Welcome Message

It is our pleasure to welcome you to the official website of the 19th International Symposium on Soil and Plant Analysis (ISSPA 2027), taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 26 to 30 September 2027.

Hosted by the Agri Laboratory Association of Southern Africa (AgriLASA), ISSPA 2027 will bring this international symposium back to South Africa after 23 years. We are delighted to invite researchers, academics, students, laboratory professionals, consultants, advisors, industry representatives and other specialists from around the world to join us in Cape Town for four days of scientific exchange, discussion, collaboration and networking.

ISSPA is a biennial international symposium held under the guidance of an International Governance Committee, with representation from the North American Soil and Plant Analysis Council (SPAC), the Australasian Soil and Plant Analysis Council (ASPAC), AgriLASA, and partner organisations across Europe, South America and other regions. Over the years, ISSPA has become an important meeting point for people working in soil, plant, water and agricultural analysis, as well as the laboratory and advisory services that support sustainable and productive agriculture.

The theme for ISSPA 2027 is Soil to Sky: Scientific Agricultural Pathways to Support a Living Planet. It reflects the growing need for sound science, innovation and dependable analytical information as we respond to the challenges facing agriculture, food production and our natural resources.

The scientific programme will feature international experts sharing new research, technologies and practical experience across a broad range of topics. These will include soil and plant health, crop monitoring, fertilisation recommendations, water quality, laboratory and proximal analysis, artificial intelligence, data management and emerging analytical technologies.

The programme will offer plenty of opportunities to share ideas and learn from colleagues through plenary presentations, oral and poster sessions, technical discussions and informal networking. We especially encourage early-career researchers and professionals to take part alongside established experts. We hope the connections made at ISSPA 2027 will lead to new ideas, partnerships and collaborations long after the symposium has ended.

There will also be opportunities to experience South African hospitality beyond the conference programme. Social activities will include a welcome networking breakfast and an optional symposium dinner featuring South African cuisine. Following the symposium, delegates will have the opportunity to join an optional field tour and explore agricultural practices and landscapes in the Cape Peninsula region.

Cape Town awaits

Cape Town is a wonderful setting for ISSPA 2027. The symposium venue is conveniently located close to the V&A Waterfront, with a wide choice of accommodation, restaurants, entertainment and attractions nearby.

We encourage delegates to make the most of their visit by spending a little extra time in the city and exploring the wider Western Cape. From its spectacular mountains and coastline to its diverse communities, rich history, wine regions and exceptional food, Cape Town offers something for everyone. Partners, family members and friends joining delegates will also find plenty to see and do.

This website contains information about the scientific programme, abstract submissions, registration, accommodation, travel, sponsorship, exhibition opportunities and key dates. We will continue to update the website as plans develop and more information becomes available.

We warmly encourage researchers and professionals to submit their work and contribute to the scientific programme. We also invite organisations to become involved as sponsors and exhibitors. The support and participation of our international scientific, laboratory, agricultural and industry communities will be an important part of making ISSPA 2027 a success.

We look forward to welcoming you to Cape Town in September 2027 – to share knowledge, exchange ideas, build new professional connections and enjoy all that South Africa has to offer.

Dailena Pienaar and Vossie Wilsnach
Local Organising Committee
19th International Symposium on Soil and Plant Analysis – ISSPA 2027