Russian scientific conference “Soils and Environment” dedicated to the 55th anniversary of the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Abstract

The Conference “Soils and Environment”, dedicated to the 55^th anniversary of the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry (ISSA) of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences took place in Novosibirsk on October 2-6, 2023. It was attended by nearly 140 participants from 20 region of Russia, as well as from Kyrgyz Republic. The article briefly describes the presentations, done according the main conference topics such as soil geography, genesis, evolution, classification and mapping; theoretical and applied aspects of soil fertility and productivity of agrocenoses; soil physical properties and regimes; reclamation and restoration of disturbed soils;  biogeochemical aspects of soil monitoring and assessment; soils and soil cover under changing climate conditions;  spatial and temporal aspects of biological productivity of  natural and disturbed ecosystems; and microbiomorphic complexes in modern and paleo soils. School and institute students from various regions of the country also made their presentation during the meeting of a young scientists’ section “Soils in biosphere: connecting the generations”.   

Many current problems of the development of soil, agrochemistry and ecology research were discussed during the conference. Much attention was devoted to the use of research results to increase the productivity of agricultural land. Special focus was made on the urgent need to improve education and training of the specialists in soil science and agrochemistry. The conference proceedings “Soils and Environment” (2023) are available for interested readers.

After Plenary and Section sessions the Conference participants attended the Central Siberian Geological Museum, Soil Museum and Library in ISSA. Many participants took part in the field soil excursion “Chernozems and their agrogenic analogues”. The Conference provided an excellent forum for specialists in different fields to exchange opinions and views, get acquainted with various research approaches in soil science, agrochemistry and ecology in order to apply those approaches to soil use and preservation of soil resources.