Pedologist Dr Kirstin Deuss with Matt Oliver from Marlborough District Council soil sampling in the Blind River area just south of Seddon
The New Zealand Society of Soil Science and Soil Science Australia are hosting the Rotorua Soils 2024 conference from 2 - 5 December 2024.
The joint conference brings together approximately 370 soil and land science professionals from New Zealand, Australia, and the South Pacific.
This year, World Soils Day falls on the last day of the conference, with a plenary talk to open the day by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton.
World Soil Day was established by the United Nations, to raise awareness of the importance and relationship between soil and water in achieving sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. This year World Soil Day will be celebrated at around 2000 events across the globe.
Pedologist Dr Kirstin Deuss with Matt Oliver from Marlborough District Council soil sampling in the Blind River area just south of Seddon 2
“This year’s conference has brought together a great range of soils scientists, from across different sectors, reflecting the growing awareness of how soil is central to each nations success, whether it's for food supply, protecting waterways or acting as a great carbon store,” says New Zealand Soil Society President, Manaaki Whenua's Dr Sam Carrick.
“Much of our regional identity reflects how soil has shaped our use of the land, thinking of the rolling grasslands in Waikato or Southland, the fruitlands of the Bay of Plenty, and the wine land in Marlborough.”
This year’s conference theme “Te Kiri o Paptūanuku: Weaving soil science across cultures and environments” reflects the unique essence of Rotorua – sitting in the middle of the Taupō Volcanic Zone, Rotorua is a geothermal wonder and a vibrant Māori cultural centre, making it the prominent international tourism destination that it is.
The program will reflect the overall theme, weaving approximately 200 talks on soil research from across Oceania across topics from the fundamental soil science disciplines, such as biogeochemistry and soil physics, through to applied soil management across the pastoral, arable, horticulture and forestry sectors.
Significant time will also be available for discussions on rapidly advancing areas such as soil biodiversity and sensor technologies, and advances in high profile topics like erosion, soil monitoring, climate change effects, urban soil management, and the links between soils and human health.
Moana Oceania Soil Judging Competition: Urgent need for soil skills
Pedologist Dr Kirstin Deuss soil sampling in the Blind River area just south of Seddon3
Rotorua will also play host to a unique Soil Judging Competition, which organisers say is a fun way to upskill soil skills across the industry. Running from 28 November to 1 December in Rotorua, this international event will see aspiring and experienced soil practitioners not only compete as an individual or team member, but also develop their professional skills in the identification of soil features and soil classification.
With more than 200 students, working professionals and volunteers participating, the competition is set to be the largest of its kind. Attendees come from 23 universities, 9 regional councils, 6 private consultancies, 12 research institutes/ societies, and 7 government ministries.
Event co-organisers Carol Smith and Kirstin Deuss say they aim to equip participants with the soil description and classification skills that are vital for interpreting the best management and land use for any given soils.
“These skills are urgently needed in New Zealand and Australia to address soil protection, climate, environmental, and land use challenges. Soil judging competitions offer a fun and engaging way to foster those skills,” says Carol.
The event brings together participants from various soil-related backgrounds, including university students, regional council scientists, land managers, consultants, and general soil enthusiasts.
“These participants are our current and emerging researchers, environmental consultants, agronomists and extension specialists. Investing in their education is an investment in the future of agriculture and the environment. Building scientist’s capability and capacity benefits the Australasian region,” says Darren Kidd, President of Soil Science Australia.
Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Soil Science Australia and Lincoln University are supporting the competition as part of a collaboration on innovative approaches to develop industry capability in soil description and classification.
More information & interviews
Pip Swift
Manaaki Whenua Māori Communications Advisor:
swiftdp@landcareresearch.co.nz
+64 273 730 726
Alex Bagnara
Communications Manager / Soil Science Australia
commsmanager@soilscienceaustralia.org.au
+61 431 601 074
