The decision has been made: The German Soil Science Society (DBG), together with the Czech (ČPS) and Polish Soil Science Society (PTG), will host the 25th World Congress on Soil Science 2034 in Leipzig. This follows the presentation of the joint bid by DBG President Daniela Sauer at WCSS 2026 in Nanjing, which was met with broad support from the international soil science community. From 10 to 14 September 2034, the congress will bring researchers together in the heart of Europe under the motto "Soil Science in Times of Transformation."
The motto reflects the major challenges shaping soils and soil science worldwide: climate change, land-use change, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, food security, digital methods, and the growing importance of exchange between science, policy, practice, and society.
Watch the bid video:
Leipzig provides a particularly fitting setting for this theme. The city stands for transformation — historically through the Peaceful Revolution of 1989, and today through ecological and landscape change in the region, including the former lignite mining areas south of Leipzig. At the same time, Leipzig is located in the wider border region of Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland, offering diverse opportunities for scientific exchange, field excursions, and cross-border cooperation.
In addition to the main scientific programme, the congress will include field excursions, an International Soil Judging Contest, activities for early-career scientists, and formats linking soils with art, education, and science communication.
There will also be reason to celebrate: The Soil Science Societies of France (AFES), Austria (ÖBG), and the Czech Republic (ČPS) will mark their anniversaries in 2034, which are to be celebrated as part of the WCSS in Leipzig.
We will keep you informed about further planning steps through the DBG channels. To subscribe the DBG-Newsletter (only in German) follow this link.