TJF Brings Sustainable Tropical Peatland Management to the World Congress of Soil Science 2026

Nanjing, Jiangsu, China – From 7th to 12th June 2026, Tay Juhana Foundation (TJF) participated in the 23rd World Congress of Soil Science (WCSS), represented by Safira Eka Aprianti (Agroforestry Researcher) and Nurul Ihsan Fawzi (Operational Manager). Held every four years since 1927 by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), the conference is one of the most prestigious soil science forums in the world.

Under the theme “Soil and the Shared Future for Humanity,” the WCSS 2026 fosters discussions on the importance of soil for our future through a series of various activities, including poster exhibition, young researcher forum, soil judging contest, and tours showcasing diverse soil types in China’s unique landscapes and culture. The week-long event involved 10 keynote speakers in plenary sessions, more than 100 parallel sessions, and over 1,000 posters on display from participants across the world.

TJF’s Presentation Sessions

During this opportunity, both of TJF’s representatives, Safira and Ihsan, had the opportunity to present each of their research projects.

Safira delivered her research titled “Optimizing Soil Health in Tropical Peatlands through Coconut-based Agroforestry” during the session “Soil Feeds Life: Crop Diversification for Sustainable Agriculture.” The presentation highlighted findings from a comparative assessment of coconut-based agroforestry and monoculture systems in Indragiri Hilir, Riau, exploring the potential of diversified farming systems to improve soil health while maintaining agricultural productivity in tropical peatlands. The study further demonstrated the potential of agroforestry as a nature-based, low-input approach for sustainable peatland management.

Beyond sharing research findings, the session also provided an opportunity to introduce Indonesia’s experience in managing tropical peatland agroecosystems to the international soil science community. As peatland discussions are often centered on temperate and boreal ecosystems, the presentation contributed valuable perspectives from tropical peatlands, particularly within coconut-based farming systems. The exchange generated meaningful discussions on sustainable agricultural practices and highlighted the importance of broadening global peatland discourse to include diverse ecological and management contexts beyond the temperate and boreal peatlands.

TJF's contribution to the scientific program continued through Ihsan's oral presentation titled “Nutrient Cycling in Tropical Peatland Coconut Agroecosystems: Integrating Natural Weeds as Cover Crops for Sustainable Management” during the session “Peatlands in a Changing World.” The presentation explored nutrient cycling in tropical peatland coconut agroecosystems, highlighting the role of naturally occurring weeds as cover crops in supporting sustainable land management. The study demonstrated how natural vegetation can contribute to nutrient retention, organic matter inputs, and overall ecosystem functioning while reducing the need for external inputs.

As part of the dedicated peatland session, the presentation also echoed the importance of bringing tropical peatland perspectives into international soil science discussions. The exchange generated meaningful discussions on sustainable peatland management and highlighted the potential of utilizing natural weeds as a low-cost, nature-based approach to enhance sustainability while maintaining agricultural productivity.

Insights from Scientific Sessions and Activities

Alongside the oral presentations delivered by our representatives, we also participated in various scientific sessions and explored research posters featured in the exhibition covering topics relevant to TJF's work, including soil health, tropical peatland management, nutrient cycling, agroforestry, biodiversity, climate resilience, Nature-based Solutions (NbS), sustainable agriculture, and acid sulfate soil management. Through these sessions, we gained valuable insights into emerging research trends and perspectives, innovative methodologies, and practical approaches applicable to tropical peatland and wetland agricultural systems.

Furthermore, the learning experience extended beyond scientific sessions through participation in the In-Congress Field Trip: Soil Profile Survey and Purple Mountain, which provided hands-on exposure to soil survey practices in Nanjing, China. Through this activity, Safira and Ihsan were provided with practical exposure to soil profile description, field characterization techniques, and the interpretation of soil-landscape relationships, enriching TJF's understanding of field-based soil assessment methods.

Throughout the conference, TJF also engaged in various social and networking activities, recognizing that scientific conferences serve not only as platforms for sharing research but also as important spaces for building connections and fostering collaboration. These interactions facilitated exchanges with researchers, academics, and practitioners from different countries, opening opportunities for future partnerships and knowledge sharing.

Looking Ahead

Participation in the 23rd World Congress of Soil Science provided TJF with valuable opportunities to both contribute and learn. Through research presentations, scientific discussions, field-based learning, and exchanges with researchers from around the world, the congress broadened our perspectives on emerging developments, innovative approaches, and global conversations relevant to our research priorities. The event also served as an important platform to elevate Indonesia’s tropical peatland perspectives within the international soil science community, where tropical peatland ecosystems remain comparatively underrepresented. At the same time, the connections established throughout the congress strengthened opportunities for future collaboration and the continued advancement of sustainable tropical peatland management research.

As TJF continues its journey in advancing research and practical solutions for sustainable peatland management, soil health, and climate resilience, we invite you to follow our work and stay connected with our latest activities, research updates, and collaborations through our LinkedIn and Instagram.