One may wonder why, of all the available options, a scientist would choose a career focusing on soil. But soil isn't just dirt - it's a vital resource that sustains the miracle of life on our planet. And with global population swelling, soil scientists have the very important job of increasing crop productivity while conserving soils and preventing erosion and pollution. Soil scientists made the agricultural ?green revolution? of the 1960s possible, and are still at the center of solving important modern-day challenges. Many soil scientists now work on feeding the world's people in agriculturally, environmentally, and economically sustainable ways.
A four-year bachelor's degree in soil science, either environmental or agricultural science is necessary to qualify. Students interested in pursuing a career in soil science should have a strong background in subjects like mathematics and science in high school.
A soil scientist studies the physical and chemical properties of soil. He or she also studies the distribution, origin, and history of soils, as well as the species that partly comprise them. These professionals identify, interpret, map, and manage soils. Their expertise is commonly applied to agricultural issues. They also work on environmental conservation and restoration, and help mining operations apply environmentally responsible practices. Since soils are affected by other systems, soil scientists also study land and water resources.
Many soil scientists work closely with farmers, advising them on crop and soil related problems, helping them develop nutrient management and soil conservation plans, and design chemically-reduced or chemical-free integrated pest management strategies.
Soil scientists are employed by private and public sector organisations, such as research and development facilities, land use and construction companies, environmental consultancies, academic institutions that are planning archaeological projects, conservation charities and landscape design enterprises.
Soil scientists do much of their work, such as soil mapping and surveying, outdoors. They may spend some time indoors doing research in the laboratory or writing reports.
Many soil scientists travel quite a bit, and they frequently work irregular hours. When they are on the road, consulting with farmers or doing surveys, they may need to work ten- or twelve-hour days. In their offices they usually work a standard eight-hour day. Soil scientists generally derive a lot of satisfaction from their job. They get the chance to solve problems, meet many different people, and vary their work routine.
" />One may wonder why, of all the available options, a scientist would choose a career focusing on soil. But soil isn't just dirt - it's a vital resource that sustains the miracle of life on our planet. And with global population swelling, soil scientists have the very important job of increasing crop productivity while conserving soils and preventing erosion and pollution. Soil scientists made the agricultural ?green revolution? of the 1960s possible, and are still at the center of solving important modern-day challenges. Many soil scientists now work on feeding the world's people in agriculturally, environmentally, and economically sustainable ways.
A four-year bachelor's degree in soil science, either environmental or agricultural science is necessary to qualify. Students interested in pursuing a career in soil science should have a strong background in subjects like mathematics and science in high school.
A soil scientist studies the physical and chemical properties of soil. He or she also studies the distribution, origin, and history of soils, as well as the species that partly comprise them. These professionals identify, interpret, map, and manage soils. Their expertise is commonly applied to agricultural issues. They also work on environmental conservation and restoration, and help mining operations apply environmentally responsible practices. Since soils are affected by other systems, soil scientists also study land and water resources.
Many soil scientists work closely with farmers, advising them on crop and soil related problems, helping them develop nutrient management and soil conservation plans, and design chemically-reduced or chemical-free integrated pest management strategies.
Soil scientists are employed by private and public sector organisations, such as research and development facilities, land use and construction companies, environmental consultancies, academic institutions that are planning archaeological projects, conservation charities and landscape design enterprises.
Soil scientists do much of their work, such as soil mapping and surveying, outdoors. They may spend some time indoors doing research in the laboratory or writing reports.
Many soil scientists travel quite a bit, and they frequently work irregular hours. When they are on the road, consulting with farmers or doing surveys, they may need to work ten- or twelve-hour days. In their offices they usually work a standard eight-hour day. Soil scientists generally derive a lot of satisfaction from their job. They get the chance to solve problems, meet many different people, and vary their work routine.
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