ISCO is an organization composed of conservation professionals from around the globe who meet biennially to share their latest research results. The purpose of ISCO is to advocate for the sustainable, productive, and efficient use of soil and water resources.  It does so through communication among participants in its meetings, the goal of which is to improve understanding of natural resource management issues.  A primary feature of ISCO is the “informal” structure whereby no official “Constitution,” “Bylaws,” or membership fees are formulated or enacted.  The primary responsibility for the Organization resides with the country, institutions, and individuals (including the chief host designated as the current “President”) who host and organize the meetings.  ISCO has thrived and continues to grow with this format.

The next conference will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn on the Univ. of Texas at El Paso campus on May 31 – June 5, 2015 in El Paso, Texas.

The conference is sponsored by United States Department of Agriculture, Soil and Water Conservation Society, European Society for Soil Conservation, World Association of Soil and Water Conservation International Union of Soil Scientists, International Soil Tillage Research Organization, International Society for Aeolian Research American Water Resources Institute and University of Texas at El Paso.

Conference Topics

Soil conservation for mitigation and adaptation to a changing climate: sustainable solutions

Impacts of soil erosion and conservation on soil health and organic carbon sequestration

Conservation agriculture

Basic soil erosion: processes, mechanisms, and modeling

Socio-economic dimensions of soil conservation

Sustainable intensification of food production

Soil degradation: salinization, sodification, an desertification

Soil conservation in non-agricultural settings: i.e. urban and forestry

Important Dates

Aug. 15, 2014 –Call for abstracts

Nov. 15, 2014 –Early registration opens

Feb. 16, 2015 –Abstract submission deadline

Mar. 15, 2015 –Early registration closes

May 1, 2015 –Last day to register

For more information please email the chair of the Organizing Committee, Scott Van Pelt at: Scott.vanpelt@ars.usda.gov or visit www.Tucson.ars.ag.gov/isco