About REINSS 2026

International Seminar on Reinventing Soil Systems: Digital Intelligence, Biomes and Sustainable Food Security

Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), through the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, in collaboration with the Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS), is pleased to host the International Seminar on Reinventing Soil Systems: Digital Intelligence, Biomes and Sustainable Food Security (REINSS 2026) on 28–29 October 2026. This prestigious international event will bring together eminent scientists, researchers, academicians, policymakers, industry leaders, development professionals and students from around the world to discuss emerging frontiers in soil science and their pivotal role in achieving sustainable food systems and climate resilience.

REINSS 2026 aims to promote interdisciplinary
research, scientific innovation, knowledge exchange and
policy dialogue for sustainable soil management and
future-ready agricultural systems.

The seminar provides a dynamic platform for advancing research, innovation and policy through discussions on digital soil intelligence, precision agriculture, nature-based ecosystem restoration, soil microbiome engineering and regenerative soil pathways. Through these scientific themes, REINSS 2026 seeks to strengthen ecosystem services, enhance soil health, improve resource-use efficiency, increase carbon sequestration, and build climate-resilient agricultural landscapes capable of supporting sustainable food and nutrition security.

The programme includes keynote lectures, plenary sessions, invited talks, technical sessions, oral and poster presentations, panel discussions, and dedicated sessions for young scientists, research scholars and students. Outstanding scientific contributions will be recognised through Best Oral Presentation and Best Poster Presentation Awards.

Hosted in the picturesque campus of the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, REINSS 2026 offers an inspiring environment for scientific interaction, professional networking, collaboration and innovation. Scientists, academicians, researchers, industry experts, policy makers and students are cordially invited to participate and contribute towards building resilient soil systems for a sustainable future.

Conference Themes

Theme 1

Digital Soil Intelligence for Precision and Climate-Smart Agriculture

Artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data analytics for climate-smart agriculture
Digital soil mapping, remote sensing, GIS and geospatial intelligence
IoT and sensor networks for crop health and climate monitoring
Digital agriculture for resource conservation, socio-economic development and scaling
Digital technologies for precision nutrient, water and crop management for sustainability

Theme 2

Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience in Fragile Landscapes

Nature-based solutions for soil conservation and landscape restoration
Climate-resilient soil, water and watershed management
Restoration and sustainable management of degraded and problem soils
Soil carbon, climate mitigation and ecosystem resilience
Climate change, emerging pest, disease and weed threats and environmental pollution
Socio-economic pathways for landscape restoration and sustainable ecosystems

Theme 3

Blue-Green Soil Systems: Coastal, Wetland and Flood-Prone Agro-Ecosystems

Soil-water interactions and sustainable management of coastal agro-ecosystems
Coastal problem soils, salinity management and climate adaptation
Blue carbon, greenhouse gas dynamics and climate mitigation
Water quality, pollution and safe reuse in agriculture
Climate change impact on biodiversity and emerging biotic stresses
Sustainable coastal livelihoods, ecosystem services and community resilience

Theme 4

Soil Microbiome Engineering for Field Crops and Horticultural Systems

Soil biodiversity, microbial ecology and soil–plant–microbe interactions
Microbiome engineering for climate-resilient and resource-efficient agriculture
Microbial biofertilizers, biostimulants and biological crop protection
Organic amendments, microbiome modulation and soil health
Metagenomics, multi-omics and advanced microbiome technologies
Crop improvement, agricultural biotechnology and genome engineering for climate-resilience and sustainable food security

Theme 5

Regenerative Soil Pathways for Food, Nutrition and Livelihood Security

Regenerative soil health, biodiversity and ecosystem management
Diversified and climate-resilient farming systems
Circular bioeconomy and resource recycling in agriculture
Sustainable nutrient management, carbon farming and resource-use efficiency
Climate-resilient crops, nutrition security and sustainable intensification
Inclusive pathways for sustainable agricultural transformation
Crop physiological adaptations in regenerative production systems
Post-harvest management & value addition for resilient food systems and nutritional security

About Kerala Agricultural University

Established on 24 February 1971, Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was created based on the recommendations of the Kothari Commission (1964–1966), which envisioned Agricultural Universities in every Indian state. The University became operational on 1 February 1972, marking a new era in agricultural education, research and extension in Kerala.

Over the past five decades, KAU has emerged as one of India's premier agricultural universities, making significant contributions towards food security, farmer welfare, sustainable agriculture, technology development, human resource development, and scientific innovation.

Today, the University consists of 9 Colleges, 6 Regional Agricultural Research Stations, 7 Krishi Vigyan Kendras, 17 Research Stations, and 7 Extension Units.

Achievements

ICAR Accreditation – A Grade
ICAR Sardar Patel Award
Chancellor's Award
NIRF 2025 Ranking – 12th in Agriculture & Allied Sectors
Leader in Agricultural Education, Research and Extension

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous organization under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.

As the apex body for agricultural research, education and extension, ICAR coordinates and promotes scientific advancements in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, animal sciences, natural resource management and agricultural engineering across the country.

With a vast network of 113 ICAR institutes, 74 agricultural universities and several research centers, ICAR represents one of the world's largest national agricultural research systems.

                Through pioneering research, technology development, and capacity
                building, ICAR has been instrumental in strengthening India's food and
                nutritional security, promoting sustainable agricultural practices,
                improving farmers' livelihoods and addressing emerging challenges such
                as climate change, soil health and natural resource conservation.
            

ICAR continues to foster national and international collaborations to advance agricultural innovation and ensure sustainable development for future generations.

Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS)

The Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS) came into existence on December 22, 1934 in Calcutta under Act XXI of 1860 (Registration No. 8164/252 of 1934-35) with 28 members. It was formally inaugurated on January 3, 1935 at the Presidency College, Calcutta.

Sir Bryce C. Burt, the then Agricultural Commissioner in the Imperial (now Indian) Council of Agricultural Research, was the first President of the Society and Prof. J.N. Mukherjee its first Secretary.

                ISSS recognizes excellence through awards and fellowships
                while fostering collaboration among scientists, students, and professionals
                to support sustainable agriculture,
                environmental conservation, and
                national food security.
            

Thiruvananthapuram

Nestled between the serene Arabian Sea and the lush Western Ghats, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the capital city of Kerala, is a perfect blend of rich cultural heritage, scientific excellence, and breathtaking natural beauty. Known as the "Evergreen City of India," it offers visitors a unique experience where centuries-old traditions coexist with modern innovation and academic excellence.

As the host city for the seminar, Thiruvananthapuram warmly welcomes delegates from across the country. The city is home to renowned institutions such as the Kerala Agricultural University, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), and several premier research organizations, making it an ideal destination for scientific exchange and collaboration.

Beyond the scientific conclave, delegates can explore the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, relax at the world-famous Kovalam Beach, witness the spectacular sunset at Poovar, visit the historic Napier Museum, stroll through the Kanakakunnu Palace grounds, and enjoy the lush greenery and biodiversity that make Kerala famous as "God's Own Country." The city's warm hospitality, vibrant cuisine, and scenic landscapes promise an unforgettable experience.

                We invite you not only to participate in meaningful
                scientific discussions but also to discover the charm, culture, and
                natural beauty of Thiruvananthapuram. May your stay be both academically
                enriching and personally memorable.
            