Experts for soil
The Swiss Soil Science Society brings together academics, industry professionals, government administrators, and anyone working with or interested 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 connections and relationships between indicivudals and institutions interested in soil science. The society supports the deepening and dissemination of pedological knowledge and is committed to the long-term preservation of intact soils. In practice, it advocates for the interests of soil science professionals and supports the quality assurance of their work. Our working groups address not only relevant specialist topics, but also the teaching of soil science in schools and public outreach 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 findings and practical experience are presented by presentations or posters in subject-related blocks. In the second half of the year, a two-day field trip held. In addition to soil profiles, , the field trip includes visits to sites or businesses of interest in the field of soil science. All interested parties are welcome to attend our annual events.
Membership
Today, the BGS/SSP has over 570 members. The BGS/SSP provides for its members a platform 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.
The BGS/SSP was featured in a portrait in the IUSS Bulletin on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the international society.
A poster on the 50th anniversary of the BGS was exhibited at the IUSS conference in Florence in 2024.
KLABS
For the use and application of soil data across Switzerland, it is important that the terms used to characterise soil properties are applied and interpreted 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 each year.
The 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.
BGS / SSP administrative office
Thea Schönenberger, Beatrice Kulli
c/o Zürcher Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften (ZHAW)
Institut für Umwelt und natürliche Ressourcen (IUNR)
Forschungsgruppe Bodenökologie
Postfach
8820 Wädenswil
Membership
Membership promotes professional exchange and is open to all interested parties.become a member