"Soil science is the study of soil as a natural resource on the surface of the Earth including soil formation, classification and mapping; physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils; and these properties in relation to the use and management of soils."
This topic includes soil formation, soil properties, soil fertility, soil organic matter, nutrient cycling, and soil conservation.
Soil Formation: The process by which soils are formed over time.
Soil Classification: The system used to classify soils based on their physical, chemical, and biological properties.
Soil Structure: The arrangement of soil particles, pores, and aggregates that affect root growth and water movement.
Soil Texture: The proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles in a soil.
Soil Water: The ability of soil to hold, move, and store water.
Soil Chemistry: The chemical makeup of soil, including pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter.
Soil Fertility: The capacity of soil to support plant growth, which depends on nutrient availability.
Soil Health: The condition of soil based on its physical, chemical, and biological properties.
Soil Erosion: The loss of soil due to water, wind, and other natural processes.
Soil Management: The practices used to maintain soil productivity, including crop rotation, tillage, and fertilization.
Soil Conservation: Efforts to preserve soil quality, prevent erosion, and maintain soil health.
Soil Testing: Analysis of soil samples to determine nutrient levels, pH, and other properties.
Sustainable Agriculture: Agriculture that is environmentally sound, socially responsible, and economically viable.
Organic Farming: Farming practices that rely on natural inputs and avoid the use of synthetic chemicals.
Soil Amendments: Materials added to soil to improve its physical, chemical, and biological properties.
Soil Ecology: The study of interactions between soil organisms and their environment.
Carbon Sequestration: The process by which carbon is removed from the atmosphere and stored in soil organic matter.
Precision Agriculture: Technology-driven farming practices that use sensors and data to maximize crop yields and minimize environmental impact.
Agroforestry: The practice of integrating trees with crops and livestock to improve soil health and ecosystem services.
Soil Microbiology: The study of microorganisms in soil, which play important roles in nutrient cycling and plant health.
Pedology: The study of soil morphology, genesis, classification, and mapping.
Soil physics: The study of physical properties of soil and their interactions with water, air, and plants.
Soil chemistry: The study of chemical reactions and processes that occur in soil, including nutrient availability and contamination.
Soil fertility: The study of the nutrient requirements of crops, the use of fertilizers, and the management of soil fertility.
Soil microbiology: The study of the microorganisms in soil and their roles in nutrient cycling, soil formation, and plant growth.
Soil ecology: The study of the interactions between soil organisms and their environment, including plant roots, insects, and birds.
Soil mineralogy: The study of the composition, structure, and properties of soil minerals.
Soil management: The application of science to optimize the production and sustainability of agricultural systems.
Soil conservation: The protection and preservation of soil resources to maintain productivity and prevent erosion.
Soil survey: The mapping and description of soils, land use, and vegetation over large regions.
"Sometimes terms which refer to branches of soil science, such as pedology (formation, chemistry, morphology, and classification of soil) and edaphology (how soils interact with living things, especially plants), are used as if synonymous with soil science."
"Indeed, engineers, agronomists, chemists, geologists, physical geographers, ecologists, biologists, microbiologists, silviculturists, sanitarians, archaeologists, and specialists in regional planning, all contribute to further knowledge of soils and the advancement of the soil sciences."
"Soil scientists have raised concerns about how to preserve soil and arable land in a world with a growing population, possible future water crisis, increasing per capita food consumption, and land degradation."
"Pedology focuses on the formation, chemistry, morphology, and classification of soil."
"Edaphology focuses on how soils interact with living things, especially plants."
"Soil science studies the physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils."
"Soil science studies the properties of soils in relation to the use and management of soils."
"Soil science includes the study of soil classification and mapping to understand the different types and properties of soils on Earth's surface."
"Engineers, agronomists, chemists, geologists, physical geographers, ecologists, biologists, microbiologists, silviculturists, sanitarians, archaeologists, and specialists in regional planning all contribute to further knowledge of soils and the advancement of the soil sciences."
"Engineers contribute to the advancement of soil sciences by studying soil properties for construction and infrastructure purposes, such as building foundations."
"Soil science plays a crucial role in agronomy by studying the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils, which helps in understanding and optimizing crop growth and productivity."
"Geologists and hydrologists contribute to soil science by studying the interaction between soil and water, including water movement and water-holding capacity of different soil types."
"Soil science studies land degradation and soil preservation to address concerns about environmental sustainability and the long-term health of arable land."
"Soil science provides valuable information for regional planners to make informed decisions about land-use planning and development, considering the specific properties and limitations of different soil types."
"Soil scientists are concerned about how to preserve soil and arable land in a world with a growing population."
"Soil science is essential for understanding soil fertility and nutrient management, which are crucial aspects of ensuring food security with increasing per capita food consumption."
"Microbiologists study the microbial communities within soils, playing a significant role in soil science and its understanding of biological interactions in soil ecosystems."
"Soil scientists consider the possible future water crisis and its implications for soil water availability and management as a research focus within soil science."
"Soil scientists raise concerns about land degradation and its impact on soil health and productivity, emphasizing the importance of sustainable land management practices."