1) S-1 MEMBER NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

A) SSSA Annual Meeting in Seattle, Oct 31 - Nov 4, 2004

To register for the SSSA meeting and book rooms please visit http://www.asa-cssa-sssa.org/anmeet/reg.html. International attendees looking for information on visas and travel to the US please visit http://www7.nationalacademies.org/visas/Traveling_to_US.html.

S-1 Soil Physics Division Sponsored Symposia and Sessions:

Symposium 1: Reconciling Measured and Predicted Water, Heat and Solute Transport in Soil: A Tribute to Peter J. Wierenga
Contacts: Bob Horton (rhorton@iastate.edu), Rien van Genuchten (RVANG@ussl.ars.usda.gov), and Jan Hendrickx (hendrick@nmt.edu).

Symposium 2: Landscape Processes: Monitoring, Mapping, and Modeling

One of the highlights of this symposium will be a talk by Raymond Arvidson on "Landforms and Deposits Observed by the Mars Exploration Rovers".

Contacts: Jan W. Hopmans (jwhopmans@ucdavis.edu), Henry Lin (henrylin@psu.edu), Dennis Corwin (DCORWIN@ussl.ars.usda.gov), Gary Kachanoski (gary.kachanoski@ualberta.ca), Chris van Kessel (cvankessel@ucdavis.edu), and Don R. Nielsen (drnielsen@ucdavis.edu).

Session 1: Soil Water Content Sensing Methods: Comparisons and Calibrations
Contact: Steve Evett (srevett@cprl.ars.usda.gov).

Session 2: Advances in the Characterization of Soil Structure
Contacts: Daniel Giménez (gimenez@envsci.rutgers.edu) and Clark J. Gantzer (gantzer@missouri.edu)


Special Workshops & Training Sessions:

Special Workshop: Soil Water Measurement Methods
Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004, 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Washington State Convention & Trade Center

For a range of the most common soil water measurement instruments presently used in the science, course attendees will be presented principles of operation, receive guidance for calibration and optimization of measurement instruments, and will perform hands-on measurements and data handling. Completion of the course will result in (1) the ability to select the appropriate measurement method for a given soil water measurement application, (2) knowledge about how to install, calibrate, read and maintain soil water sensors.

This workshop sponsored by Campbell Scientific, Inc. and Decagon Devices, Inc. is limited to 60 people. Cost: $60.00 includes workshop and lunch. Preregistration Deadline: Wednesday, October. 20, 2004. On-site registration will not be available for this workshop.

Contacts: Jim Bilskie: jim@campbellsci.com, http://campbellsci.com/soils_course.cfm, and Bryan Wacker: bryan@decagon.com, http://www.decagon.com/instruments/shortcourse_ASA.html

Introductory Training Sessions: Campbell Scientific's Next-Generation Datalogger... the CR1000. Join Campbell Scientific for a free hands-on training session at the ASA meeting in Seattle. You'll work with and learn about the CR1000's specifications, programming, and communications software. The following sessions are available (20 participants per session; 2 per workstation):

1. Wednesday, Nov. 3 8:30 - noon
2. Wednesday, Nov. 3 1:30 - 5:00
3. Thursday, Nov. 4 8:30 - noon
4. Thursday, Nov. 4 1:30 - 5:00

Register at www.campbellsci.com/cr1000-intro.cfm or by calling Janet Albers at 435-750-1726

B) Release of the new WinTDR 6.1 Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) program:

The Soil Physics Group at Utah State University and Environmental Physics at the University of Connecticut announced the release of a new Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) program that runs on Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000 and XP. Serial communications to the Tektronix 1502/3 B/C models have been drastically improved. Enhancements to the analysis software have provided more accurate EC calculations and improved probe impedance and length calibration. A slick new interface for configuring multiplexer setups with ease.

New Features:
- Runs on Windows XP, 2000, NT, ME, 98, and 95
- Connects to the Tektronix 1502/3 B/C TDR units, via the Tektronix SP232 module.
- Can an be used for reanalyzing previously recorded waveforms without a TDR device attached to the
- computer.
- Self calibration of probe length and impedance (cell constant) values
- New Graphical Interface to allow the user to view waveform values, multiple waveform viewing (see
- how a waveform changes over time) and enhanced usability.
- Quickly change analysis information and settings.
- Dynamic file formatting for saving waveforms and file location specified by the user (even save to a
- hard drive over a local area network).
- Ability to change the third order polynomials coefficients of Topp's (1980) equation with user defined
- coefficients.
- Waveform values are in Reflection Coefficient values.
- Option to calculate Dielectric Constant from the temperature of water.
- Ability to use Multiplexers (Campbell SDMX50 8 to 1 and VaZEC 16 to 1)
- Automated readings for automatic data capturing and analysis.

Watch for the exciting release of WinTDR 7 which will interface with both the Campbell Scientific TDR100 and the Tektronix 1502/3 B/C units.

