6 October 2020 (Tuesday) – Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad launched Soil Science Conference of Malaysia 2020 (SOILS 2020) this morning in Johor Bahru.

The three-day conference is co-organised by Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and Malaysian Society of Soil Science (MSSS) with the support of International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS).

The objectives of SOILS 2020, themed ‘Soil Management towards Plant Productivity and Environmental Sustainability’, are to promote good practices and multidisciplinary approaches for increasing yields and enhance appreciation for the roles and importance of soil in relation to various economic and environmental aspects.

From left: Marzalina, Rosazlin and Hasni speaking at the opening of the conference.	Hasni (middle) launching the books by FRIM, while Marzalina (left) and Rosazlin look on.

The theme also partly resonates with the FAO World Soil Day theme, ‘Keep soil alive; Protect biodiversity’ aimed at raising awareness on the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being by addressing the growing challenges in soil management. 

Hasni also launched two books produced by FRIM scientists, entitled, ‘Correlation of Soil Types and Tree Species Distribution for Peninsular Malaysia’ and ‘Life Journey of Rengam under the feet’. The former provides a quick guide for tree species selection based on soil suitability of a particular site while the latter, is a book for children about the effects of human activities on soil.

Also present, FRIM Deputy Director General (Research) Dato’ Dr Marzalina Mansor and MSSS President Dr Rosazlin Abdullah.

Some of the conference participants.	Hasni (far left) taking a closer look at a product during the exhibition visit session.

The MB also presented MSSS Best Student Award to four students (primary and secondary) from Johor based on their academic and co-curricular achievements.

There will be 25 oral and 58 poster presentations as well as exhibition by of products, services and latest technologies by 13 local and foreign companies at the conference. The event is attended by 100 participants comprising experts, researchers, decision makers and entrepreneurs from Malaysia as well as participants from Japan, Fiji and Indonesia who are joining through online channel and video presentations.

Some 15 postgraduate students from local and foreign universities received the IUSS Stimulus Fund to join the conference based on the quality of paper related to soil science and research coherence. There will also be a post-conference tour to Rubber Research Institute Malaysia (RRIM) Research Station in Kota Tinggi and KEJORA fertigation farm in Bandar Penawar.