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12 November 2018 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Stephen Collett
Inaugural lecture focuses on aspects of soil classification
Prof Cornie Van Huyssteen delivered his inaugural lecture on the topic: ‘The world in a grain of sand’, at the ninth inaugural lecture at the UFS this year.

Humans classify their environment to create order, make it more understandable, aid recollection and to communicate. As important it is for humans to classify their environments, so it is to classify soil, said Prof Cornie van Huyssteen.

Prof Van Huyssteen has studied and recorded data on soil worldwide to find the most appropriate use of land, in among others, the agriculture and mining sector and for urban development. 

It is all about soil

He was vice-chair of the International Union of Soil Sciences working group for the World Reference Base, and president of the Soil Science Society of South Africa. From 1991 to 1999 he worked at the Institute for Soil, Climate and Water of the Agricultural Research Council, where he aided in the land type survey and spatial analysis of soil data.

At his recent inauguration to full professor Prof Van Huyssteen delivered the ninth inaugural lecture at the University of the Free State’s Bloemfontein Campus for 2018, talking about a matter close to his heart, soil. He titled the lecture: ‘The world in a grain of sand’. 

Relevant to irrigation scheduling

A professor in the UFS Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences, Prof Van Huyssteen’s research focuses on the relationship between soil morphology and soil hydrology. It can mostly be applied to hydropedology, wetland delineation, urban development, mining EIAs, irrigation scheduling and soil classification.

Prof Van Huyssteen joined the UFS in 2000, and in 2004, he completed his PhD in Soil Science. He is also author or co-author of 25 reviewed papers.

News Archive

National Science Week – today's science, tomorrow's world
2014-07-30

 
For the 2014 National Science Week, the university – in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – celebrate this country-wide event at our South Campus. For one week each year, universities, schools and science centres across South Africa highlight the role that science plays in everyday life. The theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Today’s Science, Tomorrow’s World.’

Over 4 000 learners, educators, parents and dignitaries converged at the campus on Saturday 2 August 2014 to experience science at work. The day featured an array of exciting science activities, including a sky-viewing opportunity at the nearby Boyden Observatory.

“Every aspect of life is touched by science. And with more vibrancy in the approach to teaching maths and science, great potential can be unlocked among young people – impacting on quality of life in the future,” said Dr Choice Makhetha, the Vice-Rector of the University of the Free State.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, also spoke at the event. "Our success depends on whether our country is ready to harness the advantage of large numbers of young people who are able and willing to work. This is where the provision of education becomes an important resource in ensuring that our young people are well prepared and equipped with knowledge and skills to handle life."

Events such as the National Science Week, Minister Pandor said, were aimed at boosting interest in scientific and technological development and innovation. This, in turn, helps the country transform into a knowledge-based economy. 


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