Topics

All Abstracts, Reviews, short articles, Full articles, Posters are welcomed related with any of the following research fields:

1. Soil Physical and Chemical Properties

This area focuses on the fundamental "makeup" of the soil, which dictates its ability to support life.

• Soil Mineralogy: Crystal structure of clays, primary and secondary minerals.

• Soil Physics:

  • Texture and structure (pore space and bulk density).

  • Hydrology: Water retention, hydraulic conductivity, and infiltration.

  • Aeration and thermal properties.

• Soil Chemistry:

  • Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and pH regulation.

  • Redox potential ($E_h$) in submerged soils (wetlands).

  • Soil organic matter (SOM) fractions and humification.

2. Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition

This subfield is directly interrelated with crop production, focusing on the nutrient cycle.

• Macronutrients and Micronutrients: Nitrogen phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) cycles; trace element bioavailability.

• Fertilizer Technology: Slow-release fertilizers, foliar applications, and bio-fertilizers.

• Rhizosphere Dynamics: The chemical interactions between root exudates and soil particles.

• Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE): Genetic and management strategies to reduce nutrient waste.

3. Soil Biology and Microbiology

A rapidly growing field focused on the "living" part of the soil.

• The Soil Microbiome: Diversity of bacteria, fungi (Mycorrhizae), and archaea.

• Soil Fauna: The role of earthworms, nematodes, and micro-arthropods in nutrient cycling.

• Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF): Symbiotic relationships (e.g., Rhizobium in legumes).

• Soil Health Indicators: Enzyme activities and microbial biomass carbon.

4. Pedology and Soil Classification

This independent branch deals with the origin and mapping of soils.

• Pedogenesis: Soil-forming factors (climatology, topography, parent material, time, and organisms).

• Soil Taxonomy: Classification systems (USDA Soil Taxonomy, World Reference Base).

• Digital Soil Mapping: Using GIS and remote sensing to predict soil properties across landscapes.

5. Agronomy and Crop Science

The "Agriculture" side of the research, heavily dependent on soil data.

• Crop Physiology: Photosynthesis efficiency and stress tolerance (drought, salinity, heat).

• Cropping Systems: Monoculture vs. polyculture, crop rotation, and intercropping.

• Precision Agriculture: Use of GPS, IoT sensors, and variable rate technology (VRT).

• Weed and Pest Management: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and herbicide resistance.

6. Sustainable Land Management and Ecology

Interrelated topics that address environmental impact and long-term viability.

• Soil Conservation: Erosion control (wind and water), terracing, and cover cropping.

• Carbon Sequestration: Soil’s role as a carbon sink to mitigate climate change.

• Regenerative Agriculture: No-till farming and holistic grazing practices.

• Agroforestry: Integrating trees into agricultural landscapes for biodiversity.

7. Environmental Soil Science (Contamination & Remediation)

Focuses on the impact of human activity on soil quality.

• Soil Pollution: Heavy metals, microplastics, and pesticide residues.

• Bioremediation and Phytoremediation: Using microbes or plants to decontaminate soil.

• Waste Management: Application of sewage sludge, compost, and biochar to land.