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About SSSA: Soil sustains life

The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), established in 1936, is a leading scientific and professional organization that fosters the transfer of knowledge and practices to sustain global soils. Headquartered in Madison, WI, SSSA serves 5,000+ members and 600+ Certified Professional Soil Scientists (CPSS) and Associate Professional Soil Scientists (APSS), facilitating the development, dissemination, and application of soil science. SSSA offers a range of programs and services tailored to its members and certified professionals.

In alignment with shared strategic objectives, SSSA collaborates with the American Society of Agronomy (ASA) and the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) under the under the umbrella organization of the Alliance of Crops, Soils, and Environmental Science Societies (ACSESS). Each member society operates independently with its own bylaws and governing boards of directors. Additionally, the Agronomic Science Foundation (ASF) provides support for the activities, programs, and projects of ASA, CSSA, and SSSA.

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Mission

To advance knowledge and appreciation of soils as a foundation of life. See our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan.

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Vision

Unite a global community advocating for soils through education and science.

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Values

Adherence to scientific, professional, and ethical standards; Pursuit, dissemination, and application of knowledge; Professional development and education; Collaborative and engaged membership; Diversity, equity, and inclusion of people and perspectives; Service to society through sustainability

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Strategic Objectives

Innovate our stakeholder experiences; Diversify our memberships; Raise the visibility of our disciplines & our members

Society leadership & governance

SSSA Board of Directors meeting minutes:

2024: Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun

2023: Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec 

Michael L. Thompson

Michael L. Thompson,
SSSA President

Samira Daroub

Samira Daroub, 
SSSA President-Elect

Carrie A.M. Laboski

Carrie A.M. Laboski,
SSSA Past President

Jim Cudahy

James "Jim" M. Cudahy,
CEO

Organizational overview

SSSA has a long and distinguished history of dedicated leadership in our Board of Directors, Divisions, and Committees that guide and serve members and certified professionals.

SSSA Board of Directors

16-member Board that provides strategic direction and is represented by Divisions and other groups.

SSSA candidates and elections

Held annually in the Spring, Division Chairs, Board Representatives, and President are elected to serve. The call for candidates is issued in early fall.

Divisons and groups

14 Divisions are the building blocks of the Society and focus on discipline-oriented topics. Further divided into four Groups that provide the organizing framework for SSSA.

Committees

Committees focus on member and certified professional perspectives and work to provide memorable experiences.

Help shape the future of soil and environmental science—volunteer!

Volunteering isn’t just about giving back; it’s an opportunity to grow, network, and influence the future of our field. Find a way to get involved today:

  • Join our editorial boards.
  • Become a peer reviewer.
  • Engage in elections for leadership.
  • Volunteer for committee service.
  • Become a mentor or mentee.
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Ready to join? Explore our member categories and dues

When you join the Soil Science Society of America, you become a member of the leading science community dedicated to advancing soil and environmental science.

Dues include rates for membership in one, two, or all three Societies.

  • Professional: Individual interested in crop, agronomic, soil, or environmental science. $140/$200/$250
  • Emeritus: Member who has held active membership for a total of 25 years or more, and has ceased professional employment (including consulting). $70/$100/$125
  • Graduate Student: Graduate student with interest in agronomic, crop, soil, or environmental sciences. $50
  • Undergraduate Student: Undergraduate student with interest in agronomic, crop, soil, or environmental sciences. $30
  • Corporate Member: An organization that supports the goals of the Society.
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