British Society of Soil Science upcoming events

A Practical Introduction to the Role of Soils in Catchment Management (Lancaster) (20 October 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT

A Practical Introduction to the Role of Soils in Catchment Management

This hands-on, two-day course is designed to fill key knowledge and skills gaps in the application of soil science for improving water quality and quantity outcomes.

Through a mix of presentations, fieldwork, and guided practice, participants will learn to move beyond problem diagnosis and towards practical, field-ready solutions that support landowners and farmers in implementing effective soil and water management strategies.

You will be given a comprehensive course manual that details description techniques, copies of the Soil Survey Field Manual, a X10 hand lens for magnifying soil features and soil recording cards for you to use into the future.

What You Will Learn

How to identify those soil properties that determine key hydrological pathways identified in the HOST classification (Hydrology of Soil Types).
How to identify those soil types that are particularly susceptible to increased runoff, erosion, and compaction as a result of conventional agricultural practices.
How to diagnose field problems and propose practical mitigation measures using evidence-based approaches.
How to confidently undertake field investigations, including reading the landscape – examining soils and interpreting field evidence.
Use of on-line tools such as NVZ maps, A.L.E.R.T., and other resources to provide background information prior to field investigation.
The key hard copy and on-line data sources on UK soils.

By the End of This Course, You Will Be Able To:

Understand how soils affect water movement and quality using the HOST classification.
Evaluate both topsoil and subsoil conditions in the field.
Recommend realistic soil management strategies to reduce runoff, erosion, and compaction.
Conduct field investigations across a range of land uses and landscapes.
Confidently apply soil science in a more practical setting.

Food and drink will be provided. (Please specify any dietary requirements under the relevant section in the registration form.)

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If you have booked but would like to cancel for whatever reason, please refer to our Cancellation Policy.

Zoom into Soil: How does a Soil Emerge - and Can We Create One? (22 October 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

We know a soil when we see one, or do we? Most definitions describe soil in its mature, developed state - an essentially Aristotelian view that defines something by what it ultimately becomes. This leaves a fundamental question unanswered: how “soily” must geological material become before it is soil? Soil does not suddenly appear at a fixed boundary. It emerges through the interacting effects of weathering, water, carbon, nutrients, roots and microorganisms across a connected, evolving system, yet soil science continues to concentrate disproportionately on the uppermost layers. In this webinar, we will explore how soils emerge. Which molecular, biological, chemical, hydrological and structural signals reveal that transformation? Is soil best understood through observable properties or the deeper functions those properties collectively express?

Dr Dan Evans (Cranfield University, UK) and Dr Kimber Moreland (Stanford University, USA) will present highlights from their recent paper 'Toward a Unified Soil–Bedrock Continuum: Building a Systems Understanding' which was published in the 75th Anniversary Special Issue of the European Journal of Soil Science. They will also announce the founding of a new Soil2Bedrock network - an international community dedicated to advancing the understanding of the soil-bedrock continuum. It will bring together researchers, practitioners, and organisations across disciplines to develop a whole-profile perspective of Earth's near-surface environment, foster collaboration, and accelerate discoveries that improve our understanding of soil systems from surface to bedrock.

To register, visit: Zoom into Soil: How does a Soil Emerge - and Can We Create One?

Introduction to Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) (11 November 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Agricultural Land Classification (ALC)

[Wednesday 11 - Thursday 12 November, Cranfield University] [This is a 2-day, in-person training course.]

Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) has a formal role in the planning system in England and Wales and is designed to prevent the loss of our best and most versatile land in line with the principles of sustainable development.

This training course, designed and presented by agricultural land classification (ALC) experts, offers a unique opportunity to learn about the background and technical basis of the current ALC guidelines.

By the end of the course you will learn:

how the ALC system has developed over time, its underlying principles and its role within the planning system – the WHAT, WHY and WHEN of ALC
all the details of how land is graded – the HOW of ALC
what a report should contain to be verified by the Natural England and Welsh Government statutory consultees on planning applications involving soils and agriculture.

The course will include the opportunity to work within a group to undertake an ALC grading desk exercise to apply what you have learned. This course is designed for soil scientists who wish to extend their experience to (or refresh an existing awareness of) Agricultural Land Classification, those commissioning ALC surveys from specialists, and planners reviewing ALC reports.

Delegates are expected to have a level of competency with regards to soil sampling and classification; and these are topics which are covered on our practical Working with Soil training courses.

Food and drink will be provided.

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If you have booked but would like to cancel for whatever reason, please refer to our Cancellation Policy.

BSSS Annual Conference (01 December 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The British Society of Soil Science 2026 Annual Conference will take place from Tuesday 1 to Friday 4 December in Aberdeen. The overall conference theme is Soils at the Centre of Change: Innovation, Adaptation and Action. The packed multi-disciplinary event spanning the built, natural environment and agricultural sectors, set at the University of Aberdeen, will provide delegates with a fantastic opportunity to see the latest research and developments within soil science. The exciting and diverse programme will feature keynote speakers and experts across the 2 days. The full programme will be released in due course.

The exciting and diverse programme will feature keynote speakers and experts across the 2 days. This will include a policy session, discussion panel sessions, an invited keynote, oral presentations and posters across the 5 themes, quickfire presentations, parallel CPD sessions, an art and culture exhibition, and scientific tours on the final day. We will also be holding a Gala Dinner and Awards Evening on the first night of the Annual Conference.

The conference will bring together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and industry leaders to examine how soil science can drive practical solutions to some of the most pressing environmental, societal, and policy challenges we face today.

With growing global attention on climate resilience, land use, food security, and nature recovery, soils are increasingly recognised as fundamental to sustainable systems. This event will provide a platform to discuss innovation, adaptation, and action across research, policy, and practice, with a particular focus on:

The role of soils in climate mitigation and adaptation
Soil–water interactions, flood resilience, and water quality
Digital technologies and data-driven approaches in soil science
The contribution of soils to ecosystems, livelihoods, and human wellbeing
Translating soil science into effective policy and on-the-ground action

For more details and to book tickets, visit: https://www.bsssconference.org.uk/