We are excited that the 3rd International Conference on Hydropedology will be held at Beijing Normal University in August 16-19, 2016. We warmly welcome your participation in this once-in-every-four-years event that promises to be stimulating, informative, and enjoyable. A number of global leaders, active thinkers, energetic researchers, young scientists, industrial practitioners, and others interested in integrated soil and water sciences and emerging Critical Zone science will be expected to attend.

Soil and water are the two critical components of the Earth’s Critical Zone and fundamental natural resources for human society: Soil modulates the connection between bedrock and the atmospheric boundary layer and water is the major driving force and transport agent between these two zones. The interactions of soil and water are so intimate and complex that they cannot be effectively studied in a piecemeal manner; they require a systems approach. In this spirit, hydropedology has emerged in recent years as a synergistic integration of soil science and hydrology that offers a renewed perspective and an integrated approach to understanding interactive pedologic and hydrologic processes and their properties in the Critical Zone.

Beijing, the capital of China, is famed for its long history, rich culture, and beautiful landscape. There are numerous world-renown attractions including the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Olympic Park, and much more. Beijing Normal University is one of highly regarded universities in China, with a beautiful campus and a strong reputation for its academic excellence, especially in the areas of geosciences and environmental sciences.

We are truly honored to host this magnificent conference and look forward to welcoming you to Beijing Normal University in August 2016!