"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."
A study of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil that impact plant growth.
Soil Characteristics: Understanding the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil and how these affect plant growth.
Soil Formation and Development: Examining the natural processes that create and change soil structure over time.
Soil Mapping and Classification: Learning how to identify and group soils based on their physical and chemical properties.
Soil Nutrition: Understanding the role of essential plant nutrients in soil, and how these nutrients can be supplied through fertilizers and other management practices.
Soil Erosion and Conservation: Exploring methods to prevent soil loss and degradation, and restore degraded soils.
Soil Water Management: Learning how to monitor and manage soil moisture levels to optimize plant growth and limit water waste.
Soil Microorganisms: Understanding the importance of soil microbes in soil health and plant nutrition, and investigation how to promote beneficial microbes.
Soil Testing and Analysis: Learning how to collect and analyze soil samples to measure nutrient levels, pH, and other key indicators of soil health.
Crop Growth and Plant Physiology: Understanding the relationship between soil health and plant growth, including the effects of soil fertility, moisture, and temperature.
Integrated Pest Management: Exploring strategies to control pests and diseases in crops while minimizing environmental impacts and preserving soil health.
Soil Chemistry: This branch of Soil Science deals with the chemical composition and properties of soil. It helps in understanding the soil's chemical reactions and processes that take place in the soil.
Soil Biology: Soil Biology understands the various microorganisms and macro-organisms living in the soil. It plays a vital role in the breakdown of organic matter, nutrient cycling, and plant growth promotion.
Soil Physics: Soil Physics deals with the physical properties of soil, such as water-holding capacity, soil structure, and soil texture. It helps to understand how water and nutrients move in soil and its effect on plant growth.
Soil Fertility: This branch deals with the essential nutrients needed for plant growth, their deficiency symptoms, and fertilization management practices.
Soil Ecology: Soil ecology studies the interactions between soil organisms, plants, and the environment. It helps to understand the dynamics of nutrient cycling, soil erosion, and the impact of human activities on soil health.
Soil Management: It deals with the management of soil resources for sustainable crop production, including crop rotation, tillage practices, irrigation, and drainage management.
Soil Pedology: Soil Pedology is concerned with the formation and classification of soils. It helps to understand the soil's physical and chemical properties and how they affect plant growth.
Soil Genesis: Soil Genesis is concerned with the origin and development of soil through geological and biological processes. It helps in understanding the soil development and its impact on plant growth.
"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."