VARIABLE CHARGE SOIL CONFERENCE

Chemical Interactions in Variable Charge Soils:
Implications for Soil Productivity, Pollutant Impacts, and Management Strategies

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Unlocking the Secrets of Variable Charge Soils for Sustainable Agriculture and Ecosystem Protection

Join us for a groundbreaking international conference dedicated to exploring the intricate dynamics of chemical interactions in soils with variable charge.

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Date

4 – 6 March 2026

Location

Newcastle Exhibition Centre

These unique soil types, prevalent in old, weathered landscapes, tropical and subtropical regions, as well as in young soils derived from volcanic ash, demonstrate fascinating properties that influence soil productivity, nutrient and pollutant behaviour, and require their management strategies in both agricultural and environmental contexts.

Our conference aims to bring together researchers, soil scientists, engineers, developers, policymakers, and land managers from around the globe to share insights, discuss challenges, and develop innovative solutions for sustainable soil management.

Soils with variable charge are characterised by their dynamic interactions with various substances, including nutrients and contaminants. In addition, slope stability in these soils—especially in sloping landscapes—is significantly influenced by factors such as rainfall, soil hydration, and the dynamic nature of soil charge properties. Rainfall increases soil moisture, reducing effective stress and altering pore water pressures, which can precipitate landslides. In variable charge soils, the relationship between changing ionic strength and water content affects soil cohesion and friction, leading to heightened susceptibility to instability.

Understanding the hydrological and electrochemical processes involved is essential for effective slope management.

The following key subthemes will guide our discussions, highlighting the complexity of interactions within variable charge soils and their profound implications for ecosystem functionality and sustainability. Comprehending these dynamics is crucial for effective land management, conservation strategies, and mitigating negative environmental impacts.

What are Soils with Variable Charge?

Variable charge soils are soils that exhibit changes in surface charge based on environmental conditions, pH, and the presence of ions. These soils are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions and play a vital role in nutrient dynamics and contaminant behaviour. However, young soils such as those derived from basalts including allophonic and imogolitic soils also exhibit variable charge. Old deeply weathered landscapes such as those in southern Australia also exhibit variable charge. By contrast, the classical soils science textbooks that have influenced a lot of soil science their and applications were written about European and North American soils where fixed charge on clays is the dominant process and less emphasis was given to variable charge soils and their properties.

Key Features:

Distribution: Predominantly found in weathered regions with high rainfall, including parts of Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. Less weathered soils that include volcanic/basaltic ash derived soils including Japan, NZ
Mineralogy: Composed of minerals such as allophanes, imogolites, kaolinite, gibbsite, and oxides of iron and aluminium, which influence chemical retention and release.

Key themes on soils with variable charge:

Pedogenesis and distribution
Chemistry and mineralogy
Nutrient Interactions
Agronomic Practices and Nutrient Management
Soil Physical Properties, Water Management and Hydrological Dynamics
Contaminant Interactions and Risk Management
Slope Instability
Climate Change and Ecosystem Sustainability
Dynamic Nature of Variable Charge Soils and Ecosystem Impacts

The Chemical Interactions in Soils with Variable Charge conference serves as an essential platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among experts.

By delving into these key themes and subthemes, participants will enhance their understanding of the multifaceted interactions in variable charge soils, setting the stage for effective management practices that promote soil productivity, environmental safety, and sustainable agriculture globally.

Join us in fostering a dialogue that empowers innovative solutions for the future of our soils and ecosystems.

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