriculture


*Conservation Agriculture is an ecological approach to regenerative
sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management based on the practical
application of context-specific and locally adapted three interlinked
principles of: (i) Continuous no or minimum mechanical soil disturbance
(no-till seeding/planting and weeding, and minimum soil disturbance with
all other farm operations including harvesting);  (ii) permanent
maintenance of soil mulch cover (crop biomass, stubble and cover crops);
and (iii) diversification of cropping system (economically, environmentally
and socially adapted rotations and/or sequences and/or associations
involving annuals and/or perennials, including legumes and cover
crops).* *These
practices are complemented with other complementary good agricultural
production and land management practices to generate and sustain optimum
performance.* *Conservation Agriculture systems are present in all
continents*.

-----------Forwarded message ---------
From: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Sun, 25 Jul 2021 at 13:01
Subject: IUSS Alert 193 (July 2021)
To: Amir Kassam <[log in to unmask]>


If you have problems reading this content with your mail-client - please
follow this link to load the IUSS page in your webbrowser
<https://www.iuss.org/index.php?article_id=810>

[image: IUSS Logo]

[image: Twitter Logo] <https://twitter.com/iuss_org>  [image: Facebook Logo]
<https://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Union-of-Soil-Sciences/291392794207721>
 [image: Linked in Logo] <https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2871883/> [image:
Youtube Logo] <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX3cdAuO5QrPx0EtDPahQcg>

IUSS Alert 193 (July 2021)
IUSS News Attendance Survey for WCSS 2022

The world has changed, and life is different to how it once was. As such,
we here at the World Congress of Soil Science (Glasgow 31 July 2022- 5
August 2022) are planning a conference a bit different to any that have
gone before, for the first time we are offering a hybrid conference to
allow participation where travel is not possible. We want to see as many of
you as in person as we can, to collaborate and to share, to demonstrate and
learn, but know this may not be possible for some. We need your help to
know what to expect, to know who is coming, and how to adapt to meet their
needs. We ask that you please fill out the form online until August 23, or
send us an email at *[log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>*, and let us
know what your plans for attending are.

Take the survey: *
<https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HBDLKFM>https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HBDLKFM
<https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HBDLKFM>*

Congress website: *
<https://www.soils.org.uk/wcss2022>https://www.soils.org.uk/wcss2022
<https://www.soils.org.uk/wcss2022>*
------------------------------

IUSS Stimulus Fund – second call for submissions 2021

IUSS has established an annual Stimulus Fund to support suitable activities
within its Commissions and Working Groups. Where appropriate, the Fund will
also support other activities to assist the development of soil science
generally but particularly in regions of the world where lack of resources
limit opportunities. Research projects or travel costs of individuals will
not be funded. Applications should be sent to *[log in to unmask]*
<[log in to unmask]>. The initial application process requires a short
written proposal of no more than 500 words plus a budget indicating how the
funds awarded are to be spent in relation to the total budget of the
activity. The normal maximum award will be USD 2,500.

Submission Deadline: September 15, 2021

Read more: <https://www.iuss.org/about-the-iuss/iuss-stimulus-fund/>*https://www.iuss.org/about-the-iuss/iuss-stimulus-fund/
<https://www.iuss.org/about-the-iuss/iuss-stimulus-fund/>*

------------------------------

IUSS Calendar ‘Soilutions’ printfile available

IUSS considers stopping soil degradation as one of its most important
tasks, and invited to propose ‘Soilutions’ in the form of a poster in order
to preserve this unique resource and life itself.

The ideas and proposals should represent the role of the soil as an
essential natural resource to preserve the environment. This is very
relevant for reaching many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The
contest was an initiative under the umbrella of the International Decade of
Soils 2015-2024, which shall increase the awareness about the importance of
soil.

Based on the best 12 posters a permanent calendar was produced. Please see
as an example the sheet for July:

[image: IDS Calendar July]
<https://www.iuss.org/media/ids_calendar_july.jpg>

You can download the print file here: * iuss_calendar_def_printing_version.pdf
(59 MB)*
<https://www.iuss.org/index.php?rex_media_type=download&rex_media_file=iuss_calendar_def_printing_version.pdf>

*
<https://www.iuss.org/newsroom/newsletters/soils-of-urban-industrial-traffic-mining-and-military-areas-suitma-newsletters/>*

*
<https://www.iuss.org/newsroom/newsletters/malaysian-society-of-soil-science-newsletter/>*
------------------------------

Paleopedology Newsletter

The Paleopedology Newsletter, a joint initiative of IUSS Commission 1.6 –
Paleopedology and INQUA Palaeopedology Working Group, is now available.
Among others, it includes the Annual report of the IUSS Commission 1.6.
Then Peter N. Eze provides his interpretation for a pedo-stratigraphic
section in northern Botswana. Georges Stoops, Roger Langohr and Eric Van
Ranst share the paleopedology part of their meta-analysis
micromorphological study from Belgium. And Curtis Monger delineates a
global view on soil’s potential for sequestering CO2 as soil inorganic
carbon.

