This report provides an overview of my experience at the Global Proximal Soil Sensing (GPSS) Workshop 2024 in Ghent, made possible by the BSSS Early Career Travel Grant. I learned about this funding opportunity through a colleague, and it supported my participation in the conference held from the 14th to the 17th of October.
The GPSS Workshop is the only global conference dedicated to discussing technological advances in proximal soil sensing, a field that complements traditional laboratory methods of soil analysis. It brings together practitioners, researchers, technology developers, and end-users to discuss strategies for transitioning laboratory soil measurements into the field to improve spatial and temporal data coverage.
At the workshop, I presented a poster titled “Critical Evaluation of Clay Content Estimation: Comparing FTIR-ATR and Two Clay Reference Methods.” This work, part of a Hutton Seed Corn Project, aimed to develop a predictive modelling framework by integrating soil spectroscopy with X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) data analysis. The ultimate goal was to create a cost-effective tool for predicting clay mineral content, a critical indicator of soil properties.
The conference agenda covered a range of cutting-edge topics, including:
- Various soil sensing and environmental monitoring technologies such as visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR), mid-infrared (MIR), electromagnetic induction (EMI), ground-penetrating radar, drone-borne gamma ray sensors, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), etc.
- Harmonization of soil sensor data across platforms to ensure consistency.
- Data integration techniques and protocols for field collection of soil spectra.
- Practical applications of soil sensing in agriculture and environmental management.
My presentation prompted engaging discussions with researchers and practitioners interested in spectroscopy-based clay estimation methods and uncertainty analysis in infrared spectroscopy.
One standout moment for me was during the closing remarks when session leads summarized their key takeaways, offering a comprehensive overview of the workshop’s most critical discussions. One of such highlights was the potential of qualitative MIR for in-situ soil characterization, which could play a pivotal role in understanding spatial variability at the field scale. This work was presented by Dr. Jean Robertson of the James Hutton Institute, and I was one of the co-authors.
The conference provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with professionals from both academia and industry. I had meaningful conversations with several leading researchers in soil spectroscopy, exploring potential collaborations and opportunities to advance my research. These interactions have opened doors for future projects and partnerships.
Attending the GPSS Workshop significantly enhanced my professional development by:
- Strengthening my understanding of the latest advancements in proximal soil sensing.
- Equipping me with innovative ideas to refine the predictive modelling framework I’m currently developing.
- Broadening my perspective on the practical applications and challenges of soil sensing technologies.
One unexpected challenge I encountered was the intensity of the conference schedule, which was packed with long and highly engaging sessions. While this made for a stimulating experience, it was also somewhat overwhelming. Next time, I would make better use of the various breaks to recharge and to manage my energy more effectively.
In summary, the GPSS Workshop 2024 was a highly rewarding experience that significantly contributed to my professional growth. I would like to thank the British Society of Soil Science for their generous Early Career Travel Grant, which made my participation possible. I am also grateful to my colleagues at the James Hutton Institute for their support and collaboration on the project I presented. This event has inspired me to continue advancing research in soil sensing technologies and their practical applications.
