Welcome to the British Society of Soil Science

The Society was founded in 1947 to advance the study of soil. It does his through the promotion of research and education. Soil is a very precious resource that has a range of functions. These include support for plants, ecosystem biodiversity, and growing medium for crops. Soils interact with the wider environment, acting as a store and filter for water. Soils support many human activities, and preserve evidence of our cultural heritage.

The Society promotes research by organising several conferences each year and by the publication of its two scientific journals, the European Journal of Soil Science, and Soil Use and Management. It promotes education through a number of initiatives aimed at schools, colleges and universities. The Society has a regular and varied programme of scientific conferences on a wide range of soil-related issues. Find out more about future conferences. Membership details can be obtained from the Society Administrator, Dr Jim Gauld. For further information about the work of the Society, please contact the Society Secretary, Dr Rob Parkinson.

Latest News

Defra are currently consulting on their Soil Strategy. Further information.

The BSSS, together with a group of other professional organisations, recently wrote to the Secretary of State at Defra, Hilary Benn, to seek a meeting in order to discuss renewed steps towards an EU Soil Directive, which the Council of Ministers failed to adopt in December 2007. The letter to Hilary Benn and the proposal, together with his response (Page 1, Page 2) can be accessed here.

Have you updated your e-mail address yet ? If not please login to the Membership page.

Environment Agency have launched their Soil Strategy. Entitled ‘Soil: a precious resource', this strategy is aimed at protecting, managing and restoring soil. The strategy highlights the EA's priorities for soil and planned actions.

BSSS members can now access our two journals, European Journal of Soil Science and
Soil Use & Management in electronic form, direct from Blackwell Science.
To access these journals electronically, logon on via the Membership page.