"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."
Study of the composition, structure, properties, and fertility of soil, including classification, analysis, management, and conservation.
Soil Formation: It deals with how soils are formed and the processes involved in the formation.
Soil Physics: It studies the physical properties of the soil such as texture, structure, porosity, and water-holding capacity.
Soil Chemistry: The study of chemical properties of soil, including soil’s pH, nutrient availability, and soil organic matter.
Soil Biology: The study of all living organisms in soil, including bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms and their impact on soil quality.
Soil Ecology: It provides an overview of the interaction between soil biota and their environment.
Soil Management: The science of managing soil to increase productivity by the use of techniques such as crop rotation, conservation tillage, and fertilization to improve soil health.
Soil Erosion: It researches the measures to prevent and control soil erosion that affects the soil quality.
Soil Fertility: It relates to soil's capacity to support healthy crop growth, abundance of nutrients and organic compounds.
Soil Analysis: It provides an overview of methods used for soil sample analysis to determine its quality and specific properties.
Soil Conservation: Prevention of soil from degradation due to natural or human activities.
Soil Types & Classification: This is the classification of different types of soils based on characteristics such as texture, composition, and structure.
Soil Nutrient Management: The research and objective ways to manage and utilize the vital nutrients found in soil.
Soil Testing: It is an evaluation of the soil's properties to know the best practices to follow for optimal soil health.
Soil Improvement: It deals with the methods and techniques used to enhance soil health and fertility such as mulching, composting, and soil amendment.
Soil Mapping: It helps in understanding soil distribution across a landscape using Geographic Information Systems technology.
Soil Chemistry: This field deals with the study of chemical properties of soils such as pH, nutrient availability, and cation exchange capacity.
Soil Fertility: This branch of Soil Science focuses on soil productivity and how to improve soil fertility. It involves the study of nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium and their impact on plant growth.
Soil Physics: Soil Physics focuses on the physical properties of soil like water holding capacity, porosity, and permeability. It involves the study of hydraulic conductivity and root development in the soil.
Soil Microbiology: This field focuses on the study of microorganisms that live in soil, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa.
Pedology: It is the science of soil formation and classification. It is concerned with the study of soil profile and its properties.
Edaphology: It is the study of the relationship between soil and plants. It involves soil-plant interactions, plant nutrition, and how plants adapt to different soil conditions.
Soil Ecology: Soil Ecology involves the study of the interactions between soil organisms and their surrounding environment, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Soil Conservation: This field deals with the study of methods and practices to prevent erosion and maintain soil health.
Soil Management: Soil Management involves the study of practices that optimize soil productivity and maintain soil fertility for agricultural purposes.
Soil Remediation: It is the science of restoring contaminated soil to a healthy state. It involves the use of various technologies like chemical and biological degradation for the removal of toxic substances.
"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."