Global Soils Conference 2024 to Address Urgent Challenges in Soil Health, Climate Change, and Food Security

The Global Soils Conference 2024 is set to be a landmark event addressing the urgency of sustainable soil management amid mounting global challenges, including food security, climate change mitigation, and ecosystem preservation. Organized by the Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS) under the aegis of International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) and supported by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) and numerous national and international organizations, this prestigious conference will take place from December 19–22, 2024, at the NASC Complex in New Delhi, India. Under the theme “Caring Soils Beyond Food Security: Climate Change Mitigation and Ecosystem Services,” the event will bring together over 2000 scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, farmers, environmental advocates, educators and students from across the globe to advance the dialogue on soil health and its critical role in sustainable development.

Inaugural Ceremony to Open Landmark Event

The Conference will begin with a prestigious inaugural ceremony on November 19, 2024, at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, New Delhi. Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member of NITI Aayog, Government of India, will act as the Chief Guest, delivering an inaugural address that highlights the critical role of sustainable soil management in ensuring climate resilience and ecosystem services. He will emphasize the necessity of soil stewardship for long-term food security and climate adaptation. Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Chairperson of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority and former Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR, will join as the Guest of Honour. His address will focus on the integration of policy and research to advance soil health and sustainable agriculture. Presiding over the function will be Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary of DARE, Director General of ICAR, and President of ISSS, who will highlight India’s commitment to global soil sustainability and environmental resilience. The program will include a welcome address by Dr. S.K. Chaudhari, DDG (NRM) & Chairman, GSC2024, the release of key publications, award presentations, and remarks from Dr. Edoardo Costantini, President of the IUSS, setting the tone for impactful deliberations across the four-day conference.

Addressing a Global Imperative

With the world population projected to reach 9.1 billion by 2050, and 95% of food production dependent on soil resources, the need for sustainable soil management is more critical than ever. Current issues, ranging from nutrient depletion and soil degradation to climate change, are exacerbating food insecurity, poverty, and malnutrition. In many regions, actual crop yields are significantly below potential yields, further widening this gap. Soil health directly impacts agricultural productivity and resilience, but it also influences climate resilience, water quality, biodiversity, and other ecosystem services that are fundamental to human and environmental health. These complex challenges underscore the urgency for a multifaceted approach to soil management, and the Global Soils Conference 2024 provides a unique platform to devise, discuss, and implement solutions.

Conference Themes and Objectives

The conference aims to transcend traditional perspectives on soil, positioning it as a vital resource not only for agriculture but also for climate adaptation, biodiversity, water management, and ecosystem sustainability. Discussions will span a broad range of topics, from cutting-edge technologies in soil assessment and nutrient management to strategies for combating soil degradation and restoring soil health. The event will facilitate an integrated approach to soil management that leverages soil’s multifunctional roles to meet global food needs sustainably while mitigating climate impacts and enhancing ecosystem services.

Key Objectives Include:

• Promoting sustainable soil management practices that ensure food security and address soil degradation, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience.

• Fostering international partnerships and collaborations in soil science research to tackle global soil challenges through collective action.

• Highlighting the critical role of soil health in policy frameworks, emphasizing its importance beyond agriculture to include climate action, biodiversity conservation, and public health.

An Inclusive and Multi-Stakeholder Platform

The Global Soils Conference 2024 is uniquely designed to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Keynote and plenary speakers will include some of the world’s most renowned soil and environmental scientists, policy leaders, and innovators, who will share insights and strategies for advancing soil health as a foundation for sustainable development. For example, Dr. Rattan Lal, a globally respected soil scientist from Ohio State University, will discuss strategies for enhancing soil carbon sequestration, while Dr. Balwant Singh from the Sydney Institute of Agriculture will explore nutrient cycling and biodiversity conservation. More than 20 technical and thematic sessions and 3 side events are planned, each addressing pressing global issues related to soil health, climate resilience, and food security.

