From the Soil Science Society of America website:

The Kirkham Conferences are topical meetings to encourage scientists to make organized, in-depth explorations of disciplinary and interdisciplinary subjects of soil physics in ways seldom possible at national or international meetings.

These conferences are held every four years and can be held almost anywhere in the world, preferably in coordination with a related national or international meeting. Each conference focuses on a special topic and provides timely debate and development of newly emerging research ideas and inquiries. Attendance is generally fewer than 50 people.

Scope and Objectives:

• Provide timely impetus to the development of newly emerging critical research.
• Bring together active researchers in soil physics and related sciences to promote debate and interaction.
• Enable participants to exchange ideas during the course of the meeting regarding the continued evolution of programs that enhance, develop and communicate knowledge of soil physics and its application to the global environment.