Download the new WinTDR 6.1 for free at http://soilphysics.usu.edu/wintdr. And don't forget to register on our website for important updates delivered to your e-mail account. For further questions please email tdrsupport@mendel.usu.edu

2) UPCOMING MEETINGS OF INTEREST (arranged by meeting date)

A) AGU Fall Meeting 2004 (San Francisco 13-17 December, 2004). The 2004 AGU Fall Meeting is expected to draw a crowd of over 10,000 geophysicists from around the world and provides an opportunity for researchers, teachers, students, and consultants to present and review the latest issues affecting the Earth, the planets, and their environments in space. This meeting will cover topics in all areas of geophysical sciences. For further information please visit http://www.agu.org/meetings/fm04/

B)Chapman Conference on The Science and Technology of Carbon Sequestration (Bahia Resort Hotel, San Diego, CA, USA, 16 - 20 January 2005). The goal of this conference is to bring together scientists, engineers, and others who study long-term natural and deliberate sequestration of carbon. A particular focus will be methods and prospects for verification and assessment of sinks for anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2). For further information please visit: http://www.agu.org/meetings/cc05acall.html

C) European Geosciences Union General Assembly (Vienna, Austria, 24 - 29 April 2005).
The scientific program of the General Assembly includes Union Symposia, Oral and Poster Sessions on disciplinary and interdisciplinary topics covering the full spectrum of the geosciences and the space and planetary sciences, Short Courses and Workshops, Key Note and Medal Lectures and Town hall and Splinter Meetings. For further information please visit: http://www.copernicus.org/EGU/ga/egu05/

D) Third Biot Conference on Poromechanics (University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA, May 24-27, 2005). This conference will serve as an international forum to exchange information on the latest advances in the mechanics of porous materials and their application to a broad range of disciplines, including geomechanics, biomechanics, geophysics, materials science, composite materials, acoustics, and civil, chemical, environmental, mechanical, and petroleum engineering, etc. The approaches include analytical, computational, and experimental. The scales range from nano, micro and macro to field scales. For further information please visit: http://www.pmi.ou.edu/Biot2005.htm

3) NEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS

To review all announcements from the last six months please visit: http://soils.ag.uidaho.edu/tuller/s-1/jobs.htm

A) Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship - Soil & Environmental Physics (Posted: 10/10/2004). The Soil & Environmental Physics Group at the University of Idaho (http://soils.ag.uidaho.edu/tuller/) invites applications for a full-time Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistant position. We seek a highly motivated student with excellent mathematical, computational, and technical background for theoretical and experimental work on pore space evolution and hydraulic properties of swelling porous media. We offer a competitive scholarship, paid tuition, and medical insurance. The application, including application letter, university transcripts, and three letters of recommendation should be sent to Dr. Markus Tuller, Soil & Land Resources Division, University of Idaho, Ag Sci. Bldg. 113, Moscow, ID 83844-2339, USA (Phone: 208-885-7012; Fax: 208-885-7760; Email: mtuller@uidaho.edu). For interested students I will be available at the SSSA Annual Meeting in Seattle (Oct 31 - Nov 4, 2004)

B) Postdoctoral Position - Hydrology (Posted: 9/25/2004). A 100 % postgraduate research position is available immediately in the Hydrology section of the Department of Land, Air and Water Resources at the University of California, Davis. This position has the responsibility to coordinate the Biocomplexity project 'DEVELOPMENT OF MULTI-FUNCTIONAL HEAT PULSE PROBE (MFHPP) FOR ECOLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL MONITORING OF PLANT ROOT ZONES'. Specifically, this position is expected to assist in the development of laboratory and field-based MFHHP's, and to independently develop laboratory experiments to study root water and nitrate uptake by plant roots using the MFHPP. The responsibilities of this position are: (1) Design, test, assist and conduct laboratory and field experiments for the testing of the MFHPP; (2) Manage the research project and assist students/visiting scientists with their experimental research in both laboratory and field experiments; (3) Setup data logging equipment and interface with instruments and computers in both laboratory and field experiments; (4) Be familiar with multi-dimensional modeling of flow and transport, using HYDRUS software, and (5) Provide expertise and conduct data analysis using general data analysis software. Qualifications include a PhD in physics, engineering, hydrology, soil science or related discipline, experience in laboratory research with data acquisition equipment and software. To apply, send a complete curriculum vita, a summary of interests and experience, and undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts to Jan W. Hopmans; Hydrology/Land, Air and Water Resources; 123 Veihmeyer Hall; University of California; Davis, CA 95616; or by email to jwhopmans@ucdavis.edu. Applications will be received until the position is filled.

C) Assistant Professor - Texas AES (Posted: 09/23/2004). 100% with the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station (TAES). Incumbent will provide research leadership in the overall TAES biological systems modeling effort at Temple by using an integrated systems approach to develop and apply models to simulate the effects of management practices on agricultural and natural resource systems. Qualifications (required)Ph.D. in Agricultural or Biological Engineering, Soil Science, Crop Science, or related discipline; experience with simulation modeling of agricultural and natural resource systems; a sound understanding of modern computer simulation software, statistics, GIS software, relational data bases, and systems analyses; a potential to generate external funding; and excellent and demonstrated verbal and written communication skills. (Preferred)Postdoctoral experience in simulation modeling, a proven track record in acquiring external grants, experience with Temple-based simulation models, and experience interacting with state and federal regulatory agencies and private industry on simulation model applications. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. Submit letter of application, resume, and names of five references to Dr. Wm. A. Dugas, Resident Director, Blackland Research and Extension Center (http://www.brc.tamus.edu), 720 E. Blackland Rd., Temple, TX 76502 (dugas@brc.tamus.edu). TAES is an equal opportunity employer.

