'Soil – a basis for life on earth': Free Public Lecture Series, Spring 2010

Birkbeck Institute of Environment, University of London, and the Ecology and Conservation Studies Society present two free public lecture series each year on ecology and conservation issues. The series in Spring 2010 will be on ‘soil’.

Join the debate. All welcome. Free admission. Booking is not necessary.

The lectures will be held in Lecture Theatre B01, Clore Management Centre, Birkbeck College, University of London, Torrington Square, London, WC1E 7HX. (entrance is opposite Birkbeck Main Building).

All lectures are from 6.30pm to 8.30 pm on the following Fridays. Doors open at 6.00pm.

The series will explore the immense diversity of soil types derived from varying geology, topography, climate and organic material and their importance to the continuance of life on earth. The vital role of micro and macro organisms of the soil will be included. The function of the soil as a medium for plant growth in natural habitats and modifications to soil fertility necessary for agriculture and horticulture will be covered, as well as reclamation of damaged soils.

Spring 2010 Presentations

• 12 February ‘Managing soil physical conditions in agriculture’
  Professor Richard Godwin, Professor in Agricultural Engineering, Harper Adams University College and Cranfield University
• 19 February ‘Soil water management in agricultural and environmental situations’
  Professor Gordon Spoor, Emeritus Professor of Applied Soil Physics, Cranfield University
• 26 February ‘Turning the tables: when fungi host plants’
  Dr Martin Bidartondo, Senior Lecturer, Imperial College London and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
• 5 March ‘Maintaining soil fertility for gardening while protecting the environment’
  Guy Barter, Chief Horticultural Advisor, Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley
• 12 March ‘Impacts of food production on soils overseas’
  Professor Keith Goulding, Head of the Department of Soil Science Rothamsted Research
• 19 March ‘The unseen majority: soil biodiversity and ecosystem nutrient cycling’
  Professor Richard Bardgett, Professor of Ecology, Lancaster University

Download 'Soil - a basis for life on earth' Spring 2010 Brochure (Word, 100k).

Email environmentevents@bbk.ac.uk or telephone 020 3073 8065 for enquiries.

The Ecology and Conservation Studies Society welcomes new members. Details of the Society and application forms will be available at the door, and are online.

Find out more about the Lecture Series and browse our Lecture Series Archive.