On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I am very pleased to invite you to attend the Fourth International Symposium on Phosphorus Dynamics in the Soil-Plant Continuum (ISPDSPC 2010) that will be held in Beijing, China during September 19-23, 2010. 　At the end of the last century, a small group of scientists recognized the need for increased multidisciplinary and inter-institutional interactions between plant and soil scientists to tackle the problems of crop production on soils where phosphorus stress is a major constraint. An international gathering was then organized in Beijing, China in 2000, the First International Symposium on Phosphorus Dynamics in the Soil-Plant Continuum. In September 2003, the University of Western Australia convened a large group of soil and plant scientists for the Second International Symposium in Perth, Australia. In May 2006, the Third International Symposium was held in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is my great honor that China Agricultural University is organising the fourth International Symposium. 　This Symposium will provide a forum for scientists (from soil scientists, plant ecologists and production agronomists to molecular biologists, plant nutritionists and environment scientists) working on various aspects of phosphorus around the world to share their latest research findings and ideas with an aim of improving our capacity to manage phosphorus cycling and use in a sustainable and economically-viable way. This is expected to advancing the frontiers of knowledge on phosphorus dynamics and management in food-producing and other managed and unmanaged ecosystems. 　The Symposium will invite 5-8 speakers to give plenary lectures, and a number of distinguished scientists from various institutions to give invited talks on each of the major themes. 　I believe that this Symposium in Beijing will provide a good atmosphere for all of you to share your ideas, knowledge and experience, to meet old and make new friends, and to enjoy the beautiful sceneries of Beijing and other parts of China with a long and rich history and unique culture. 　I am sincerely looking forward to welcoming you in 2010 to what we are confident will be one of the best international symposia to be held in Beijing, China.