Experts for soil
The Swiss Soil Science Society brings together those working within academia, soil practitioners from industry and adimistration and all those working with or with an interest in soils.
Please note that only parts of the site have been translated to English.
Our mission
Since its foundation in 1975, the Swiss Soil Science Society (BGS/SSP) has promoted contacts and relationships between people and institutions interested in soil science. The society promotes the deepening and dissemination of pedological knowledge and is committed to the long-term preservation of intact soils. In practice, it represents the interests of the soil science professions and promotes the quality control of soil science work. Our working groups not only deal with relevant specialist topics, but also with the teaching of soil science in schools or with public relations campaigns. The aim is to raise awareness of soil protection using tools such as "Soil of the year", "Bodennetz" and "berner-böden".
Every year, the BGS/SSP organises a conference on a key soil science topic. Research results and practical experience are presented in short papers or posters in subject-related blocks. In the second half of the year, a two-day field trip takes place. In addition to soil profiles, places or businesses of soil science interest are visited in the same region. All interested parties are welcome to attend our annual events.
Membership
Membership promotes the transfer of knowledge between soil scientists from research and teaching, administration and the private sector. Today, the BGS/SSP has over 570 members. The BGS/SSP provides a platform for experts from various pedological disciplines and is open to all interested parties. In addition to universities and research institutions, employees of administrative bodies and specialists from the private sector are also members of the BGS/SSP.
The advantages of membership:
Reduced-price participation in BGS/SSP events
Make contacts and exchange experiences
Promote cooperation and deepen your knowledge
Members receive a regular newsletter with the latest information on events, activities, job offers, etc.
Members are added to the directory of professionals
Participation in BGS/SSP working groups
Network
The BGS/SSP is a member of the Swiss Academy of Sciences scnat and of the international umbrella organisations International Union of Soil Science IUSS and European Confederation for Soil Science Societies ECSSS.
Making specialised knowledge accessible - for practitioners, researchers, experts and all interested parties.
Since almost the beginning of its existence, the BGS/SSP has regularly published studies on changing topics and contributions to the annual conference in its own publication series: the blog, the Documents and the Bulletins.
The blog has been published since 2023 and deals with the latest trends and background information from the flooring scene.
The BGS/SSP Documents have been published at irregular intervals since 1984. They cover selected topics on the initiative of the Executive Board or potential authors.
The Bulletin appeared annually and published shorter, more research-orientated papers on all aspects of soil science. The articles were reviewed internally by the BGS/SSP before publication. In 2022, the decision was made to no longer publish the bulletins in printed form. Since 2023, they have been replaced by the blog.
KLABS
For the use and application of soil data throughout Switzerland, it is important that the terms used to characterise soil properties are interpreted and handled uniformly everywhere. Standardisation is therefore essential for the reproducible application and exchange of soil information. In 2010, the BGS/SSP working group ‘Soil Classification and Nomenclature’ published the third edition of the KLABS in three languages.
The Executive Board plans and manages the professional activities of the BGS/SSP. It consists of at least six members. It is elected every two years by the General Assembly in an ordinary election. The President remains in office for one term of office. The Board is complemented by the working groups, which are dedicated to current topics that concern the members.
Our working groups deal with selected soil-related topics. In addition to initiatives to disseminate knowledge about soils, relevant technical issues for soil science practice are dealt with.
New members are always welcome!
Working groups:
Soil mapping
Classification and nomenclature
Soil of the year
Platform for physical soil protection
Soil 4.0
Soil environmental education
The General Assembly is the supreme body of the BGS/SSP. It takes place in the 1st quarter.
The Annual General Meeting is normally held as part of our annual conference, in the late afternoon of the first day. The General Assembly provides a good opportunity to gain an insight into the diverse work of the BGS!
The Board and the working groups report on their activities of the past year and present the programme for the coming year. Proposals from members for the further development of the society always lead to lively discussions.
For more information…
Please refer to our websites in German and French.
In case of questions please do not hesitate to contact our administrative office.
Have you heard about an interesting topic, do you want to publish your own work or do you have feedback for the editorial team? Then we would be delighted to hear from you. You can send your enquiry to the editorial team by e-mail at any time and we will get back to you.
Membership
Die Mitgliedschaft fördert den fachlichen Austausch und steht allen Interessierten offen.become a member