Read more: *
<https://www.iuss.org/newsroom/newsletters/paleopedology-newsletters-commission-16/>https://www.iuss.org/newsroom/newsletters/paleopedology-newsletters-commission-16/
<https://www.iuss.org/newsroom/newsletters/paleopedology-newsletters-commission-16/>*
------------------------------

News from the Soil Science Society of China

*Chinese Soil Scientists Revealed the Role of Earthworms to Reduce
Antibiotic Resistance Genes*

Accumulation of medically relevant antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in
the environment is an emerging global environmental and health crisis.
Earthworms are widely distributed, and are known to degrade soil
pollutants, they might hold the key to solving this global crisis. Here, we
conducted a continental-scale survey and a microcosm study to evaluate the
potential role of earthworms in remediating soil ARGs. We show that
earthworms consistently reduce the diversity and abundance of ARGs both in
natural and agricultural ecosystems, and under controlled experimental
conditions. Processes in the earthworm gut affect the abundance of ARGs by
reducing the abundance of dominant bacterial phylotypes that are the likely
hosts of ARGs. Earthworms could provide a sustainable and natural solution
to address the global ARG crisis. The results have been published in
*Environmental
Science & Technology* and received a lot of media attention, including *Science
Daily <https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/05/210512083424.htm>*, *GEN
<https://www.genengnews.com/news/earthworms-may-play-key-role-in-reducing-antibiotic-resistance-genes-in-soil/>*,
*Technology Networks
<https://www.technologynetworks.com/drug-discovery/news/earthworms-a-natural-and-sustainable-solution-for-reducing-antibiotic-resistance-genes-in-soil-348729>*,
and so forth.
------------------------------

News from the Pacific Regional Society of Soil Science (PRSSS)

*Equity, Diversity and Inclusion*

Since April 2021, rotating members of the PRSSS team have been hosting 5-10
minute Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) presentations on soil science
related topics at their monthly meetings.

Selected resources: *Implicit Bias & Microaggressions Module
<https://prsss.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=86bd5ea13a4054b6d07af020e&id=241d1f4622&e=25bdf3972a>*
and *Racism in academia, and why the ‘little things’ matter - Kevin N.
Laland
<https://prsss.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=86bd5ea13a4054b6d07af020e&id=9a2615311c&e=25bdf3972a>*

*Healthy Soils + Healthy Farmers Podcast Episode*

The Peace River Forage Association has a great podcast that covers "all
things forage, livestock, soil health, and sustainable pasture and range
management". This week they have released an Episode with PRSSS member
Brooke Hayes. Brooke talks about her research on the link between soil
health and farmers' health.

Access the podcast: *May the Forage be With You Podcast - Healthy Soils -
Healthy Farmers: Brooke Hayes, Part 1 | Free Listening on Podbean App
<https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-p4v3v-1082984>*

Website: * <http://www.prsss.ca/>www.prsss.ca <http://www.prsss.ca>*
------------------------------

News from the Latin American Soil Science Society (SLCS)

*Argentine Association of Soil Science (AACS)*

Blowing South: Southern Hemisphere Dust Symposium that will be held online
on 9-10 November 2021, free of charge, abstract submission deadline: 7
September 2021. Read more: *
<http://dust2021.cima.fcen.uba.ar/>http://dust2021.cima.fcen.uba.ar/
<http://dust2021.cima.fcen.uba.ar/>*

Flyer from AACS <https://www.iuss.org/media/flyer.jpg>

*Soil Science Society of Spain*

7th edition of the Ramon Margalef Colloquia “A cross-system view of the
biological carbon cycle in the anthropocene”, which will be held online
from the 5th to the 8th of October 2021. Read more:
*http://www.acoio.org/margalef-summer-colloquia/
<http://www.acoio.org/margalef-summer-colloquia/>*

*Mexican Soil Science Society*

Mexican Soil Science Society invites to participate in its online 45th
Mexican Congress to be held on 6 – 8 October 2021, organized by the
Autonomous University of Hidalgo. Read more: *
<https://www.smcsmx.org/congreso2021/>https://www.smcsmx.org/congreso2021/
<https://www.smcsmx.org/congreso2021/>*

Virtual course on Agricultural and Environmental Nanotechnology to be held
on October 4 and 5, 2021, as a prelude to the 45th National Congress of
Soil Science, organized by the Mexican Society of Soil Science. Read more: *
<https://u4553192.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=a9qv8jyQdVSpALr6QK3klT-2FMuHETjdNORtoEmeF5CGu5JpCUy7CK09x1dJS6aka6S4Zl_Uc4bGZudbK0pAp57HcsNB4M9dJU218p9Vbjy9vwC6fPkbv2esm8lZH1Gql5QHJ2CvpFzCXMKhFjSHWfKrwmG2tPKS0qdgRgkTrIVI-2B-2Fgl2IMvpQvfHe-2BQs92wRbR6WjBUNBpQF7ODJsfnk3HwAqsj0HDlzrvSSW-2FvPND5S98Tz8eNQOojBQ3R4uGeJy0LLmeMsoV1i-2BGRTpHB9hSzrqNzsfaK26rfHmUKX9qUJ4PW6icy2ZpD2hXuXslJNwog47KmdOTihs4l1PafJxT6WgOOaWF4GMWGm26FHSrKInOJii8I8HwfYRQ8sRtrcIPdK5F3-2FAvy8Nm8-2B50cie2eK6K86zLiX3H7iTVQp-2FcCzh4ygTv-2BkpFJ2pHG6OJJcke4SPG5TRL36aE4FRg0pbRS07PTWoWBwI0lE-2F4b6Ga-2BMPr7TfyANRMG5mfFuRPW5aaqrl-2FXTv9Cn7ZmG7PaWhBmuWXRQ-3D-3D>https://www.smcsmx.org/congreso2021/
<https://www.smcsmx.org/congreso2021/>*
------------------------------

