Soil science

Soil science deals with 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 per se; and these properties in relation to the use and management of soils.

Related Topics:
Soil - Natural resource - Earth - Soil formation - Classification

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Sometimes terms which refer to branches of soil science, such as pedology and edaphology, are used as if synonymous with soil science. The diversity of names associated with this discipline is related to the various associations concerned. Indeed, engineers, agronomists, chemists, geologists, geographers, biologists, microbiologists, sylviculturists, sanitarians, archaeologists, and specialists in regional planning, all contribute to further knowledge of soils and the advancement of the soil sciences.

Related Topics:
Pedology - Edaphology - Engineers - Agronomists - Chemists - Geologists - Geographers - Biologists - Microbiologists - Sylviculturists - Sanitarians - Archaeologist - Regional planning

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Because an understanding of soil science is important to the correct practice of a wide variety of disciplines, it is not unusual to find soils specialists within related disciplines. Soils specialists within related disciplines sometimes choose to refer to themselves as soils scientists, leading to some confusion as to qualifications. To distinguish themselves from soil specialists, professional soil scientists in the USA can seek professional registration and certification.

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