American scientific organization
The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), is the largest soil-specific society in the United States. It was formed in 1936 from the merger of the Soils Section of the American Society of Agronomy and the American Soil Survey Association. The Soils Section of ASA became the official Americas section of the International Union of Soil Sciences in 1934, a notable role which SSSA continues to fulfill.
Mission.
The mission of the Society is: "1) to enhance the sustainability of soils, the environment, and society by integrating diverse scientific disciplines and principles in soil science for the wise stewardship of soil and natural resources, and 2) to advance the discovery, practice, and profession of soil science through excellence in the acquisition and application of knowledge to address challenges facing society, in the training and professional development of soil scientists, and in the education of, and communication to a diverse citizenry."
Publications.
SSSA publishes peer-reviewed scholarly journals, magazines, and books for a variety of audiences. SSSA publications are available in the ACSESS Digital Library.
Certifications.
The SSSA certification programs are voluntary and offer similar benefits to the public as soil science licensing programs. The certification programs set standards for knowledge, skills, and conduct that define the professions of soil science (Certified Professional Soil Scientist - CPSS) and soil classification (Certified Professional Soil Classifier - CPSC). These certifications provide clients, employers, and government agencies with a tool to help them choose professionals with the necessary skills to meet their needs.
Policy.
SSSA completed an assessment of the grand challenges facing the soil science discipline in 2011, identifying the most critical future research needs in soil science: climate change; food and energy security; waste treatment and water quality; and human and ecosystem health. More information on the grand challenges in soil science, including a list of short-, medium-, and long-term research goals, is available online.
Major initiatives.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) declared 2015 as the International Year of Soils. In celebration of IYS, SSSA developed 12 monthly themes to help communicate the importance of soil. Each month features activities that help participants learn more about soils and a monthly thematic video to explain the topic.
Discover Soils SSSA's public website has a wealth of information about soils, their preservation and conservation. News topics include Food &amp; Health, Climate, Environment, Culture &amp; Technology, and Soil Basics. The Soils in the City tab helps urban residents connect more with soils in their environment.
"Dig it! The Secrets of Soil" SSSA is the founding sponsor of this 4000-square foot exhibition revealing the complex world of soil and how this underfoot ecosystem supports nearly every form of life. Originally developed by and displayed at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, it is now hosted at various museums around the U.S.
SSSA created K-12 Education materials provided on Soils4Teachers.org. The website contains learning lessons and activities for K-12 teachers to use in the classroom. In addition, SSSA hosts www.soils4kids.org where children can research soils topics, play games and explore careers. Both sites feature "Ask a Scientist," which allows you to submit questions directly to soil scientists or request a scientist's classroom visit. As part of K-12 outreach, SSSA participates in the National Science Teachers Association National Conference, and partners with the National Association of Conservation Districts on materials showcasing soils themes.
Soils Matter, Get the Scoop! blog has a goal of educating the public about sustainable practices.
Soil! Get the Inside Scoop book for grades 3–5. The book explores how soil is part of our life – the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink, the houses we live in, and more. Over 3000 have been sold and the book is in its second printing.
References.
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