2021 Australian Laureate Fellowship for Alex McBratney

Dochuchaev Award winner Prof. Alex McBratney (*
<https://www.iuss.org/about-the-iuss/awards-prizes/dokuchaev-award/dokuchaev-award-2014/>https://www.iuss.org/about-the-iuss/awards-prizes/dokuchaev-award/dokuchaev-award-2014/
<https://www.iuss.org/about-the-iuss/awards-prizes/dokuchaev-award/dokuchaev-award-2014/>*)
has been awarded an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship, one of
the most prestigious research awards nationally, for a project aiming to
deliver a comprehensive systematic soil monitoring system within a
world-first soil security framework.

More information about his proposed work can be found on the *ARC website
<https://www.arc.gov.au/news-publications/media/funding-announcement-kits/australian-laureate-fellowships-2021/2021-laureate-profile-professor-alexander-mcbratney>*.


Read more about the objectives of the *Australian Laureate Fellowships* scheme:
*
<https://www.arc.gov.au/grants/discovery-program/australian-laureate-fellowships>https://www.arc.gov.au/grants/discovery-program/australian-laureate-fellowships
<https://www.arc.gov.au/grants/discovery-program/australian-laureate-fellowships>*
------------------------------

Awards from the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) to Bal Ram Singh

The Secretariat is pleased to announce that Prof. Bal Ram Singh, Chair of
IUSS Division 3 - Soil Use and Management and IUSS Honorary Member, has
been awarded the *Soil Science Distinguished Service Award
<https://www.soils.org/awards/view/69>* and the *Soil Science Applied
Research Award <https://www.soils.org/awards/view/70>* in recognition of
his contributions and achievements. SSSA is proud to include Bal Ram Singh
in their 2021 Awards Hall of Fame.
------------------------------

Daniel Theophilus Akwa Okae-Anti (1955-2021)

The IUSS Secretariat was sad to learn about the demise of Professor Daniel
Theophilus Akwa Okae-Anti, which occurred on the 20th of June, 2021. He was
65 years old.

He had been the Vice President of the Soil Science Society of Ghana. He was
an Associate Professor with the Department of Soil Science, School of
Agriculture, University of Cape Coast in Ghana. He was also a Commonwealth
Fellow. Prof. Okae-Anti had over 50 publications to his credit in reputable
journals all over the world. His contribution, notably "Significance of
microtopography in a Gleysol" presented at the 2010 WCSS at Brisbane,
Australia, to the Soil Science Community will forever be cherished. His
numerous graduated students hold key positions across the globe.

His death is a tremendous loss for the Soil Science Community and for Soil
Science in general.

Messages to the family can be emailed to: *[log in to unmask]
<[log in to unmask]>*

*By Mr. Andy Kwakye Okae-Anti, University of Cape Coast, Ghana*
------------------------------

General News Invitation to contribute to the “Free to Think” monitoring
project

Scholars at Risk (SAR), an international network of institutions and
individuals with the mission to protect scholars and promote academic
freedom, is *inviting all ISC Members and their networks to contribute to
the “Free to Think” monitoring project* by providing information on
verified attacks on higher education carrying grave consequences for a
local higher education/scientific community that occurred between 1
September 2020 and 30 August 2021 in the following categories: (i)
killings/violence/disappearances; (ii) wrongful imprisonment; (iii)
wrongful prosecution; (iv) travel restrictions; (v) loss of position; (vi)
other incidents.

If you would like to contribute to the 2020/21 monitoring project please
submit your data preferably *by 31 July 2021* to *[log in to unmask]
<[log in to unmask]>*.

Read more: *
<http://link.council.science/click/1X5RW-4baCvwFf.9duN9OvBiPfT7/PNpIz7NJ/3s/council.science/current/news/free-to-think-sar-monitoring-project/>https://council.science/current/news/free-to-think-sar-monitoring-project/
<https://council.science/current/news/free-to-think-sar-monitoring-project/>*

[From: ISC Newsletter, 19 July 2021]
------------------------------

IPBES call for experts to assess interlinkages among biodiversity, water,
food and health and causes of biodiversity loss

The ISC shares an invitation from the Intergovernmental Platform on
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) secretariat to nominate experts
for participation in the thematic assessment of the interlinkages among
biodiversity, water, food and health (nexus assessment) and the thematic
assessment of the underlying causes of biodiversity loss and the
determinants of transformative change and options for achieving the 2050
Vision for Biodiversity (transformative change assessment).

