It’s been a busy year so far for the Society, with a new President-Elect, a team flying the flag for the UK in Nanjing, benches that talk about earthworms, and a packed programme of webinars. Here’s a catch-up on what BSSS has been up to in 2026, in case you missed anything.
A New President-Elect
Prof. John Quinton was confirmed as BSSS’s next President-Elect at the Society’s 80th AGM in Sheffield this summer, following a majority vote from the membership.A BSSS member since 1988, Prof. Quinton brings more than 35 years of experience in soil sustainability, degradation, pedology, carbon sequestration and restoration. He will take up the BSSS presidency in 2029.
Team GB at Nanjing
One of the highlights of the year was watching Team GB compete at the 5th International Soil Judging Contest in Nanjing, held alongside the 23rd World Congress of Soil Science.
The team – Jess Brooks, Theodore Heaton-Davies, Thomas Smith and Cairo Robb – was coached by Jay Ryan. They competed against 18 teams from 14 countries, assessing and describing soil properties including texture, structure, colour and horizon under competition conditions. The team undertook a training programme ahead of the contest, research institutes and even a Soil Museum as they prepared to represent the UK on the international stage.
BSSS at the World Congress of Soil Science
BSSS had a major presence at the 23rd World Congress of Soil Science (WCSS) in Nanjing, which brought together almost 4,000 delegates, including more than 50 BSSS members. Several new members also joined the Society at the event.Our own Prof. Pete Smith was one of just eight keynote speakers, delivering a talk titled “Looking after soils so that they can look after us.”
Groundswell
BSSS had a strong presence at Groundswell this summer, shortly after WCSS in Nanjing.
At a shared soil pit with ADAS, visitors gathered to explore what makes a healthy soil and learn more about the role soils play in sustainable farming. The hands-on experience provided an opportunity for BSSS to engage directly with farmers, land managers and members of the wider agricultural community. Groundswell continues to be a valuable opportunity for BSSS to build partnerships with organisations and industry, while showcasing the positive impact that soil science and the work of BSSS members can have on sustainable farming practices.
RHS Sandringham Flower Show
The BSSS Talking Soil Benches also made an appearance at the RHS Sandringham Flower Show this summer, hosted in the show’s Soil Fest area.
Dr Dan Evans, creator of the Talking Soil Benches, appeared as an invited speaker on the main stage, where he discussed the hidden world beneath our feet. He also had the opportunity to meet King Charles, who stopped to talk about the importance of soil for horticulture. The interactive benches allow visitors to sit, listen and learn about the organisms and processes found beneath the soil surface, encouraging gardeners, farmers and walkers alike to pause and think differently about the ground beneath their feet.
BSSS Forum
In April, BSSS partnered with Cranfield University to host the inaugural Collaboration & Partnerships Forum.
The event brought together around 75 people from academia, government, industry, consultancies, environmental NGOs and our corporate partners at Cranfield’s soil science facilities.
The forum provided an opportunity for people working across the soil sector to share ideas, make connections and explore opportunities for collaboration. Following the success of the inaugural event, the ambition is for the forum to become an annual fixture, strengthening links across the UK soil sector and providing corporate partners and stakeholders with a dedicated space to connect.
Webinars You May Have Missed
In case they slipped past your inbox, our Zoom into Soil webinar series has continued throughout 2026. All sessions are free to watch and are available to catch up on via our YouTube channel.
Recent sessions have included:
- Soil Water Content – Vincent Van Walt and Dr Utibe Utin, organised in partnership with Corporate Member Van Walt, explored irrigation optimisation and the role of dynamic soil structure in predicting water retention.
- Soils and Pollinators – Professor Jeff Ollerton, Professor Sara Leonhardt and Dr Siul Ruiz marked World Bee Day with a discussion on “Soils and pollinators – a complex dependency.”
- Soil Use and Management Journal Editors’ Pick – Prof. Leo Condron, SUM Editor-in-Chief, Dr Olivia Azevedo and Prof. Lisa Lobry de Bruyn discussed recent research, including Dr Azevedo’s paper on the long-term effects of woodland creation on soil carbon stocks.
- Soil Security – Prof. Alex McBratney, Dr Sandra Evangelista and Dr Julio Pachon from the University of Sydney explored soil security as a “holistic framework beyond soil health.”
- EU Soil Monitoring Law – Dr Diana Vieira and Dr Arwyn Jones of the European Commission discussed EU Mission Soil and the new Soil Monitoring Law.
The Early Career Committee has also continued its Unearth Your Potential series, including a peer-review session delivered jointly with Wiley and our journal editors, as well as a session on stakeholder engagement and soil literacy drawing on the LOESS and ECHO soil research projects.
One of the standout events of the year was “Climate Action Starts from the Ground Up: The Role of Soil”, hosted on 22 June as part of London Climate Action Week.
Chaired by President-Elect Dr Lizzie Sagoo, the panel brought together global soil scientists and policy leaders to explore the vital role of soils in tackling climate change and building resilience.
The speakers highlighted that there is no credible route to decarbonisation, climate resilience, food security or water security without healthy soils. Prof. Pete Smith opened the event by framing soils as both part of the climate problem and one of its most promising solutions, while Dr Sagoo made the case for soils to be treated as strategic national infrastructure, on a par with energy and transport.
Soil Matters Podcast
Our Soil Matters Podcast has also continued to explore the people, ideas and issues shaping the future of soil science.
Episode 6 – Old Knowledge: Indigenous Wisdom for Sustainable Land Management (Part 1)
Host Paul Lincoln explores how centuries of Indigenous knowledge are shaping soil health and land management across Africa. Guests Divine Ntiokam, Jemimah Kutata and Dr Awdenegest Moges discuss youth-led climate-smart agriculture and community-driven approaches to soil restoration.
Episode 7 – Old Knowledge: Indigenous Wisdom for Sustainable Land Management (Part 2)
The second part of the series turns to the Peruvian Amazon. Guests Marioldy Sanchez Santivañez, Kleily Vargas and Jhon Guimaraes explore how Indigenous knowledge and community governance have sustained landscapes for generations, alongside the case for chemical-free, ancestral farming practices.
Episode 8 – From Aberdeen to Nanjing: The Future of Soil Science (Presidential Special)
This four-part special features our President, Prof. Paul Hallett, discussing his career and presidency so far. We also hear from student Adam Burton about his journey from a Zambian farm to Aberdeen, alongside Professors Yong-guan Zhu and Xin Song, who discuss soil science in China ahead of the World Congress in Nanjing.
Episode 9 – Frontline Earth: Why Soil Is a National Security Issue
Prof. Jack Hannam and Lieutenant General Richard Nugee explore the UK Government’s Nature Security Assessment, making the case that soil health and biodiversity loss are closely linked to food security, supply chains and geopolitical stability.
Stay Up to Date with BSSS
2026 has already been a busy year for BSSS. There’s plenty more to come, so make sure you’re following BSSS across our channels and keeping an eye on our website for the latest news, events and opportunities.
