INTRODUCTION

This is SOILS 2025 website. more details to be updated

There can be no life without soil and no soil without life, they have evolved together

Charles E. Kellogg, Soil Scientist

6^th — 8^th May 2025,
Bertam Resort & Water Park, Penang, Malaysia

THEME

Soil Health for Sustainable Future: Bridging Soil, Agriculture and Environmental Stewardship

Sub-Themes

✔ Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition
✔ Soil Microbiomes and Biodiversity
✔ Soil Water and Management
✔ Soil Survey and Classification
✔ Soil Management in Plantation and Forest
✔ Soil Pollution and Remediation
✔ Soil Ecosystem and Climate Change

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Professor Budiman Minasny

School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney

Budiman Minasny is a Professor in soil-landscape modelling at the University of Sydney. He is a soil scientist, previously awarded the Future Fellowships from the Australian Research Council. He is recognized as a Highly Cited Researcher from 2019 ro 2024 by the Web of Science. He has an undergraduate degree from Universitas Sumatera Utara in Indonesia and a MAgr and PhD degrees in soil science from the University of Sydney. He is passionate about the role of soil in managing climate change, food, water, energy security, and maintaining biodiversity.

Professor Budiman Minasny’s breakthrough soil mapping and modelling techniques are unlocking the fundamental new knowledge urgently needed to protect and enhance soil carbon stocks and to sustain agriculture and ecosystems. His foundational contribution is underpinned by his cost-effective digital techniques that enable soil organic carbon and other properties to be rapidly and precisely measured and mapped, from the surface down to the profile at any scale, from the paddock to across the globe. His research underpins numerous critical ‘real world’ applications, from soil carbon benchmarking to a global movement to increase soil carbon, established during the Paris COP21 talks. He has over 180 international journal publications and is recognised as the leader in digital soil mapping and modelling.

Plenary Speakers

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Hanafi Musa

Universiti Putra Malaysia, Former MSSS President, MSSS Fellow

Prof. Mohamed M. Hanafi retired in 2015 as a Senior Professor of Soil Science, specialising in Soil Chemistry, Soil Fertility, and Fertiliser Technology. He then served as a contract professor at the Department of Land Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) for five years. Currently, he is a Professor under the Amal Putra scheme at the Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security (ITAFoS), UPM. His current research interests include oil palm nutrition for growth and development, the use of plant nutrients in controlling plant diseases, and the application of mineral polyhalite (POLY4) for multi- crop cultivation in tropical regions.

Prof. Hanafi is a former member of ASA-CSSA-SSSA, the Hemp Industry Association, and the British Society of Soil Science (BSSS). He is also a member of the Institute of Chemistry Malaysia and a Fellow of the Malaysian Soil Science Society (MSSS). He currently serves as a consultant for the Crop Nutrients Division of Anglo-American Plc, United Kingdom.

For further information, visit his website at the following links:

ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1898-6819
Google Scholar ID: https://scholar.google.com.my/citations?user=Czg591EAAAAJ&hl=en

Dr. Liew Yew Ann

Section Head, Techno-Economic Management, Applied Agriculture Resources (AAR) Sdn. Bhd.

Dr. Liew Yew Ann graduated with a Diploma of Agriculture and Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2003 and 2006 respectively. He pursued for PhD. in Land Resource Management in Universiti Putra Malaysia and graduated in 2011. He joined Diversatech Fertilizer (M) Sdn. Bhd. as Research Assistant in 2010 and later, Advanced Agriecological Research Sdn. Bhd. (AAR) in 2011 as Assistant Research Officer/Agronomist.

Currently, he is a Senior Agronomist specializing in oil palm and rubber and provides agronomic advises to client estates in both Malaysia and Indonesia. His major research interests are fertilizer technology in plantation, optimizing latex production in natural rubber, mechanization in plantation etc. Dr. Liew Yew Ann is a life member for numerous professional societies such as Malaysian Society of Soil Science and International Society of Oil Palm Agronomist (ISOPA 2012).

