The Institute of Soil Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ISSAS) recently held a group of activities with the Soil Science Society of China and the Soil Science Society of Jiangsu Province to welcome this year’s World Soil Day (WSD).

The ISSAS publicized knowledge about soil through lectures and fun experiments, aiming to raise public awareness about soil protection and inspire people’s interest in science.

A minor planet was named after the institute on December 5, which was one of the most important celebrations of this year’s WSD, and received widespread attention from peers at home and abroad.

In December 2013, the UN General Assembly designated December 5, 2014 as the first World Soil Day. This year’s WSD theme was “Halt soil salinization, boost soil productivity”.

Source: Chinese Academy of Sciences