Nominated experts should have strong multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary
expertise, expertise in one or more disciplines of natural science, social
science or the humanities, be indigenous and local knowledge experts or
have expertise in indigenous and local knowledge systems. IPBES also
encourages policy experts and practitioners to apply. All nominees should
have experience in working within interdisciplinary, international and/or
global contexts. Please find more information regarding the required
expertise at *https://ipbes.net/sites/default/files/2021-07/em_2021_17_nominations_nexus_transformative_en_0.pdf
<http://link.council.science/click/1X6qfC4bajjwjY.As97AB-JedgBz/W75aCfuK/3s/ipbes.net/sites/default/files/2021-07/em_2021_17_nominations_nexus_transformative_en_0.pdf>*.


If you wish to be nominated by the International Science Council,
please complete the nomination procedure by *6 September* as follows:

1. Nominees are invited to complete the application form and attach their
curriculum vitae through the dedicated web portal at the links below (to
access this page you will need to log in with your IPBES website log in
credentials. Nominees not yet registered on the IPBES website will need to
do so at *https://ipbes.net/user/register
<http://link.council.science/click/1X6qfC4bajjwjY.As97AB-JedgBz/HpMabVZ1/3s/ipbes.net/user/register>*).
Please note that the nomination form is in English only and applications
should be submitted in English, as the assessment process will be conducted
in English:

   - Nexus assessment: *https://ipbes.net/applications/nexus
   <http://link.council.science/click/1X6qfC4bajjwjY.As97AB-JedgBz/cxCsZTsD/3s/ipbes.net/applications/nexus>*

   - Transformative change assessment: *
   <http://link.council.science/click/1X6qfC4bajjwjY.As97AB-JedgBz/eWkHp-8r/3s/ipbes.net/applications/transformative-change>https://ipbes.net/applications/transformative-change
   <https://ipbes.net/applications/transformative-change>*

2. The nominating organization (Nominator) indicated by the Nominee will
receive an email with a link to the nomination form and will be invited to
approve and submit the nominations in the web portal. So please indicate
“International Science Council” as the nominating organization and
“Anne-Sophie Stevance, [log in to unmask]” as the
nominating person.

3. Nominators and Nominees will receive a confirmation via email once the
nomination has been duly submitted.
------------------------------

Apply
<http://link.council.science/click/1X5RW-4baCvwFf.9duN9OvBiPfT7/27KrVGxV/3/globalyoungacademy.net/call-for-new-members/>
for membership with the Global Young Academy

The GYA (Global Young Academy) membership call for 2022 is open now.
Applications are sought from young, independent scholars who combine the
highest level of research excellence with a demonstrated passion for
delivering impact.

Deadline: *15 September 2021*

Read more: *
<https://globalyoungacademy.net/call-for-new-members/>https://globalyoungacademy.net/call-for-new-members/
<https://globalyoungacademy.net/call-for-new-members/>*

[From: ISC Newsletter, 19 July 2021]

------------------------------

Candidates for the Copernicus Medal 2022

The Copernicus Gesellschaft e.V., partner of Copernicus Meetings &
Publications, invites you and your colleagues to suggest appropriate
candidates from the international community of the geo- and space sciences
for the Copernicus Medal. This award has been presented since 2014.

The aim of the Copernicus Medal is threefold:

1) It recognizes ingenious, innovative work in the geosciences or in the
planetary and space sciences; 2) It recognizes exceptional efforts in the
promotion and international collaboration in these disciplines; 3) It is
dedicated to colleagues in the midst of their scientific career (e.g. no
later than 20 years after receiving the PhD degree). Parental leave periods
in this phase are taken into consideration at two years per child under 12.

Any suggestions will be assessed by an international and interdisciplinary
committee and the award will be presented at a special commemorative event
in April 2022. Please note that this medal is not in competition with other
medals presented by scientific associations and societies collaborating
with us on conferences or publications.

We kindly ask you to submit your proposal(s) by *15 November 2021* at the
latest by email to: *[log in to unmask]
<[log in to unmask]>*

Read more: *
<https://www.copernicus-gesellschaft.org/medal.html>https://www.copernicus-gesellschaft.org/medal.html
<https://www.copernicus-gesellschaft.org/medal.html>*

------------------------------

ISC at the United Nations High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable
Development

Access the recordings, slides and related materials if you have missed our
two side events facilitated in the frame of the 2021 UN HLPF:

   - *Unleashing Science: Delivering Missions for Sustainability* - *
   <http://link.council.science/click/1X5RW-4baCvwFf.9duN9OvBiPfT7/64t-JcR4/3s/council.science/events/science-funding-missions-hlpf/>https://council.science/events/science-funding-missions-hlpf/
   <https://council.science/events/science-funding-missions-hlpf/>*
   - *Enhancing Policy-making During an Emergency: Lessons Learned from the
   COVID-19 Pandemic* - *
   <http://link.council.science/click/1X5RW-4baCvwFf.9duN9OvBiPfT7/Ixtp_DiW/3s/council.science/events/policymaking-emergency-covid-hlpf/>https://council.science/events/policymaking-emergency-covid-hlpf/
   <https://council.science/events/policymaking-emergency-covid-hlpf/>*

More information on the 2021 HLPF can be found at *
<http://link.council.science/click/1X5RW-4baCvwFf.9duN9OvBiPfT7/kGoYSRtp/3s/council.science/hlpf/2021-2/>https://council.science/hlpf/2021-2/
<https://council.science/hlpf/2021-2/>*.