Interactive Platforms to Empower Farmers and Innovators

Recognizing farmers as front-line stakeholders in soil stewardship, the conference will feature special sessions that connect farmers with scientists and practitioners to share practical techniques and sustainable farming practices. These interactions will provide insights into maintaining soil health, increasing productivity, and adopting sustainable approaches that balance agriculture with ecosystem health. An Industry Interface Meeting will engage leading agribusinesses from different countries to discuss innovations in soil technologies, sustainable inputs, and efficient input use, forging partnerships that will benefit both agriculture and environmental sustainability.

Exhibition and Students’ Meet to Inspire Future Generations

Adding to the conference’s dynamic offerings, a dedicated Exhibition will showcase state-of-the-art soil technologies, tools, and equipment, enabling delegates to explore the latest advancements and innovations in soil science. An interactive Students’ Meet will engage young soil scientists and aspiring environmentalists, connecting them with experts to learn about current advancements in soil science, climate adaptation, and sustainable agricultural practices. This initiative will inspire the next generation of soil advocates and scientists, promoting the vision of soil as a vital resource for sustainable futures.

The conference is organized around several key themes that address the multifaceted roles of soils in ecosystems and society. Some major themes include:

• Soil Health and Ecosystem Services: This theme will delve into strategies for maintaining soil health, which supports not only crop production but also water quality, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration.

• Climate Change and Soil Management: Sessions under this theme will address soil’s role in climate mitigation and adaptation, including practices that enhance carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Innovative Restoration Practices for Degraded Soils: This theme will explore innovative approaches to restoring degraded soils, including reforestation, agroforestry, and sustainable grazing practices that enhance soil resilience.

• Digital Tools and Artificial Intelligence for Soil Management: Emphasizing technology's role, this theme will showcase how AI and digital mapping tools can optimize soil health monitoring, nutrient management, and climate-smart agriculture practices.

• Community Engagement and Policy Integration: A vital theme, these sessions will focus on the importance of local governance, community-based approaches, and policy frameworks that support sustainable soil management.

Key Expected Outcomes

The Global Soils Conference 2024 is designed to lead to actionable outcomes that will impact soil management practices, policies, and public awareness globally. Key expected outcomes include:

• Global Recommendations for Sustainable Soil Management - The conference is expected to produce a set of recommendations and best practices for global soil management that prioritize food security, climate adaptation, and ecosystem health.

• Enhanced Collaboration in Soil Research and Policy - By fostering partnerships among scientists, policymakers, and practitioners, the conference aims to catalyze a global network dedicated to advancing soil-related research and policies.

• Increased Public and Policy Awareness - Public and policymaker understanding of soil’s critical role beyond agriculture will be heightened, fostering policies that recognize soil as a fundamental element of climate and ecosystem health.

• Strengthened Capacity for Local and National Action - Through farmer interactions and community engagement sessions, participants will gain practical skills and insights to implement sustainable soil practices at local, regional, and national levels.

A Call to Action for Policymakers

The Global Soils Conference 2024 is a call to action for policymakers worldwide to integrate soil health into environmental and agricultural policies. With soil at the heart of ecosystem resilience, food security, and climate adaptation, it is essential that policies reflect soil’s role in sustainable development. The conference will provide a valuable platform for discussing how national and international policies can be shaped to support sustainable soil management, ensuring that soils remain productive and resilient for generations to come.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future Grounded in Healthy Soils

The Global Soils Conference 2024 is not just a scientific gathering but a crucial step towards building a sustainable future grounded in healthy, resilient soils. By shifting perceptions of soil from a mere agricultural input to a dynamic, multifunctional resource, the conference seeks to catalyze a global movement that values soil for its broader environmental, economic, and social contributions. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate and contribute to the dialogue, shaping the future of soil management and, ultimately, the future of our planet.

For further information and to register for the event, please visit isss-india.org or contact the Indian Society of Soil Science at info@isss.org.in .