Soil Science

Overview

Soil is, to say the least, an incredibly valuable natural resource. Don't think so? Try to grow crops without it. No problem, you say, we'll all eat meat. Okay, but where is the food for animals going to come from? The fact is that 75 percent of the planet's food and almost all of its fiber come from soil.

Soil Science is the study of the soil as a component of natural and artificial systems. If you major in it, you'll learn about the classification, physical properties, chemistry, and fertility of all kinds of soils. Along the way, you'll develop a working knowledge of ecology, microbiology, chemistry, and physics. You'll have to if you want to understand issues that are central to Soil Science, including water and air quality, landscape design, crop production, and waste management.

Once you graduate, you should find a wealth of career opportunities. Many Soil Science majors take management positions at farms and ranches, at soil and water conservation agencies, and in the area of land-use planning.