"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 the physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soil, including its formation, classification, and management for crop production.
Soil formation: Understanding the factors that contribute to the formation of soil and the different soil horizons.
Soil texture: Understanding the physical attributes of soil particles such as size, shape, and arrangement and how they affect the properties of soil.
Soil structure: Understanding the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates and how it affects water retention, aeration, and root development.
Soil chemical properties: Understanding the chemical composition of soil, including pH, nutrient availability, and cation exchange capacity.
Soil microbiology: Understanding the role of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa in soil fertility and nutrient cycling.
Soil fertility: Understanding the essential nutrients required for plant growth and how to maintain soil fertility through nutrient management practices.
Soil conservation: Understanding the importance of soil conservation practices to prevent soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and soil degradation.
Soil classification: Understanding the different soil classification systems used to categorize soil according to its physical, chemical, and biological properties.
Soil water management: Understanding how water moves through soil, how to manage irrigation, and how to prevent waterlogging and soil compaction.
Soil health: Understanding the overall health of soil, including its physical, chemical, and biological properties, and how to maintain and improve soil health for sustainable agriculture.
Pedology: The study of soil formation, classification, and morphology.
Edaphology: The study of soil chemistry, fertility, nutrient cycles, and the effects of soil on plant growth.
Soil Physics: The quantitative study of soil properties, such as bulk density, porosity, water retention, and soil structure.
Soil Microbiology: The study of soil microbial communities, including bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, their roles in soil processes and their interactions with plants.
Soil Pedometrics: The use of mathematical and statistical methods to analyze and model soil spatial variability and predict soil properties.
Soil Ecology: The study of the interactions between soil organisms and their environment and the impact of those interactions on soil processes.
Soil Chemistry: The study of the chemical properties of soils, including elemental composition, oxidation-reduction reactions, and chemical reactions involving soil minerals.
Soil Mineralogy: The study of the types, distribution, and properties of minerals in soils and their role in soil processes.
Soil Genesis and Evolution: The study of soil formation over time and the evolution of soils as a result of natural and anthropogenic processes.
Soil Conservation and Management: The science of managing soil resources to maintain or improve their health, productivity, and sustainability in the face of natural and human-induced changes.
"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."