Great Britain mainland is a small island lying within a narrow latitude range of about 50o – 60o North and covering less than 0.2% of the earth’s land surface, yet the diversity of soil forming factors operating across this small area, has meant that 60% (19) of the 32 global Reference Soil Groups recognized by the International Union of Soil Sciences / FAO World Reference Base can be found here.
In keeping with the Congress theme, ‘Soil Science – crossing boundaries, changing society’, our tours programme is entitled ‘Small Island, Diverse soils, Big opportunities - Connecting people & soils’. Its overall objective is to demonstrate just some of this diversity whilst focusing on the ability of local soils to sustain a variety of soil functions beneficial to society.
The various tours proposed will each provide examples of how soil scientists are working with local land managers, environmental, government and educational organisations to demonstrate the benefits provided by local soil types when they are managed to maximise their functional potential and minimise their limitations. At this time all tours are dependant on local restrictions and attendee interest.
You can register for the tours now and if you have any questions, please contact us on wcss22@soils.org.uk.