D) Science Leader - Soil Science (Posted: 09/23/2004). Landcare Research is New Zealand's foremost sustainable development organization. We are currently seeking to fill a senior position in Soil Science. This position will focus on a range of research across the New Zealand landscape. We seek an outstanding Senior Researcher for a leading position in land management with a soil science background. You must have the vision and commitment to lead integrated multi-disciplinary research to address the key issues, related to soil and land management, that underpin New Zealand's production and non-production landscapes for the future. A background in a soil science is required as is a sound appreciation of spatial analysis and depiction. Requirements: Your leadership responsibilities will involve leading research projects, including a core Government funded program of several years duration. It will also include close interaction with key clients and end-users of our science and other research providers and collaborators. You will be expected to seek out research opportunities and commercial contracts and focus on new revenue generation. You will have a PhD or equivalent in a land based science with proven experience in the field of research. You must be an excellent integrator and communicator and be capable of working with central and local government and other end-user groups. A commitment to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi is required. Experience in land management issues relating to indigenous peoples will be highly desirable. This is a permanent position, located in Palmerston North or Hamilton. The position is being readvertised and applicants for the original advertisement do not need to reapply. Applications for this position will close on Monday 25 October 2004. Position description and application forms are available from our website www.landcareresearch.co.nz or the contact below. Applications should be addressed to Irene Brooks, Human Resources Advisor, Landcare Research, Private Bag 11052, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

E) Soil /Wetland Scientist (Posted: 09/21/2004). A small consulting firm in Olympia, WA is seeking a soil scientist with abilities in evaluating soils with focus on hydrology and soil physics. The candidate should have at least a B.S. in Soils and 4 yrs field experience. CPSS preferred. Exp. in wetland science preferred. Good writing and verbal communication skills a must. Other duties may include datalogger maintenance, well installation, infiltration and percolation testing. Competitive compensation package. Salary commensurate with experience. Send cover letter, resume, and references (3) to Pacific Rim Soil & Water, Inc., 1220 4th Avenue East, Olympia, WA 98506.

F) Mid-Level Soil Scientist (Posted: 09/09/2004). Mid-level candidate should have a 4 year Bachelor of Science Degree. Experience classifying and mapping soil series required. GPS and CAD skills a plus. Other project duties may include wetlands delineations and permitting, surface infiltration, and percolation testing. Atlanta, GA project locations. The position will involve a mixture of office and field work supervising field crew. Competitive compensation package. Email resume to dmchugh@ecslimited.com More info at www.ecslimited.com

G) EPA - Postdoctoral Program (Posted: 08/04/2004). The National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) of the United States Environmental Protection Agency is seeking candidates to fill approximately 9 federal, four-year post-doctoral research positions. NERL's research encompasses areas such as environmental monitoring and characterization (physical, chemical, biological, and microbiological); computer modeling of the transport, transformation, and fate of pollutants in multiple media and at multiple scales; human and ecological exposure analysis (including the development of exposure biomarkers and bioindicators); remote sensing applications; and landscape ecology. Among NERL's current priorities are exposure of humans to airborne particulate matter and emerging microbial pathogens (bacteria, protozoan parasites, and viruses) in water supplies; exposure of children to pesticides; multi-media, multi-pathway exposure modeling in humans; influence of landscape changes on surface water quality; development of integrated multimedia (atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic) transport and fate models; and assessment of the relative risk of exposure to stressors in regional ecosystems and large watersheds. The NERL post-doctoral positions will be in one or more of the following locations: Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; Cincinnati, Ohio; Las Vegas, Nevada; Athens, Georgia; or Washington, DC metropolitan area, depending on the particular disciplinary focus, and will be filled beginning November 2004. These excepted service appointments offer a salary range of $48,947 - $76,261 commensurate with qualifications, and include a full benefits package. For specific job information and application instructions for the NERL post-doctoral program, you may access the NERL Internet site at http://www.epa.gov/nerl. The U.S. EPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

APPENDICES

A) S-1 Contacts
Chair (04): David Radcliffe dradclif@arches.uga.edu
Chair-Elect (05): Gerard Kluitenberg gjk@ksu.edu
ASA and SSSA Board Representative (04-06) Glenn Wilson: gvwilson@ars.usda.gov
SSSA Journal S-1 Technical Editor: Sally Logsdon logsdon@nstl.gov
Vadose Zone Journal (VZJ) Editor: Rien van Genuchten RVANG@ussl.ars.usda.gov

B) S-1 Working Groups and Committees
S-1 Program for 2004 ASA-SSSA Meetings (Seattle, WA, Oct. 31-Nov. 4): David Radcliffe
Kirkham Conference 2004 (Utah State): Wilford Gardner and Scott Jones
S-1 Early Career Award: Art Warrick, Per Moldrup and Jacob Dane