Soil Scientist
A soil scientist is a professional who focuses on the study, classification, and management of soil, playing a crucial role in agriculture and environmental science. Their work is divided into two main branches: pedology, which examines soil properties, and edaphology, which investigates the impact of soil on living organisms. Soil scientists typically specialize in either agricultural soil science, which involves crop production and land use, or environmental soil science, which considers soil's ecological implications and its role in land development and conservation.
To pursue a career as a soil scientist, individuals generally need a bachelor's degree in soil science or a related field, with advanced degrees preferred for research and management roles. The profession offers an encouraging job outlook, with a median annual income of $76,400 and a projected employment growth rate of 6%, which is faster than average. Soil scientists spend their time conducting field surveys, analyzing soil samples, and utilizing advanced technology for data collection and mapping. They often collaborate with engineers, agronomists, and other scientists, and may provide vital insights into soil health and sustainability to farmers and policymakers. This blend of technical skill and environmental stewardship makes soil scientists key players in addressing contemporary agricultural and ecological challenges.
Soil Scientist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Climatology, topography, mapping, vegetation, agriculture, environment
Earnings (Yearly Median): $76,400 per year $36.73 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 6% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Soil scientists study the formation, classification, and management of soil. The two main branches of soil science are pedology, which is the study of soil itself, and edaphology, which explores the effects of soil on living things. Soil scientists generally specialize in either agricultural or environmental soil science. Although each group surveys, analyzes, and monitors soil, agricultural soil scientists work primarily in crop production, forestry, and ranching. In contrast, environmental soil scientists are more interested in soil ecology and its effects on natural resources and in managing soil for construction, recreation, development, and other nonagricultural purposes.
Work Environment. Soil scientists work for county, state, and federal governments; universities and other research organizations; private businesses, including agribusinesses; and engineering, environmental, and land management firms. Some are self-employed as consultants. They typically work a forty-hour week, although occasional overtime may be needed to meet deadlines or when performing fieldwork.
Occupation Interest. A career as a soil scientist attracts analytical and research-oriented people with a particular interest in the environment or agriculture. They are inquisitive, excellent at solving problems, and precise when performing tests and calculations. They should also have strong verbal and written communication skills, be technologically savvy, and be able to read and interpret various maps easily.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. One of the primary duties of most soil scientists is performing soil surveys, also known as soil mapping. Some scientists work in county and state extension services and test soil samples submitted primarily by homeowners and farmers, but most obtain their samples in the field. Using hand tools, industrial augers, or probes, they collect one or more samples of soil from a particular location. They then determine the mineral, organic, chemical, and water content using a variety of gauges and other laboratory equipment. Sometimes, they also employ remote-sensing technology to gather information, such as aerial photography and light detection and ranging (LIDAR).
Soil scientists also analyze factors that influence the composition and quality of soil, including vegetation, topography, and weather. Using standard taxonomic systems, they classify soil based on these factors and add the classifications and data to various maps and databases to benefit other scientists and the public. Additionally, soil scientists monitor soil for contamination from mining or hazardous wastes, such as pesticides, insecticides, and sewage, and they also provide advice on prevention and remediation.
Further responsibilities of soil scientists are determined by their area of specialization. Agricultural soil scientists use soil surveys to predict the suitability of soil for growing certain crops or to give farmers advice on using fertilizers, rotating crops, improving water retention, and other agricultural matters. Environmental soil scientists use soil surveys to determine an area’s suitability for development, construction of sewage treatment facilities, or placement of new reservoirs. They also analyze soil for its historical composition and appearance, which is especially useful for archaeological research and the study of climate change.
When outside the field or laboratory, soil scientists write plans and reports, often delivered at meetings and conferences. Experienced scientists may apply for research grants, plan budgets, direct projects, and sometimes teach at the college level.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Soil scientists usually divide their time between the field, laboratory, and office. Fieldwork poses the greatest danger for injuries and environmental risks and thus often requires hard hats, work boots, heavy gloves, and other protective equipment. Some soil scientists may be at risk for injuries and health problems related to using specific laboratory tools and equipment. However, this risk is lessened by proper ventilation and eye protection.
Human Environment. Soil scientists perform some duties alone in the field or laboratory. They also interact or consult regularly with other members of their research teams, planning commissions, and other professionals, including engineers, agronomists, geologists, hydrologists, and environmentalists. They may interact with the public. They may supervise assistants, technicians, and interns. Unless self-employed, they typically report to a director or manager, although they tend to work independently.
Technological Environment. The work performed by soil scientists tends to be technology-intensive. Desktop and portable computers are used for geographic information systems (GIS) and a variety of analytical, classification, and business applications. Surveying equipment includes global positioning system (GPS) devices, aerial photography cameras, LIDAR, and electrical conductivity (EC) sensors. Analytical tools include electron microscopes, centrifuges, hydrometers, spectrometers, and radiometers. Other commonly used tools and equipment include industrial probes and augers, shovels and other hand tools, digital cameras, cell phones, and walkie-talkies.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. The best foundation for a career as a soil scientist is a college preparatory program that emphasizes science and mathematics, with courses in biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, environmental science, algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics. English and communication courses are also important. Vocational programs such as agricultural science or forestry can provide a suitable background if they include the coursework required for most college admissions. Participation in extracurricular science, agricultural, or environmental clubs and activities may also be beneficial.
Postsecondary. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in soil science or a closely related major is standard for entry-level positions, while an advanced degree is necessary for management positions and for conducting research. Undergraduate programs usually include coursework in chemistry, biology, microbiology, plant physiology, calculus, and statistics, in addition to the principles of soil science, fertility, genesis, mapping, climatology, and other topics. Undergraduates should be prepared to choose between an agricultural and an environmental soil science program. Graduate-level programs allow students to specialize and conduct original research in hydroecology, geomorphology, mapping, mineralogy, agronomy, and other areas. Internships are recommended.
Related Occupations
− Botanist
− Forester and Conservation Scientist
Bibliography
"Agricultural and Food Scientists." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Aug. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/agricultural-and-food-scientists.htm. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 19-1013 Soil and Plant Scientists." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes191013.htm. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.