[From: ISC Newsletter, 19 July 2021]

------------------------------

What do we know and don’t know about soil fauna communities’ response to
soil pollution?

In the GSBI Blog "Beneath Our Feet
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kHh1-4bLOfthv6XA-TYUa2GYJ_QJsekxPIIr8w6VZKF_PdZb6zPC_vIMDsL9ppak4JKVgJ9bRqUmnPn-0Zq3TIzYwi66bT4Gm9fP_ZsS9WueSzLn2gRld9QVMP09cnMTk8_4jI7OmgSZjwNZauUUQJ8j5u9pCfKpo8cQsk-V_RU=&c=F76O3e92zOBgqkwto2mwjRpDNdtU47WHWQDso9919lCVWWaNt0-RKA==&ch=KV5L-rUlnG3ms-05cB_0XC52_KiFfZwjss3vgaMSbHKS8zQoUsZB5A==>"
Léa Beaumelle, INRAE, France, discusses her new paper in Ecography
<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kHh1-4bLOfthv6XA-TYUa2GYJ_QJsekxPIIr8w6VZKF_PdZb6zPC_ulJY9Ho1nNEe0n9QNmq46ljscOm-MZgkfRnlOvaFxlC8PozdonuPJKR7k_necYXgBv3D61xgcNzWvvOUhYGDagullh9o5zbDTO017JC8QcM&c=F76O3e92zOBgqkwto2mwjRpDNdtU47WHWQDso9919lCVWWaNt0-RKA==&ch=KV5L-rUlnG3ms-05cB_0XC52_KiFfZwjss3vgaMSbHKS8zQoUsZB5A==>:
The adverse effects of contaminants are most often studied in simplified
experimental conditions, at the organism and population levels. Such
studies are highly valuable to derive standard toxicity values and
understand the mechanisms by which contaminants affect organisms. However,
in real-world scenarios, species are not alone in their test tubes, they
interact with each other and with their abiotic environment. At this
ecological scale, the adverse effects of contaminants can emerge through
indirect effects mediated by species interactions.

Read more: *
<https://www.globalsoilbiodiversity.org/blog-beneath-our-feet/2021/6/30/what-do-we-know-and-dont-know-about-soil-fauna-communities-response-to-soil-pollution>https://www.globalsoilbiodiversity.org/blog-beneath-our-feet/2021/6/30/what-do-we-know-and-dont-know-about-soil-fauna-communities-response-to-soil-pollution
<https://www.globalsoilbiodiversity.org/blog-beneath-our-feet/2021/6/30/what-do-we-know-and-dont-know-about-soil-fauna-communities-response-to-soil-pollution>*

[From GSBI Newsletter – July 2021]
------------------------------

Mercury stocks and fluxes to river-basins and sea outlets

JRC scientists modelled the Hg pool in EU topsoils, which totals about 44.8
Gg, with an average density of 103 g ha-1.  As a following step, we coupled
the estimated Hg stocks in topsoil with the pan-European assessment of soil
loss due to water erosion and sediment distribution. In the European Union
and UK, we estimated that about 43 Mg Hg yr-1 are displaced by water
erosion and c.a. 6 Mg Hg yr-1 are transferred with sediments to river
basins and eventually released to coastal Oceans. The Mediterranean Sea
receives almost half (2.94 Mg yr-1) of the Hg fluxes to coastal oceans and
it records the highest quantity of Hg sediment. This publication couples
soil diffuse contamination of an emerging pollutant (mercury) with sediment
distribution models at continental scale. This work contributes to new
knowledge in support of the policy development in the EU on the Zero
Pollution Action Plan and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) 3.9 and
14.1. Data are available:

Read more: *
<https://esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu/content/mercury-content-european-union-topsoil>https://esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu/content/mercury-content-european-union-topsoil
<https://esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu/content/mercury-content-european-union-topsoil>*

[From: European Soil Data Centre Newsletter No.132 (July 2021)]
------------------------------

Soil letters

Have you already read the latest #SoilLetters? This series of publications
aims to provide concise and clear information on topics linked to the work
and activities led by the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils
(ITPS).

Towards a definition of soil health: *
<http://tiny.cc/b62auz>http://tiny.cc/b62auz <http://tiny.cc/b62auz>*

Soil organic carbon and nitrogen: *
<http://tiny.cc/c62auz>http://tiny.cc/c62auz <http://tiny.cc/c62auz>*

Salt-affected soils are a global issue: *
<http://tiny.cc/n62auz>http://tiny.cc/n62auz <http://tiny.cc/n62auz>*

------------------------------

Online trainings on topics related to soil analysis

The Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) is launching a series of
online trainings on topics related to soil analysis. This capacity
development programme will start with a cycle of webinars on dry
chemistry/soil spectroscopy, first training on 6 September 2021.

