International Union of Soil Science (IUSS)
Commission 1.1: Soil Morphology & Micromorphology
Soil is a continuous natural body that has spatial and temporal dimensions (soil cover or pedosphere). Primary organic and inorganic constituents are organized into secondary polyhedral structural units that in turn are assembled into vertical and lateral horizons that comprise soils unique to the environment under which they are formed. The morphogenetic properties that comprise soils are the essential elements of soil classification, interpretation, and land quality. They result from current and paleohistory of soil environments and in turn record many of the environmental signatures that result. Morphogenetic properties are dynamic and anisotrophic in response to other state factor perturbations. The study of the soil cover structures develops knowledge about soil properties and dynamics; its permits the understanding of the genesis of the soil covers.

Officers

Chairperson:
Brenda J. BUCK
buckb@unlv.nevada.edu
USA

1st Vice-Chairperson:
Rosa M. Poch
rosa.poch@macs.udl.es
Spain

2nd Vice-Chairperson:
Geoff HUMPHREYS
Australia
Remembrance for Geoff Humphreys


Newsletters

May 2008, vol. 3, p.1-14

December 2007, vol. 2, p.1-16

May 2007, vol. 1, no. 1, p.1-10


Meetings

2008

Workshop “Micromorphology for paleopedological and geoarchaeological research” - Nov. 25-29, 2009 Institute of Geology, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico

International winter school: Soil Micromorphology & Soil Mineralogy, February 11-16, 2008

EUROSOIL Congress, 23-31 Aug, Austria, 2008

5th International Conference on Land Degradation, 18-22 Sept., Italy, 2008

13th International Meeting on Soil Micromorphology, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. - Business Meeting Minutes

Report on the Pre-conference Meeting at Chengdu 27th May-2nd June 2007


2010

19th World Congress of Soil Science, Brisbane, Australia


Announcements
  • MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY - DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND LIFE SCIENCES - Department of Physical Geography
    • Seeking applicants with research expertise in an area of Geomorphology, Soil Geomorphology, Geoecology or related discipline with field-based observational skills and laboratory- based analytical skills. More Information

  • New Brazilian Soils Site: www.pedologiafacil.com.br
  • The 13th International Meeting on Soil Micromorphology will be held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.

Kubiëna Medal

Call for nominations due January 31, 2009.

The Kubiëna Medal was introduced by Subcommission B - Soil Micromorphology of the ISSS to commemorate the memory of Walter L Kubiëna for his distinguished contribution to soil micromorphology. It is the only medal awarded by the IUSS and is given for outstanding and sustained contribution in the discipline of soil micromorphology and to date there have been eight awards:

H.J Altemüller, E. Yarilova, R. Brewer, G. Stoops, E.A FitzPatrick, L. Wilding, A. Jongerius, and Herman Mücher.

It is made every four years and currently is presented every four years at the World Congress of Soil Science.

The selection committee for the 2010 Kubiëna Medal award is composed of G. Stoops, E.A. FitzPatrick, L. Wilding, and Herman Mücher (Previous award holders), Brenda J. Buck (USA) (Current Chair of Commission 1.1), G. Humphreys (Australia) (Past Chair of Commission 1.1), and Rosa Poch (Spain) (Current 1st Vice Chair, Commission 1.1). Members of the committee are not eligible to make nominations or second nominations.

The Committee now makes a new call for proposals from any member of the IUSS for the next award to be presented at the next International World Congress of Soil Science of the IUSS, to take place in Brisbane (Australia), 2010. All areas of micromorphological endeavour including research, teaching and application of results to environmental, agricultural, archaeological and industrial problems are considered relevant.

Nominations with supporting information (see below) should be sent to Brenda Buck, by January 31th, 2009 at the following e-mail address: buckb@unlv.nevada.edu

Guidelines

1. Statement of key achievements and career highlights of the nominee (1 page)
2. Curriculum vitae detailing career history and publication record of the nominee
3. Name of proposer and seconder for the nominee
4. Any other relevant information in support of the nominee
5. Full address and contact details for the nominee

Send to:

Dr. Brenda J. Buck
Department of Geoscience
University of Nevada Las Vegas
4505 Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas NV 89154-4010
buckb@unlv.nevada.edu


Young Micromorphologist's Publication Award

Commission 1.1: Soil Morphology will award the Young Micromorphologist's Publication Award every 2 years: at each International Working Meeting on Micromorphology, and at each World Congress of Soil Science.

The purpose of this award is to encourage and promote the use of soil micromorphology by young scientists. The Award will be given to one or more young scientist who has published research in the preceeding 4 years, that is an outstanding contribution to the principles, methodology, or application of micromorphology. The author must be less than 35 years old at the time of acceptance of the publication, and he/she must be the first author. The paper must be published in an international journal with wide distribution, but not necessarily a scientific journal. The award is not restricted to papers published in the English language only.

The selection of the awardees will be the responsibilitiy of the Kubiena Award Commitee. Applicants should submit the following: (1) a pdf file of the paper(s) to be considered for the award, (2) proof of age for eligibility (ex: photocopy of ID or other document with birthdate), and (3) a cover letter explaining why they should be considered for this award. Letters of support from senior micromorphologists, outlining the qualities of the the publication(s) are also welcome.

Applications are due April 30, 2008.

Send to:

Dr. Brenda J. Buck
Department of Geoscience
University of Nevada Las Vegas
4505 Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas NV 89154-4010
buckb@unlv.nevada.edu


Business Meeting Notes

  • Minutes from the Business Meeting held at 12th International Meeting on Soil Micromorphology, Adana Turkey

    Minutes of the Business Meeting of Subcommission B “Soil Micromorphology”

    Minutes of the Business Meeting of Subcommission B “Soil Micromorphology” Ghent 13 July 2001


  • Related Links
    The IUSS is not responsible for the content of the web sites found in our "Related Links" section.
    IUSS Home
    SSSA Home
    SSSA Division S-9 Soil Micromorphology Home Page
    Soil Micromorphology
    Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA):Soil
    New Brazilian Soils Site: www.pedologiafacil.com.br
    Canadian Soil Thin Section Collection

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    Send Comments, Suggestions, Corrections or Updates to:
    Brenda J. Buck
    Dept. Geoscience, UNLV
    4505 Maryland Parkway
    Las Vegas NV 89154-4010
    buckb@unlv.nevada.edu
    702-895-1694

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    Contact for Web Technical Problems:


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    Department of Agronomy
    915 W. State Street
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    prowens@purdue.edu
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    Brad Lee
    Department of Agronomy
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    Purdue University
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    bdlee@purdue.edu
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