"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."
The study of soil properties, formation, and uses in agriculture and other industries.
Soil Formation: Study of how soil is formed through various factors, including climate, organisms, parent rock material, topography, and time.
Soil Structure: Study of the physical arrangement of soil particles into aggregates (small clumps) and their impact on soil properties, including water holding capacity, aeration, and nutrient availability.
Soil Texture: Study of the different soil particle sizes, including sand, silt, and clay, and how they affect soil properties and behavior.
Soil Horizons: Study of the different layers of soil, including the organic layer (litter), topsoil, subsoil, and parent material, and their respective properties.
Soil Water: Study of the movement, storage, and availability of water in soil, including the water cycle, soil moisture content, and factors that affect water availability to plants.
Soil Nutrients: Study of essential elements and compounds that are required for plant growth, including macronutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micronutrients (e.g., zinc, copper, boron).
Fertilizers: Study of different types of fertilizers and their application rates to achieve optimal plant growth while minimizing environmental impacts, including synthetic fertilizers, organic fertilizers, and amendments (e.g., lime, gypsum).
Soil Erosion: Study of the processes and factors that lead to soil erosion, including wind and water erosion, and methods to prevent or mitigate erosion (e.g., terracing, contour plowing).
Soil Conservation: Study of techniques to maintain or improve soil fertility, health, and productivity, including crop rotation, cover cropping, and conservation tillage.
Soil Microbiology: Study of microorganisms that live in soil, including bacteria, fungi, and other organisms, and their roles in soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and plant growth.
Soil texture: The proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles in soil, which affects its physical qualities such as drainage, water retention, and aeration.
Soil structure: The arrangement of soil particles into aggregates or clumps, which affects soil stability, air and water movement, and root growth.
Soil pH: The measure of acidity or alkalinity in soil, which affects nutrient availability, microbial activity, and plant growth.
Soil organic matter: The amount and type of organic material in soil, which affects soil structure, water retention, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration.
Soil fertility: The ability of soil to provide plants with essential nutrients for growth and development, which is influenced by soil pH, organic matter, and nutrient cycling.
Soil biology: The study of soil organisms such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and insects, and their impact on soil processes such as nutrient cycling, plant growth, and carbon sequestration.
Soil ecology: The study of the interactions between plants, animals, and microorganisms in soil and how they affect nutrient cycling, soil structure, and ecosystem services.
Soil physics: The study of physical properties of soil such as soil water, soil air, and soil temperature, and how they affect soil processes such as plant growth, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration.
Soil chemistry: The study of chemical properties of soil such as soil pH, cation exchange capacity, and nutrient availability, and how they affect soil processes such as plant growth, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration.
Soil erosion: The process of soil loss due to wind, water, or other factors, which can result in decreased soil productivity, water quality issues, and reduced carbon sequestration.
Soil conservation: The management of soil resources to prevent soil erosion, maintain soil fertility, and promote sustainable land use practices.
Soil health: The overall condition of soil in terms of its physical, chemical, and biological properties, which reflects its ability to sustain plant and animal productivity and maintain ecosystem services.
"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."