Soil Science Societies of China, America begin joint initiative

The Soil Science Society of China (SSSC) and the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) have begun a project to expand opportunities for scientific cooperation and collaboration. In the spring of 2021, the two societies signed a letter of agreement to explore and promote collaboration opportunities in joint meetings and workshops, joint society memberships, exchange of research scholars and students, educational opportunities for members and students, and access to society journals and other publications. Each society has formed a working group of members to explore the best ways to achieve these goals. On 6 Dec. 2021, the day following World Soil Day, the two working groups joined in an inaugural meeting to begin the new initiative.

At the meeting, presidents of both societies, Dr. April Ulery and Dr. Jiabao Zhang, spoke eloquently about the critical roles that soils play in agriculture, environmental quality, and climate change. They expressed the hope that closer ties between the two professional organizations can facilitate communication, education, and cooperation on many levels. Scientific cooperation is essential to addressing the global challenges in food security, climate change, and environmental restoration. In addition, opportunities are needed for both professionals and students to broaden their understanding of agricultural and environmental issues from diverse, multicultural perspectives. Professor Ole Wendroth, past president of SSSA, and Professor Yong-guan Zhu, adviser to the International Collaboration Committee of SSSC, also spoke at the event.

Five subgroups were formed from the working groups and will meet virtually to make recommendations to be considered by the leadership and members of both societies in 2022.