Learn more about it and register for the trainings: *
<http://www.fao.org/global-soil-partnership/resources/highlights/detail/en/c/1414152/?fbclid=IwAR0u2qJEQn1dC3qcgsutWhYxPEb9nOKaHlmSai7mC1KKLkLNVIPFZGkeMjo>http://www.fao.org/global-soil-partnership/resources/highlights/detail/en/c/1414152/?fbclid=IwAR0u2qJEQn1dC3qcgsutWhYxPEb9nOKaHlmSai7mC1KKLkLNVIPFZGkeMjo
<http://www.fao.org/global-soil-partnership/resources/highlights/detail/en/c/1414152/?fbclid=IwAR0u2qJEQn1dC3qcgsutWhYxPEb9nOKaHlmSai7mC1KKLkLNVIPFZGkeMjo>*
------------------------------

Soil Security for the European Union

Soil security has emerged during the recent years as a new paradigm for
addressing sustainable soil management. Soil security was first presented
in the literature in 2013–2014 (Koch et al., 2013; McBratney et al., 2014).
Both publications defined soil security as the maintenance and improvement
of the world's soil resources so that they can continue to provide food and
fresh water, make major contributions to energy and climate sustainability,
and help maintaining biodiversity and the overall protection of ecosystem
goods and services. After the first publications on soil security, some
regional studies addressed the subject in Australia (Bennett et al., 2019)
and Tasmania (Kidd et al., 2018). Meanwhile, soil security starts to gain
the momentum as it is linked to crop production and global climate
(Beerling et al., 2018), soil contamination and human health (Carre et al.,
2017; Brevik et al., 2017), farming and ecosystem services (Dazzi et al.,
2019) and with the Sustainable Development Goals (Bouma, 2020).

Read more: *
<https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266700622100006X?fbclid=IwAR3Aq8nM1EckTym6JKOWBk5EFC6NU95FPsH0Sl9Kr27_J_kJLdrsMnyJj3o>https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266700622100006X?fbclid=IwAR3Aq8nM1EckTym6JKOWBk5EFC6NU95FPsH0Sl9Kr27_J_kJLdrsMnyJj3o
<https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266700622100006X?fbclid=IwAR3Aq8nM1EckTym6JKOWBk5EFC6NU95FPsH0Sl9Kr27_J_kJLdrsMnyJj3o>*
------------------------------

Conferences, Meetings and Workshops

*Due to the Corona pandemic and ensuing travel restrictions most of the
events planned for 2020 had to be cancelled or postponed. This continued to
some extent in 2021. For a current list of upcoming events, please consult
the IUSS website: **
<https://www.iuss.org/meetings-events/>https://www.iuss.org/meetings-events/
<https://www.iuss.org/meetings-events/>*

* <https://www.iuss.org/meetings-events/>*

2021 Managing soils as the foundation for sustainable agriculture - What we
need from the UN Food System Summit and COP 26

7 September 2021 *(postponed from 29 June), *14:00-15:30 BST (UTC+1),
9:00-10:30 EDT (UTC-4), 18:30-20:00 IST (UTC+5.30)

We need a better approach to managing soils that is environmentally
sustainable and regenerative - an approach which can provide healthy food
for our growing human population. This requires us to align the economic
needs of farmers and consumers, promote biodiversity below and above the
soil, and optimise soil carbon sequestration. With 2021 seeing both the UN
Food System Summit and the COP26 Climate Conference, this year represents a
crucial opportunity to effect change by bringing the best of scientific
knowledge into global agricultural policies and practices. Professor Lal,
2020 World Food Prize Winner and former IUSS President, will discuss the
major global challenges of the 21st Century: climate change, food
insecurity and environmental degradation. He will lead reflection and
discussions on those solutions and support mechanisms that will empower
farmers to change their management practices and provide incentives for
nature-positive agricultural systems.

Registration: *
<https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIkdu2orjwvHtaJCBoegM2U2169Sl98zmgn>https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIkdu2orjwvHtaJCBoegM2U2169Sl98zmgn
<https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIkdu2orjwvHtaJCBoegM2U2169Sl98zmgn>*
------------------------------

First EU Soil Observatory Stakeholders Forum including Young Soil
Researchers Forum

19-21 October 2021, virtual event

A key element of the European Commission’s EU Soil Observatory (EUSO) is an
open, inclusive and dynamic engagement among stakeholders. To facilitate
this interaction, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) is
organising the first ever EUSO Forum. As part of this, the JRC is happy to
announce the first Young Soil Researchers Forum.

