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Sign up now to take advantage of these valuable workshops as part of your ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Annual Meeting experience. Workshops are only available to in-person meeting attendees, unless otherwise noted. 

Workshops are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and available for an additional fee. Registration is required for attendance. There are limited seats available, so register today!   Workshops with low registration on September 20 may be cancelled. 

Please contact workshop organizer directly if you have questions about workshop details. Contact Support Services with registration questions.

To register for a workshop simply add it to your cart when registering for the Annual Meeting

If you have already registered for the Annual Meeting and want to add a workshop, please follow these instructions: 
   
1)    Go to https://web.sciencesocieties.org/My-Account/My-Registrations and Sign In.
   2)    Click on View/Edit Details
   3)    Click on Edit next to your name. This will take you back to the registration page and you can update your address/badge as well as add sessions.
   4)    Click on Check Out when you are done. This will take you to a secure page for online payment.

 

Saturday, Oct. 28

Rediscovering Soil Micromorphology: Practical Applications and Interpretations Workshop

Saturday, Oct. 28, 8:45 AM – 4:45 PM
Sponsored by SSSA Divisions of Soil Mineralogy, Forest, Range and Wildland Soils, Pedology, Soil Physics and Hydrology, Wetland Soils, and Soil Chemistry
Soil micromorphology – the study of soil and regolith microscopic components, features, and fabrics - has been an important tool over the last century in shedding light on soil mineral weathering, the genetic origin of soil components and morphological features, long-term hydrological dynamics, land-surface stability, and geomorphic processes, impacts of management practices on soil morphology, the interpretation of paleosols, and soil classification. Because soil micromorphology provides tools to analytically describe and interpret arrangements of soil particles, pores, and organisms, the applications of these tools touch virtually every aspect of soils. While the number of practitioners utilizing soil micromorphological techniques and interpretations has increased in some other disciplines (notably archeology), it has decreased dramatically within soil science over the past few decades. This creates a significant knowledge gap at a time when investigators increasingly recognize the need for greater consideration of soil architecture as the key to understanding soil physical, chemical, and biological processes. This truly cross-divisional workshop will directly address this knowledge/perspective gap by introducing a new cadre of researchers from across the soil science spectrum to standard analytical techniques and interpretations related to the micromorphological examination of soil thin sections using light microscopy. Experts with years of experience interpreting thin sections will lead participants in learning the basics of identification and interpretation of pedofeatures at micrometer to millimeter scales. Participants will also engage in active learning exercises designed to reinforce concepts and practice micromorphological interpretations of photomicrographs. This workshop will consist of two ~3-hour sessions that will highlight micromorphological descriptions of soil fabrics, structure, pores, and features relevant to interpreting physical, chemical, and biological processes in A and B horizons. By the end of the workshop, participants will be familiar with basic terminology and gain a foundational understanding of the interpretive approaches relevant to pedological features in thin sections
Fee: $45 ($55 after Sept. 20)
Includes morning and afternoon refreshment breaks, a workbook, and a copy of Guidelines for Analysis and Description of Soil and Regolith Thin Sections (2nd ed.)  by Georges Stoops (2021).  Lunch is on your own.
Contact  Daniel Hirmas for more information on the workshop. 

Mixed Models for Agricultural Science

Saturday, Oct. 28, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Sponsored by ASA Section: Biometry and Statistical Computing
We will train and demo the best practice of mixed models.
Fee: $35 ($45 after Sept. 20)
ContactHao Cheng for more information on the workshop. 

 

Sunday, Oct. 29

Measurements to Connect the Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Continuum

Sunday, Oct. 29, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sponsored by Biophysical Measurements and Sensors Community, Apogee Instruments, METER, and Campbell Scientific
This day-long workshop is designed to provide introductory information on, demonstrations of, and practical experience with measurements that quantify water movement and storage in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. Instructors are measurement experts from three instrumentation companies. About half of the workshop time will be dedicated to lectures and about half will be instrument demonstrations and hands-on experience. Topics covered will be precipitation measurements with tipping bucket and weighing gauges, soil water content measurements with electromagnetic sensors, soil water potential measurements with electronic tensiometers, stomatal conductance measurements with leaf porometers, photosynthetically active radiation measurements and leaf area index estimates with quantum sensors, evapotranspiration estimates from weather measurements, evapotranspiration measurements with lysimeters. Target workshop participants are beginners to intermediates with environmental instrumentation and electronic measurements.
Fee: $75 ($95 after Sept. 20)
Includes morning and afternoon refreshment breaks, lunch and electricity for computers. 
Contact James Mark Blonquist Jr. for more information on the workshop.

 

Decoding Soil Biology *Closes on Oct. 23

Sunday, Oct. 29, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Join us for a hands-on workshop on "Decoding Soil Biology" and learn how to use BeCrop technology to understand the soil's biological pathways and make informed management decisions. In this workshop, we will explore the latest tools available for crop advisors and client management, including real-time tracking of soil sample processing. We will also discuss new and emerging technologies and tools that offer comprehensive agronomic recommendations based on yield, disease, and management problems. We will demonstrate how to utilize soil technologies to analyze soil samples and identify the most effective inputs, stimulate blocked pathways, and maximize the overall resilience and functional potential of the soil. Whether you are a farmer, crop advisor, or simply interested in sustainable agriculture, this workshop will provide valuable insights into the importance of soil biology and how to harness its potential for increased yields and reduced costs. Join us for an informative and engaging workshop on "Decoding Soil Biology" and gain the tools and knowledge you need to take your farm or business to the next level.
Fee: $25 ($35 after Sept. 20) 
Contact Jamie Nix for more information on the workshop.

