Group of Geotechnologies in Soil Science at USP's School of Agriculture, “Luiz de Queiroz” (Esalq) in Piracicaba, received a distinction from the Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute, a pioneering Russian institution in soil studies
Group of Geotechnologies in Soil Science at USP in Piracicaba received recognition from the Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute – Photo: Publicity / Geocis Esalq USP
By: Caio Albuquerque*
The Group of Geotechnologies in Soil Science (GeoCiS), from the Department of Soil Science at USP's “Luiz de Queiroz” School of Agriculture (Esalq) in Piracicaba, has received an illustriousa ward from Russia's Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute, widely regarded as the birthplace of modern pedology (the science that studies soil in its natural environment). The team was honored with an outstanding distinction by the Russian Academy of Sciences, through the Russian Ministry of Science and Education.
The distinction highlights GeoCiS as one of the global leaders in the fields of pedology, mapping, and remote sensing applied to soil studies. According to the official document, “the group also stands out for developing the most innovative paths in soil science.” Professor José Alexandre Demattê, coordinator of the research group, emphasized the importance of the recognition: “This acknowledgment from the Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute is especially meaningful, as it comes from one of the world's most prestigious institutions in the field.”
One of the main highlights mentioned by the international institute is the Soil Spectral Library, developed by the group. The project, which spanned over 25 years, was funded by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), and brought together more than 80 Brazilian researchers from various institutions. “Esalq has played an essential role in disseminating this technique throughout the country. While in 1998 only three institutions were working in this area, today there are dozens,” Professor Demattê says. Part of this trajectory was described in a publication in the prestigious Dokuchaev Soil Bulletin (Novais et al., 2024).
In addition to its national impact, GeoCiS has expanded its activities to the global stage. The group is currently coordinating the WorldSpecs project, a Soil Analysis Service via Spectroscopy of the World, which brings together over a hundred international researchers. The project represents a significant advancement in global communication about soils, enabling analysis using sensors and providing access to data from various parts of the world.
Another major advance will be the creation of a free, interactive platform that allows users to perform soil analysis directly in the cloud. Despite this innovation, professor Demattê points out that the model adopted will be estimative rather than deterministic, which means that traditional laboratories will continue to be essential to guarantee accurate results. “The system will operate in a hybrid manner, combining technology and laboratory methods for greater efficiency,” he explains.
Recognition from Russia's Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute – Photo: Denise Guimarães/Esalq
Perspectives
For the professor, this recognition reinforces the importance of the work carried out; however, the merit extends beyond a single group. “We have to point out the quality of the professionals at Esalq's Department of Soil Science, emphasizing that success is the result of a collective effort. Our differential is teamwork, and this achievement reflects the commitment of all the researchers involved,” Demattê points.
With innovative initiatives and global partnerships, the department continues to drive research forward, promoting new technologies and expanding the impact of scientific knowledge on agriculture and the environment. “With a solid foundation built up over decades and an eye to the future, GeoCiS continues to push boundaries and consolidate Brazil as a world reference in soil science,” concludes Demattê.
*From the Esalq USP Press Office
English version: Nexus Traduções, edited by Denis Pacheco
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