Deadline for abstract submission of Young Soil Researchers Forum: 10
September 2021

Call for abstracts:
*young_soil_researchers_forum_save-the-date_call_for_abstracts.pdf
<https://www.iuss.org/media/young_soil_researchers_forum_save-the-date_call_for_abstracts.pdf>*

Read more: *
<https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/event/other-event/euso-stakeholders-forum>https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/event/other-event/euso-stakeholders-forum
<https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/event/other-event/euso-stakeholders-forum>*
------------------------------

6th International Conference for Women in Science Without Borders -
“Building a Gender Inclusive Sustainable Future Through Science, Technology
and Innovation”

3-5 November 2021, online conference

This is a conference series held annually under the World Forum for Women
in Science (WFWS). The conference, with the theme *“Building a Gender
Inclusive Sustainable Future Through Science, Technology and Innovation”* will
be an opportunity to highlight the role of science in building a
sustainable future for all through science, technology and innovation. The
conference targets scientists, students, practitioners, industrialists,
journalists, and policy makers, among other key stakeholders in Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Read more: *
<http://link.council.science/click/1X5RW-4baCvwFf.9duN9OvBiPfT7/jrmnmJIe/3s/council.science/events/6th-conference-women-science-without-borders/>https://council.science/events/6th-conference-women-science-without-borders/
<https://council.science/events/6th-conference-women-science-without-borders/>*
------------------------------

1st International Joint Congress on “Sustainable Management of Cultural
Landscapes in the context of the European Green Deal”

10-14 November 2021 *(postponed from October 2020)*

Santo Stefano di Camastra, Sicily, Italy

On behalf of the *ESSC* (*European Society for Soil Conservation
<http://www.soilconservation.eu/>*), the *EURECYS* (*European Ecocycles
Society <https://www.ecocycles.eu/>*) and the Organizing Committee, we are
pleased to invite you to attend the 1st International Joint Congress on
“Sustainable Management of Cultural Landscapes in the context of the
European Green Deal”. The objective of the congress is to shed new light on
critical issues concerning the exploitation of ecosystem services,
conservation of cultural heritage and to assess new perspectives to the
future development of the cultural landscapes in the context of the
European Green Deal. The Congress is open to scientists, students,
educators, managers, policy and decision-makers. It will consist of invited
lectures, scientific sessions with oral and poster presentations, and a
scientific and cultural excursion.

Contact: Prof. Carmelo Dazzi, *[log in to unmask]
<[log in to unmask]>*

Early registration until 31 July 2021

Deadline for submission of abstracts: 31 August 2021

Website: *
<https://www.ecocycles.net/ESSC-EURECYS-Congress/>https://www.ecocycles.net/ESSC-EURECYS-Congress/
<https://www.ecocycles.net/ESSC-EURECYS-Congress/>*

2022EGU General Assembly 2022

3-8 April 2022, Austria Center Vienna, Austria plus enabled virtual
attendance

The call-for-sessions for the next EGU is already open until 6 September
2021.

Read more: *https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU22/programme
<https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU22/programme>*).
------------------------------

ONE – Health, Environment, Society – Conference 2022

21 to 24 June 2022, Brussels, Belgium (and via live web streaming)

Abstract submission deadline: 15 September 2021

Conference website: * <https://www.one2022.eu/>https://www.one2022.eu/
<https://www.one2022.eu/>*
2023Third Global Soil Biodiversity Conference

13-15 March 2023

Dublin, Ireland

Conference website: * <https://gsb2021.ie/>https://gsb2021.ie/
<https://gsb2021.ie/>*
------------------------------

*For the complete list of upcoming events, please see the event calendar on
the IUSS website: **
<https://www.iuss.org/meetings-events/>https://www.iuss.org/meetings-events/
<https://www.iuss.org/meetings-events/>*
------------------------------

New publicationsExploring a Dynamic Soil Information System - Proceedings
of a Workshop

Published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
in 2021. 120 pages | 7 x 10, price paperback USD 45.00, pdf free for
download; ISBN: 978-0-309-49167-9, DOI: *
<https://doi.org/10.17226/26170>https://doi.org/10.17226/26170
<https://doi.org/10.17226/26170>*

Soils are a critical natural resource and support a wide range of human
activities, but current systems for monitoring soils do not provide an
accurate picture of changes in the soil resource over time. This new
publication captures highlights of a workshop held to envision a Dynamic
Soil Information System that would collect and regularly update data about
soils and the factors that influence them. Participants discussed the need
for the system to gather information on soil properties as well as land use
and land management, moisture, weather, and other variables that affect
soil. Discussants also explored the level of detail needed by potential
users and how information can be most effectively collected, combined, and
curated over time.

Read more: *Exploring a Dynamic Soil Information System: Proceedings of a
Workshop | The National Academies Press (nap.edu)
<https://www.nap.edu/catalog/26170/exploring-a-dynamic-soil-information-system-proceedings-of-a-workshop?mc_cid=79d4684094&mc_eid=0b9447c579>*.


------------------------------

Soils and Stones Report

By Society for the Environment – Soils and Stones Task Group, published 23
April 2021.

