WHAT IS SOIL SCIENCE?
Soil Science is the study of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. The field is closely related to the agricultural industry and involves the management of soils to promote crop growth and protect the environment. Soil Science also includes many other aspects of soil uses, such as for all types of construction projects and waste disposal.
Soil scientists are regularly consulted on a wide array of environmental issues, particularly related to the relationship of soil and water. Soil Scientists work in fields such as the conservation of wetlands, nonpoint source pollution, and erosion control; or in the private sector they may work in bio-remediation, environmental impact assessment, environmental monitoring and sample analysis, land use, and waste management.
WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS?
Soil Science students can expect a program focused on biological and physical sciences that enables an understanding of the soil ecosystem, often including core courses biology, ecology, geology, math, chemistry, and physics. More advanced topics will include international development, food production, waste management, and soil classification and management. Some programs also emphasize communication skills, environmental concerns, and natural resource issues. Specific course we've seen include:
- Soil Microbiology
- Soil Fertility
- Statistics
- Farm & Ranch Mgmt
- Irrigation & Water Mgmt
- Plant Physiology
- Weed Science
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- Entomology
- Airphoto Interpretation
- Geomorphology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Geology
- Soil Conservation
- Natural Resource Conservation
- Resource Economics
- Environmental Data Analysis
- Microbial Ecology
- Geographic Information Systems
- Wetland Ecology
- Hydrology and Water Management
- Sedimentation and Stratigraphy
- Limnology
CAREERS AND SALARY OUTLOOK
Soil Science graduates are in demand in all sectors of the workplace, including private companies, public agencies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations, but particularly in the agricultural and construction industies. Soil Scientists work as consultants, researchers, and technical experts responsible for agriculture, natural resources, environmental protection, waste management, and water quality. Continued concern over environmental issues has also created a need for soil scientists to be involved in many natural resource issues. Some specific job titles we've seen include:
- Environmental Consultant
- Land-Use Manager
- Soil Surveyor
- Agribusiness Advisor
- Soil Conservationist
- Environmental Researcher
- Waste/Bioresource Manager
- Crop Production Consultant
- Golf Course Grounds Manager
- Environmental Resources Analyst
- Regulatory Advisor
- Forester / Park Naturalist
- Compliance Engineer
- Bioremediation Consultant
- Labratory Technician
- Environmental Impact Assessment Anayst
- Environmental Monitoring Specialist
- Soil Analyst
- Land Manager
- Water Quality Specialist
- Agricultural Chemical Consultant
- Wetlands Engineer
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have a specific occupation category for Soil Scientists, but soil science is discussed in the categories of "conservation scientists and foresters" and "agricultural and food scientists."
For conservation scientists and foresters, BLS reported that the median annual earnings in 1998 were about $43,000, with the middle 50 percent earning between about $34,000 and $51,500. Check out the full report from BLS here.
For agricultural and food scientists, BLS reported that the median annual earnings were about $42,500 in 1998, with the middle 50 percent earning between about $32,500 and $59,000. Check out the full report from BLS here.
To look for another soil-related field from BLS, check out these search results here.
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