23rd World Congress of Soil Science

[Lilit Pogosyan]

Dear Colleagues,

Please find attahced the information about these two sessions that might be of your interest, and were proposed by IUSS members for the 23rd World Congress of Soil Science in 2026 in China.

GLOBAL TRENDS ON HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL TERRACES
SESSION DESCRIPTION

Terraces have shaped mountain environments for millennia, offering vital socio-ecological services and preserving traces of human-environment interactions. This session explores how soils in terraced systems act as archives of ‘soil memory’ and cultural heritage. We welcome research that bridges past and present, combining diverse methods and scales to address global challenges like erosion, land degradation, and heritage loss.

RELEVANCE & FORMAT

By connecting soil scientists, archaeologists, geographers, and cultural heritage experts, this session explores the socio-ecological significance of terraced landscapes. It welcomes interdisciplinary approaches, innovative methods, and early-career voices. The format includes oral presentations and a final discussion aimed at co-creating a global network of terrace soil researchers.

ORGANIZERS

Axel Cerón González

Javier Leonardo Toxqui Roldán

Yannick Devos

Ma. del Carmen Gutiérrez Castorena


SOILS ACROSS GENERATIONS

Session description

This session highlights the power of intergenerational collaboration in shaping a more inclusive, connected, and forward-looking soil science. In line with the IUSS Strategic Plan and YECS goals, we will explore successful partnerships, identify challenges in knowledge transfer,

and propose innovative strategies to bridge generational gaps in research, education, and outreach.
Relevance & Format

Empowering the next generation is key to the future of soil science. This session supports IUSS priorities by promoting inclusive, interdisciplinary collaboration between young and senior scientists. The format includes short oral presentations and a dynamic interactive discussion, encouraging shared dialogue on best practices for intergenerational knowledge exchange and co-creation.
Organizers:

Axel Cerón González

Laura Bertha Reyes Sánchez

Arabela Vega Aguilar

Dawid Kupka

Best wishes

Lilit Pogosyan