This report reinforces the importance of soils and stones as essential to
our everyday lives and the health of our planet, identifying the issues
that currently hamper the work of environmental professionals in developing
and applying good practices. Such practices are necessary to address soil
quality and health issues, unlocking the opportunities to implement at
scale the necessary and urgent action for change. We highlight the need to
achieve a marked shift towards recognition of soils and stones as valuable
resources and materials, rather than to be discarded as waste or
mistreated. Added to that is the requirement for better regulation and
guidance, supported by monitoring and enforcement to ensure consistent
adoption of good practices. To achieve the scale of change required, we
must facilitate greater cross-sector collaboration, ensuring improved
access to knowledge platforms, existing online tools, and shared good
practice. The report provides a limited but illustrative resource, with web
links to regulations, guidance, standards, case studies, best practice,
tools, data sources and supporting reference sources.

Read more: *
<https://cdn.ymaws.com/socenv.org.uk/resource/resmgr/files/soilsandstones/21FINAL_Soils_and_Stones_rep.pdf>https://cdn.ymaws.com/socenv.org.uk/resource/resmgr/files/soilsandstones/21FINAL_Soils_and_Stones_rep.pdf
<https://cdn.ymaws.com/socenv.org.uk/resource/resmgr/files/soilsandstones/21FINAL_Soils_and_Stones_rep.pdf>*

[From Digging Deeper with BSSS: Issue 2, June 2021]

*
<https://www.routledge.com/Sustainable-Soil-and-Land-Management-and-Climate-Change/Fahad-Sonmez-Saud-Wang-Wu-Adnan-Turan/p/book/9780367623180>*
------------------------------

The Soils of Libya

Edited by Hamdi A. Zurqani, World Soils Book Series by Springer, 2021, XIV,
134 pages, Hardcover ISBN 978-3-030-66367-4, Softcover ISBN
978-3-030-66370-4, eBook ISBN 978-3-030-66368-1, price hardback EUR 142.99,
eBook EUR 106.99.

This book presents the soil pedodiversity in Libya. Soils are the source of
all life; there can be no life without them. Further, each soil has its own
history and its present conditions, which have been shaped by many
different factors (e.g. climate, biota, parent material, and relief or
topography). The book, divided into eight chapters, provides extensive
information on Libyan soils. It demonstrates the problems that the country
is currently facing as a result of climate change, soil erosion,
salinization, and pollution, and outlines potential remedies to improve
local food security. Bringing together the perspectives and expertise of
many distinguished scientists from various universities and institutions in
and outside of Libya, the book represents a unique and highly valuable
resource.

Read more: *
<https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-66368-1#about>https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-66368-1#about
<https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-66368-1#about>*

------------------------------

Soils of the Laurentian Great Lakes, USA and Canada

By James G. Bockheim, Springer, 2021, XVII, 227 pages, Hardcover ISBN
978-3-030-52424-1, Softcover ISBN 978-3-030-52427-2, eBook ISBN
978-3-030-52425-8, price hardback EUR 120.99, softcover EUR 87.99, eBook
EUR 93.08.

This book introduces the reader to the Great Lakes and considers their
soil-forming factors and processes, taxonomic structure of the soils, soil
geography and pedodiversity, while also addressing the importance and
protection of soils in the Great Lakes Coastal Zone. The Great Lakes are an
important part of the USA and Canada. Home to 33 million people, including
90% of all Canadians, the Great Lakes account for 20% of the world’s
surface freshwater and 90% of the USA’s freshwater. Key industries include
shipping, steel and automobile production, energy generation, fishing, pulp
and papermaking, agriculture, and recreation. To date, there has been no
comprehensive inventory of the region’s soils, which are now subject to
dramatic climate change and environmental degradation.

Read more: *
<https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-52425-8>https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-52425-8
<https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-52425-8>*
------------------------------

Soils Under Stress - More Work for Soil Science in Ukraine

Edited by Yuriy Dmytruk and David Dent, Springer, 2021, Hardcover ISBN
978-3-030-68393-1, Softcover ISBN 978-3-030-68396-2, eBook ISBN
978-3-030-68394-8, XIX, 255 pages, price hardback EUR 131.99, eBook EUR
96.29.

Dokuchaev carried out most of his research in Ukraine. His student and
friend, Volodymyr Vernadsky, went on to create trans-disciplinary
environmental sciences and the concept of Earth as a living organism,
famously taken up by James Lovelock. That spring of ideas still flows and
the researches captured in this volume are relevant to present-day
problems, and not only in Ukraine. Soils have always been under stress but,
in the Anthropocene, mankind is in the driving seat. As a sequel to Soil
Science Working for a Living: Applications of soil science to present-day
problems, we consider issues of policy as well as soil genesis, attributes
and functions in various environments, natural and man-made. We consider
human impacts on the soil cover through its use and misuse, highlight
methods of research and assessment of soil quality, and the threats of soil
degradation. The distinguished contributors also describe and propose
various options for evaluation and remediation of degraded soils, drawing
on the latest methods of modelling and cartography as well as long-term
field experiments and long experience.

Read more: *
<https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-68394-8>https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-68394-8
<https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-68394-8>*
------------------------------

Job offers

If you are interested in working in soil sciences and related fields of
expertise, please see current job offers at: *
<https://www.iuss.org/jobs/>https://www.iuss.org/jobs/
<https://www.iuss.org/jobs/>*
------------------------------

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------------------------------

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