Update on Soil Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of China working group

Scientific cooperation is essential to addressing the global challenges in food security, climate change, and environmental restoration.

Recognizing this need, in 2021, the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) and the Soil Science Society of China (SSSC) established a joint working group to find new ways for the two societies to collaborate. The societies signed a letter of agreement to explore and promote 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. Ole Wendroth and Michael Thompson are the co-chairs of the SSSA group, and Xiaoyuan Yan and Fang Wang are the co-chairs of the SSSC group.

All members of the joint working group met virtually for the first meeting before splitting into five subgroups, each with different charges and focus. Members have found much common ground and enthusiasm for working together to further the missions of both societies. The joint working group submitted a preliminary report to both societies in June, and a final report of ideas a proposals for specific joint activities in the future is being submitted later this fall.