Datu Dr Lulie Anak Joshua Melling

Director, Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (TROPI)

Datu Dr Lulie Anak Joshua Melling is the director of the Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute. She received her PhD in Agriculture from Hokkaido University, Japan, focusing on "Greenhouse Gas Fluxes from Tropical Peatlands in Sarawak, Malaysia" between 2002 and 2005. As an internationally recognised expert in the field of ecosystem research in tropical peatlands, her influential work in environmental management, academic research and extension is making a significant contribution at both national and global levels. Her expertise spans a wide range of critical areas, including the science of tropical peatland ecosystems, greenhouse gas dynamics and climate change, agri-environmental management of tropical peatlands, carbon dynamics, and terrestrial biosphere-atmosphere interactions.

Dr Melling is passionate about mentoring young scientists and dedicates her efforts to nurturing a new generation of experts to understand the intricacies of peatland soil science and its implications for conservation and agricultural productivity. Throughout her distinguished career, Datu Dr Melling has received numerous prestigious awards recognising her profound impact on environmental protection and peatland research. In 2022, she was honoured with the "Anugerah Khas Ketua Menteri (Scholarly Writing)" and the "Darjah Jasa Bakti Sarawak (D.J.B.S)" by the Sarawak Government. She also received the "AsiaFlux Fellowship Award" from the AsiaFlux Network. Notably, she was elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Science Malaysia (ASM) in April 2023, underlining her status as a key figure in her field.

Distinguished Prof. Zeng-Yei Hseu

Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University

Zeng-Yei Hseu is a distinguished professor of pedology and environmental science in the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, National Taiwan University (NTU), Taipei, Taiwan. Professor Hseu has been working in the field of soil and environmental since 1990s. He was elected the Chair, Department of Agricultural Chemistry, (NTU) (August 2022 to July 2025). He had been the president of the Chinese Society of Soil and Fertilizer Science (2016-2019) and the president of East and Southeast Asia Federation of Soil Science Societies (ESAFS) (2018-2019). His major topics of interest are pedogenic tracers of rare earth elements, soil trace element contamination and remediation, application of proximal sensors in pedogenesis, and soil classification.

For further information, visit:

Website: http://teacher.ac.ntu.edu.tw/zh_tw/zyhseu
ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5015-6255

SOILS 2025 PROGRAMME

Monday 5/5/2025	Pre-registration
Tuesday 6/5/2025	Opening Ceremony Morning Break and Poster Session Keynote and Plenary Speeches Tea Break and Poster Session Scientific Session Lunch Break and Poster Session Welcoming Dinner
Wednesday 7/5/2025	Plenary Speeches Tea Break and Poster Session Scientific Session Lunch Break and Poster Session Scientific Session Closing Remarks
Thursday 8/5/2025	Post-Conference Tour will be visiting TKPM Mayfield, Ara Kuda pedon familiarization National Rice Gene Bank, MARDI, and Kampung Agong, Penaga, Penang; an agro-tourism area. The number of participants is limited to 40 only. The participation fee is RM150 (USD30) which covers transportation, food and drinks, and entrance tickets to Kampung Agong. For booking purposes, please contact: Mr. Mohd Nordin: +60173090559, Mrs. Shajarutulwardah: +60175890684, Dr. Izzah: +60124418346. For more information, please download the attached brochure. Tour brochure Tour brochure Tour brochure

REGISTRATION FEES

Local MSSS member	RM900
International MSSS member	USD280
Local non-MSSS member	RM1000
International non-MSSS member	USD330
Local student*	RM650
International student*	USD210
MSSS fellow or member who has retired from service	RM400

*Student participants to attach a verification letter from their university in their registration form
**Stimulus Fund Assistance by IUSS is available for 10 outstanding postgraduates or young scientists from ASEAN
***Registration fee includes the conference materials, meals and the conference dinner

IMPORTANT DATES NEW!!!

