In memoriam - Francisco Silva Mojica (1926-2020)

Founder of the SLCS

It is with deep regret that the Latin-American Soil Science Society (SLCS) announces the death of Don Francisco Silva Mojica, who was a founding member of the SLCS, our first General Secretary, and a distinguished Honorary Member.

He was a Colombian chemist who graduated from the National University of Colombia and undertook postgraduate studies in Soil Chemistry (advanced level) at the University of Wisconsin.

He was also a founding member of the Colombian Soil Science Society (SCCS) and the SCCS’s President from 1969 to 1970. From 1955 to 2000, he was the editor of the scientific journal “Suelos Ecuatoriales” and, from 1995 to 2004, he was General Secretary of the Latin-American Soil Science Society (SLCS).

During his tenure at the head of the General Secretariat of the SLCS, he distinguished himself by his constant commitment to a strong Latin-American Soil Science Society and to Soil Science, always working in close and respectful collaboration with the International Union of Soil Sciences.

In 1992, the SCCS created a National Soil Science Award that bears his name. It is an award that is given to undergraduate and graduate students. In 1997, he created the Analytical Control Network of Soil Laboratories of Colombia (CALS), which to date has 32 laboratories. In 2016, the Latin-American Soil Science Society awarded him the honour “Distinction for a Whole Life Dedicated to Soil Science” and in 2019, he was awarded the title of Honorary Member of the SLCS.

Rest in peace Don Francisco Silva Mojica.

By Laura Bertha Reyes Sanchez, IUSS President Elect