Fiber Biofortification of Cereals for Public Health and Systemic Food Transformation  *Closes on Oct. 23

Sunday, Oct. 29, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sponsored by C09 Crops for Nutrition and Health and C01 Crop Breeding and Genetics
The Coalition for Grain Fiber (CGF), a recently established non-profit effort of over 60 scientists and professionals from 22 US states and 3 nations, is committed to transforming the food industry, connecting agriculture with health science, policy, and action. Since 2022, CGF scientists planned activities, began executing, and received feedback from the initiative’s Science Advisory Committee. In this conference we’ll review that feedback and update plans for Plant Breeding and Genetics; Food Science and Cereal Chemistry; Nutrition and Health; & Socioeconomics and Public Health.
Fee: $65 ($85 after Sept. 20) 
Includes morning and afternoon refreshment breaks and electricity for computers. Lunch is on your own.
Contact Kimberly Garland-Campbell for more information on the workshop.

Exploring Soil Testing Methods That Inspire Community Engagement with Urban Soil Science  *Closes on Oct. 23

Sunday, October 29, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Sponsored by SSSA Division: Urban and Anthropogenic Soils
This in-person workshop is an opportunity for soil scientists, practitioners, and community members to exchange information and ideas around soil testing methods commonly used in community-engaged practices. The workshop will cover various ways to test urban soils for common contaminants, including a demonstration of soil testing kits and XRF analyzers. Participants will also learn how to interpret soil test reports and explore remediation techniques. The workshop aims to inspire and facilitate engagement and create connections between participants of the SSSA meetings and the community of St. Louis working on issues relevant to soil science.
Fee: $40 ($50 after Sept. 20)
Includes a refreshment break.
Contact Anna Paltseva for more information on the workshop.

Predictive Soil Spectroscopy  *Closes on Oct. 23

Sunday, October 29, 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
Sponsored by USDA NIFA and the Woodwell Climate Research Center
Soil spectroscopy, specifically diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy, is rapidly a common tool for soil scientists in academia and in industry. One of the most popular uses of soil spectroscopy is for the rapid and low-cost estimation of a number of key soil properties. This workshop will touch on the basics of soil spectroscopy including project design, considerations for building a spectral library, working with large public spectral libraries and model building and prediction. Most of the learning will focus on this last topic using freely available R software.
Fee: $45 ($55 after Sept. 20) 
Includes a refreshment break and electricity for computers.
Contact Jonathan Sanderman for more information on the workshop.

Peer Review Training Workshop-Sunday  *Closes on Oct. 29

Sunday, October 29, 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
Preregistration required. Attend this workshop to understand how to peer review research for publication. An overview of the process will be presented. Then small groups will be lead by an experienced society/editorial board member on how to conduct a review. Answering questions: What does a good review look like? What questions should I ask the author? Where are some additional resources for reviewers? Benefits of peer review.
Fee: $10 ($15 after Sept. 20)
Contact Becky Funck for more information on the workshop.

 

Monday, Oct. 30

Normal and Catastrophic Mortality Management on Livestock Farms  Cancelled

Monday, October 30, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
The current high path avian influenza outbreaks give a huge task for producers to handle the mortalities. This workshop addresses how NRCS can help prepare these farms for a catastrophic event, and what actions could be taken during these emergencies. Mass burial, in-house mortality composting and outside composting options will be described in details. NRCS technical and financial assistance options will be presented for both normal and catastrophic mortality management. The potential use of the final compost product will be discussed. Speakers coming from APHIS and NRCS.
Fee: $35 ($45 after Sept. 20)
Includes a refreshment break.
Contact Tibor Horvath for more information on the workshop.

 

Tuesday, Oct. 31

Women in Science Workshop: Overcoming Gender Bias *Closes on Oct. 31

Tuesday, Oct. 31, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Sponsored by the Women In Science Committee
Women encounter many barriers to advancement into leadership positions, and these barriers include gender-based discrimination as well as unconscious gender bias. Many companies and universities have shown their commitment to gender equality by establishing family-friendly policies and facilitating women’s careers and professional networks. Nevertheless, unconscious gender bias continues to impact women in the workplace, and more must be done to enable highly skilled women to advance into leadership positions. Join us for our workshop where Benita Bannis will provide a review of unconscious gender bias and its role in impeding women’s career advancement before discussing how to mitigate and overcome unconscious gender bias. Benita Bannis, M.Ed., Assistant Director, Office of Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources is a member of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Diversity & Inclusion Committee at the University of Florida. This workshop, developed by the Women in Science Committee, will also include the Mentoring Award presentation and a post-presentation networking reception. Thank you to the Agronomic Science Foundation for their funding of this program.
Fee: $25
Student Fee:$5
Includes a reception following the session.
Contact Vanessa Corriher-Olson for more information on the workshop.

 

Wednesday, Nov. 1

Peer Review Training Workshop-Wednesday *Closes on Nov. 1

Wednesday, November 1, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Preregistration required. Attend this workshop to understand how to peer review research for publication. An overview of the process will be presented. Then small groups will be lead by an experienced society/editorial board member on how to conduct a review. Answering questions: What does a good review look like? What questions should I ask the author? Where are some additional resources for reviewers? Benefits of peer review.
Fee: $10 ($15 after Sept. 20)
Contact Becky Funck for more information on the workshop.