On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we are pleased to issue the final announcement for the Sixth International Workshop on Biological Soil Crusts (BIOCRUST6). Following a successful registration and abstract submission period, we have now finalized the scientific program and are delighted to release the detailed conference schedule for this event.

    BIOCRUST6 will convene in Yangling, Shaanxi, China, from September 14 to 20, 2026, as a comprehensive international forum advancing the frontiers of biological soil crust science. The workshop will feature cutting-edge presentations on biocrust biodiversity, physiology, and ecosystem functioning; facilitate assessments of biocrust-based strategies for land restoration and climate-change mitigation; and foster global collaboration among scientists, land managers, and policymakers. In addition to academic exchanges, the program will include specialized CrustNet training sessions on global sampling protocols and node establishment, as well as the "Biocrust and Art" program, providing opportunities for scientists and artists to showcase creative artworks such as films, paintings, and poetry related to and celebrating biocrusts. Building upon the success of five previous international workshops, this gathering marks the Third Biocrust Workshop of China, representing the third time that the Chinese biocrust research community has convened to host this important international scientific event.

    We cordially invite all participants to review the finalized program in the appendices and on the official website: https://biocrust6.meeting666.com/. We look forward to welcoming you to Yangling this September.

I. Basic Information

· Theme: Towards a Healthy Ecosystem

· Dates: September 14–20, 2026

  September 14: On-site registration (09:00–21:00)  

  September 15–18: Scientific sessions (plenary talk, oral presentation, poster presentation, and others)

  September 19: Field trip focusing on biocrusts

  September 20: Departure

· Venue: Yangling International Convention & Exhibition Center Hotel, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China

Address: No.1 Xinqiao North Road, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China

II. Organizational Structure 

Hosts:  

  State Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification Control, Northwest A&F University  

  College of Soil and Water Conservation Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University

Co-organizers:

  National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station of Farmland Ecosystem in Ansai, Shaanxi.

  Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station, Northwest Institute of Eco‐Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences

  State Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences

III. Transportation:  

  By Air: The nearest airport is Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), about a 1.5-hour drive to Yangling. To help you reach the conference venue smoothly, we are pleased to offer complimentary shuttle service from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport on September 14, 2026, between 9:00 and 23:00.

  To reserve your seat, please provide the following details through either the hotel reservation page on the conference website or by sending an email to biocrust6@nwsuaf.edu.cn:

  (1) Your name, (2) Flight number, (3) Arrival terminal, (4) Estimated landing time, (5) Number and names of all passengers in your party

By High-speed Rail: Arrive at Yanglingnan Railway Station.

  Take a taxi to the hotel (≈ 15 min, CNY 15).

By Train (conventional): Arrive at Yangling Railway Station.

  Take a taxi to the hotel (≈ 5 min, CNY 6).

IV. Accommodation

    Accommodation has been arranged at the Yangling International Convention & Exhibition Center Hotel at the special conference rate of USD 45/RMB 260 per night, including breakfast. Registered participants can reserve rooms through the workshop website. We strongly recommend early booking to ensure availability.

V. Contact Information:

  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at: 

  Email: biocrust6@nwafu.edu.cn 

  We will be happy to assist you.

  We are pleased to invite you to Yangling this September. We look forward to a productive and inspiring workshop, where we will share ideas, build partnerships, and move biocrust science forward. We eagerly await your arrival.

Biocrust6 Organizing Committee

State Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification Control, Northwest A&F University

College of Soil and Water Conservation Science and Engineering,

Northwest A&F University

August 25, 2026

Appendix 1: Scientific Program Agenda

Appendix 2: Field Trip Program at Ansai Soil and Water Conservation Research Station

Appendix 3: Field Trip Program at Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station

Appendix 4: Field Trip Program at Louguantai Forest Park, Qinling Mountains