Extended Abstract Submission: 28^th February 2025

Oral & Poster Presenters: Register and Submit EA by 25 March 2025

Final Registration: ~~28^th February 2025~~ 25 April 2025

Notice of Acceptance: 28^th March 2025

Register Now! Register Now! Register Now!

For participants who are unable to access the Google registration form, please complete the attached manual registration form (Microsoft Word) and return it to us via email at soils.msss2025@gmail.com.

Registration form (.docx) Registration form (.docx) Registration form (.docx)

EXTENDED ABSTRACT GUIDELINES

General

All authors are requested to submit an Extended Abstract in between three to four (3 - 4) pages in English.
The Extended Abstract must include the title, author(s), introduction, material and methods, results and discussion, conclusion, and references.
Incorrectly formatted submissions or those that require English editing will be returned to the submitting author for amendment before acceptance.
Please use the Extended Abstract template and example provided as guidelines.

Title

The title must be in Times New Roman 12, bold, centred, single-spaced, and in capital letters.

Authors and Affiliation

Author names must be in Times New Roman 12, centred, single-spaced, and placed below the title.
List each author in the following order: List each author in the following order: author surname, first name, and middle initial (if applicable).
The names of authors should be followed by superscripted numbers corresponding to their respective affiliations.
The presenting author's name should be in bold and underlined.
The corresponding author should be indicated with an asterisk (*) and provide their email.
Affiliation must be in Times New Roman 12, italic, and single-spaced, placed just below the author names. Different affiliations should be identified with different superscripted numbers.
If all authors belong to the same affiliation, then no superscripted number is required.
Separate each affiliation by a semicolon.
The corresponding author's email should be in font 12 (Times New Roman), centred, and single-spaced, located just below the affiliation section.

References

The references should be using APA format.

Click to download templete (.docx) Click to download templete (.docx) Download templete (.docx)

CONTACT DETAILS

Dr. Izzah Abd Hamid

+6012-441 8346

soils.msss2025@gmail.com

https://www.msss.com.my/

Bertam Resort & Water Park, Penang, Malaysia

Travel Tips for SOILS 2025, Malaysia

Travelling by Flight

Direct Flights: Some airlines offer direct flights from your home country to Penang International Airport (PEN)
Connecting Flights: If a direct flight is unavailable, you can book a connecting flight to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) via:

Terminal 1 (KLIA): Serves most international and some domestic flights
Terminal 2 (KLIA2): Primarily serves low-cost carriers, especially AirAsia

Currency Exchange — Malaysian Ringgit (RM)

At the Airport: Currency exchange counters at all Malaysian airports accept major international currencies
Other Locations: You can also find currency exchange counters in shopping malls or withdraw cash using automated teller machines (ATMs)

Tourist SIM Cards for Internet & Communication

At the Airport: Tourist SIM cards are available at all Malaysian airports from various mobile service providers
Other Locations: You can also purchase a SIM card at convenience stores, mobile shops, or shopping malls

Domestic Transportation

E-Hailing Services: Download the Grab app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to book rides from the airport to your hotel or the conference venue. Always check the designated pick-up zones at the airport
Hotel Transport Services: Some hotels offer airport transfer services. Contact your hotel in advance to check availability and fees

Accommodation in Penang

Hotel Booking: Book your hotel through its official website for potential discounts and vouchers. Check the hotel's distance from the conference venue for convenient travel. Be aware of possible traffic congestion on weekdays from 6:00 am — 9:00 am and 4:00 pm — 7:00 pm
Check-in & Check-out: Check-in and check-out times vary by hotel. Confirm with your hotel in advance to avoid extra charges

Accommodation Update

We are pleased to announce that special rates for accommodation at Bertam Resort & Water Park, Penang, Malaysia will be available

Further details will be provided soon. Stay tuned for updates!

