José María García-Mina Freire, professor of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science at the University of Navarra, has been appointed president of the InternationalHumic Substances Society ( IHSS).

The IHSS - founded in Denver (Colorado, USA) in 1981 - currently has 900 researchers from 34 countries and aims to "promote knowledge and scientific research of excellence of natural organic matter and, specifically, of a family of molecules belonging to humus called humic substances," says García-Mina. In addition, this institution aims to "disseminate this knowledge as well as its practical application in sustainable agriculture and industry," he adds.

For García-Mina, work in the coming years should be aimed at "promoting research on methods of extraction, isolation and structural elucidation of humic substances". The researcher points to other future challenges such as industrial applications in new materials and agriculture, and the decontamination of ecosystems.

This new appointment arises from an online vote of all IHSS members and is valid for two years. "It is an honor and also a recognition for all the people in my team who work side by side on this research," he concludes.

Soil improvement and crop yield research

Professor José María García-Mina leads a research group at the University of Navarra(BACh Group) that, among other topics, studies the chemical structure and biological activity of humic substances, as well as their potential to improve soil quality and crop yields. All this in the context of sustainable agriculture.

In this research, they also collaborate with the Roullier-Timac Agro Group for the development of fertilizers within the framework of environmentally friendly agriculture. In addition, the professor actively participates with other national and international research groups.