For a group of emerging soil scientists from the United Kingdom, the journey to the 5th International Soil Judging Contest in China was about far more than competition. It was an opportunity to learn, collaborate, exchange knowledge, and build lasting connections with peers from around the world.

The UK team featuring British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) Early Career members Jessica Brook, Theodore Heaton-Davis, Cairo Robb, Thomas Smith, and coach Jay Ryan, joined participants from 18 teams representing 14 countries for the prestigious event, hosted by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) and the Soil Science Society of China.

Soil health is fundamental to IFDC’s mission of establishing food security, boosting agricultural productivity, and improving livelihoods. In honor of World Soil Day, IFDC invites eligible participants to engage in the “Visual Stories of Soil Health” competition to raise awareness about the critical role of soil health in sustainable agriculture. 

This competition aims to showcase the transformative impact of IFDC, our partners, and other soil health initiatives, by utilizing the power of visual storytelling to illustrate the significant improvements in soil health, crop yields, and the social and economic benefits for communities worldwide.

Submission Deadline: February 5, 2025