Download hotel options for SOILS 2025 participant (.pdf)

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Chairman’s message

Dr. Wan Asrina Bt. Wan Yahaya Assalamualaikum and warm greetings to dear esteemed colleagues and friends. It is with great pleasure that I welcome everyone to the International Soil Science Conference 2025 (SOILS 2025), organised by the Malaysian Society of Soil Science at the Bertam Resort and Water Park, Penang, Malaysia, from 6^th to 8^th May 2025. This year’s conference will feature esteemed keynote and plenary speakers from leading institutions, along with engaging oral and poster presentations highlighting the recent research in soil science. Participants will also have the opportunity to network through cultural activities and a post-conference tour, which includes an exploration of soil pedons at MARDI, Seberang Perai.

The theme of this year’s conference, “Soil Health for a Sustainable Future: Bridging Soil, Agriculture, and Environmental Stewardship,” emphasises the vital role of soil in sustaining ecosystems, supporting agriculture, and mitigating environmental challenges. Healthy soils are essential for food security, water management, and climate resilience, making them a crucial element of global sustainability efforts. The conference seeks to promote discussions and collaborations that integrate soil science with agricultural advancements and environmental conservation to secure a balanced and sustainable future for future generations.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the organising committee and all the individuals who have diligently contributed to the realisation of this conference. Your commitment and diligence have been instrumental in ensuring the success of this event, and I truly appreciate your efforts.

I am excited to welcome you to SOILS 2025, where we will unite for an inspiring, impactful, and enriching experience. Please stay connected with us through our website for updates, and we look forward to meeting all of you at the conference!

Dr. Wan Asrina Bt. Wan Yahaya
Senior Lecturer
Department of Crop Science
Faculty of Agricultural Science and Forestry,
UPM Bintulu Sarawak Campus
Chairman of SOILS 2025/Vice President of MSSS (Sarawak)

Advisor	Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rosazlin Abdullah (Universiti Malaya)
Chairman	Dr. Wan Asrina Wan Yahaya (Universiti Putra Malaysia)
Co-chairman	Dr. Vijiandran Juva Rajah (United Plantations Bhd.)
Secretary and Co-sec	Dr. Khairun Nisa Kamaruddin (Universiti Teknologi MARA) Normardhiyah Roslan (Universiti Teknologi MARA)
Treasurer and Sponsor	Dr Ali Tan Kee Zuan (Universiti Putra Malaysia) Dr. Izzah Abd Hamid@Ghazali
Secretariat	Dr. Muhamad Aidilfitri Mohamad Roslan (Universiti Putra Malaysia) Mrs. Intan Nadhirah Masri (Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute)
Scientific	Dr. Nur Shuhada Muhamad Tajudin (Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia) Dr. Marshall Kana Samuel (MARDI) Dr. Rozita Osman (Malaysian Cocoa Board) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wan Zaliha Wan Sembok (Universiti Malaysia Terengganu)
Venue, Accommodation and Logistic	Dr. Hasnuri Mad Hassan (Universiti Sains Malaysia)
Publicity & Promotion	Dr. Latifah Omar (Universiti Putra Malaysia)
ICT Technical	Dr. Wan Mohd Razi Idris (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)
Protocol	Dr. Nur Sa'adah Abdul Halim (Carbon Zero Sdn. Bhd.)
Post Conference Tour	Mrs. Norziana Zin Zawawi (Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute)

Stimulus Fund Assistance by IUSS

The SOILS 2025 conference will award STIMULUS Fund Assistance, funded by the IUSS, to 10 outstanding postgraduate students or young scientists from ASEAN. These awards will be granted based on the significance of their research findings, as outlined in the submitted extended abstracts and aligned with the conference themes. The awards will cover the conference fees and accommodation for the 3-days programme* (*Excludes Post Conference Tour)

Eligibility Criteria:

Age Limit
Applicants must be under 35 years old
Conference Presentation
Winner will be required to present your research as an oral presentation at the conference
No Research Grant Support
Applicants are required to submit a support letter from your supervisor or Head of Department (HOD)
Relevance to Theme
Your research must align with the conference themes to be considered

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