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2009 Annual Meetings emphasize sustainability

More than 2,700 scientists will present research and discuss emerging trends in agriculture, energy, education and more, Nov. 1-5 in Pittsburgh

MADISON, WI, OCTOBER 27, 2009 -- The 2009 Annual Meetings of the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) are just around the corner, Nov. 1-5 in Pittsburgh, PA. The meeting's theme, "Footprints in the Landscape: Sustainability through Plant and Soil Sciences," together with its location in the LEED-certified David L. Lawrence Convention Center underscores this year's commitment to sustainability.

More than 2,700 scientists, professionals, and students will present the latest research and discuss emerging trends in agriculture, energy, climate change, environmental science,and related issues.

The ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meetings program features daily plenary lectures, nine distinguished lectures, 2,500 oral and poster presentations, an exhibit hall, career center, and other events. A full program, including abstracts of the presentations, is available online, www.acsmeetings.org. Highlighted events include:

Sunday, Nov. 1

• "Fueling the Resurgence of Our Purpose-Driven Sciences," Plenary Lecture, Gebisa Ejeta of Purdue University and the 2009 World Food Prize recipient, 6:00-7:00 pm

• Opening Reception, Exhibit Hall, 7:00-9:00 pm

Monday, Nov. 2

• Plenary Lecture by Roger Beachy, USDA-National Institute of Food & Agriculture, 8:00-9:30 am

• "Climate Change and Agroecosystems: Impacts, Adaptation, and Mitigation," Session, 9:55am-5:15 pm
• "Dirt! the Movie," screening and discussion with Producer Gene Rosow, 3:45-5:30 pm (repeats on Nov. 3, 10:00-11:45 am)
• "Using Precision Farming Technologies to Minimize Agriculture's Footprint in the Landscape," Symposium, 9:55 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday, Nov. 3

• Intersection of technology and sustainability, Plenary Lecture by Calestous Juma, Harvard, 8:00-9:30 am

• Gulf of Mexico's hypoxia zone/dead zone, Lecture by Curtis Richardson, Duke, 9:55-11:00 am
• "Global Footprints: Adding Value to Agriculture in the Developing World," Symposium, 10:10 am-2:30 pm
• "The Environmental and Ecological Challenges of Biomass Production," Session, 9:55 am-3:30 pm and "Impact of Ethanol Production on the Environment, Session, 9:55 am -2:45 pm

Wednesday, Nov. 4

• "Soils: A Public Health Threat or Savior," Plenary Lecture, Ian Pepper, Univ. of Arizona, 8:00-9:30 am

• "Terroir: Winegrapes and the Environment," Symposium, 12:45-6:00 pm
• "Biochar Use for Improving Environmental Quality," Session, 12:55-6:00 pm
• Climate change and crop diversity, Lecture by Robert J. Hijmans, Univ. of California-Davis, 4:30-5:15 pm

Thursday, Nov. 5

• "Building a Strong Financial Base for Sustaining a Healthy Plant Breeding Community," Symposium, presentations by the Gates Foundation, Monsanto, Noble Foundation, and others, 7:55-10:50 am

For more information and to register online, go to: www.acsmeetings.org.

Follow our daily Twitter feed of research and events at: www.twitter.com/ASA_CSSA_SSSA , #ACSMtg.

Complimentary registration to this event is offered to credentialed journalists, Public Information Officers, and NASW members. Advance registration is encouraged, by sending a request to Sara Uttech, Science Communications Manager, suttech@agronomy.org, 608-268-4948. To register on-site, present a business card or other credentials to the Newsroom, Room 310, David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Can't make it to the meeting? ASA-CSSA-SSSA will post news releases to the Annual Meetings online newsroom at: www.acsmeetings.org/newsroom. Power Point presentations will be available for many papers; please contact Sara Uttech: suttech@agronomy.org for more information.

The American Society of Agronomy (ASA) www.agronomy.org, is a scientific society helping its 8,000+ members advance the disciplines and practices of agronomy by supporting professional growth and science policy initiatives, and by providing quality, research-based publications and a variety of member services.

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