The British Society of Soil Science and the Soil Science Society of Ireland’s Joint Annual Conference 2023 will take place from Monday 4 – Tuesday 5 December in Belfast. The overall conference theme is Soil Management and Monitoring. The packed two-day event, set in the historic Assembly Buildings Conference Centre in the heart of Belfast, will provide delegates with a fantastic opportunity to see the latest research and developments within soil science.
We are delighted to be working in partnership with VisitBelfast in the delivery of the event, and would like to thank them for their continued support and expertise.
The exciting and diverse programme will feature keynote speakers and experts and we have invited abstract submissions for oral and poster presentations.
Abstracts
The scientific committee accepted abstracts in one of five topics, linked to the conference theme, Soil Management and Monitoring:
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- Nutrient Management
- Soil Carbon
- Water Management and Quality
- Technology and Innovation
- Soil Health
We have reopened submissions for poster presentations at our Annual Conference and Early Careers’ Conference, so there is still a chance to present your latest research. To have your abstract considered, submit it via the submission form by Friday 13 October.
Programme
The exciting and diverse programme will feature keynote speakers and experts across the 2 days. On Monday 4 December, representatives from all UK nations and Ireland will take part in our keynote policy session in the afternoon, which will provide an overview of the key activities being undertaken in each of the nations to monitor and manage soils at a governmental level.
In the advent of Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs soil sampling programme and the recent UK Parliamentary Soil Health Inquiry, the consideration of soil and soil management from governments has seen a recent positive surge.
See all the sessions we have planned in our full conference programme.
Presentations
On Tuesday 5 December (World Soil Day), the afternoon will feature oral and poster presentations. We are inviting abstract submissions for oral and poster presentations on: nutrient management, soil carbon, water management and quality, technology and innovation and soil health.
This is a pivotal time to hear from experts, practitioners and policy makers about the latest developments in soil monitoring and management and engage with fellow soil scientists and policymakers across related disciplines.
Tours
You can also choose to take part in a tour on Tuesday 5 December. Tuesday morning will provide an opportunity for delegates to visit field sites in Co. Down, where the Northern Ireland Soil Nutrient Health Scheme combines whole-farm soil sampling with high resolution water quality monitoring to create tailored farm nutrient management plans and nutrient runoff risk maps for farmers across Northern Ireland. There will also be a cultural tour of Belfast, for those who want to explore the city.
Gala Dinner
There will also be a Gala Dinner in the evening on Monday 4 December which will be held at Crumlin Road Gaol. This will consist of a 4 course meal and entertainment from a professional Irish Dance Company, all set in one of the most historical buildings in Belfast, providing an authentic experience for the conference. There are limited number of places so book now to avoid missing out. To book your place, click here.
Sponsorship
We are delighted to be working partnership with VisitBelfast in the delivery of the event, and would like to thank them for their continued support and expertise.
Thank you also to Cranfield University who are sponsoring the Annual Conference. They will be exhibiting at the event so you will be able to speak with representatives from the institution.
We have exciting sponsorship packages for our 2023 Annual Conference and Early Careers’ Conference, so if you are interested in supporting the Society and would like learn more, please click here.
The conference is officially open for registrations with early bird ticket prices available until Tuesday 5 September.