The 11th International Eurasian Soil Congress 2025, hosted by Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), has officially begun with the theme "Innovations in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition Under Climate Change."
Held at the Atatürk Culture and Congress Center, the opening program featured speeches by OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, Congress Chair Prof. Dr. Rıdvan Kızılkaya, emiSS Coordinator of the Erasmus Mundus Soil Science Master’s Program Prof. Dr. Coşkun Gülser, President of the Turkish Soil Science Society and the Eurasian Soil Science Societies Federation Prof. Dr. Ayten Namlı, President of the Azerbaijan Soil Science Society Prof. Dr. Garib Mammadov (represented by Farid Mustafayev), and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Muharrem Özcan.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz highlighted the impact of climate change on soil and food security:
"Soil is not only the foundation of agriculture, but also of ecosystems and life itself. However, improper land use, rapid consumption, and the effects of climate change threaten this most valuable resource. Drought, irregular rainfall, and decreasing soil productivity jeopardize both agricultural production and food security."
He emphasized that sustainable agriculture has become a necessity and underlined the congress’s role as a platform for scientific exchange and collective wisdom. Kurnaz also noted that Samsun's fertile soils add special significance to the congress.
Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Dr. Muharrem Özcan, stated:
"Dear guests, unfortunately, many regional and global crises are occurring in today's world. Human activities not only disrupt the world’s ecosystem but also require efforts to mitigate the resulting negative impacts. The main issues affecting humanity include food production and supply, agricultural product availability, and equitable and easy access to food."
He pointed out that growing population, increasing food demand, a deteriorating ecosystem, and shrinking agricultural lands have further highlighted the importance of agricultural productivity and sustainability:
“Research is being conducted on these issues, but more work is needed. Information and technology sharing must increase. I believe this congress will contribute significantly to this process.”
Congress Chair Prof. Dr. Rıdvan Kızılkaya introduced the congress theme and elaborated:
“Under the theme Innovations in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition Under Climate Change, we aim to draw attention to current developments in climate change. We are facing drought this year, and agriculture is undoubtedly adversely affected. But that doesn’t mean there are no solutions. Solutions start from our field—soil. From water storage in soil to plant nutrition practices, we can indeed overcome the negative impacts of climate change in agriculture.”
Prof. Dr. Coşkun Gülser provided information on the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Program emiSS, stating:
“The program aims to train highly qualified scientists who are educated in soil management, productivity, and ecosystems. Between 2020 and 2025, 73 students from 27 different countries graduated. Some of our alumni are presenting today at the congress.”
The congress not only facilitates the exchange of new approaches in soil science and plant nutrition, but also supports the research and presentation skills of young scientists.
Augustin Tamba, Mayor of Yaoundé (Cameroon), and his advisor Simeon Mbarga Mballa attended the opening ceremony and gave speeches.
Plaques of appreciation were awarded to institutions and companies supporting the congress. Honorees included:
• Yılmaz Şara on behalf of Etibakır
• Ahmet Koç on behalf of Kayra Soft
• Prof. Dr. İzzet Akçay on behalf of Agrobigen
• Güven Altunkaya on behalf of Agroviva
Prof. Dr. Rıdvan Kızılkaya, Prof. Dr. Coşkun Gülser, Prof. Dr. Orhan Dengiz, Prof. Dr. Muharrem Özcan, and Prof. Dr. Ayten Namlı presented plaques.
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