Soil Science

Soil Science explores the nature, properties and use of soil to capture its value and to understand better its critical role as a foundation of life. People who study soil seek to comprehend fundamental global surface processes on multiple scales that impact ecosystems functioning and environmental health.

Soil scientists provide farmers and agribusiness representatives with educational and diagnostic service programs, using the latest in instrumental analysis, data manipulation, and research information, to improve soil and crop management.

Important crop production research is dependent upon soil science to improve input efficiency and thus to assure competitiveness in today's farm markets. Scientists conduct research on such practical subjects as liming and nutrient availability use, soil compaction-nutrient interactions, and efficient use of manure and legume nitrogen contributions in various crop rotations.

Soil scientists also provide extension leadership in application of soil chemistry, physics, biology and pedology principles to economic and environmentally sound land use and conduct outreach to the extended community to provide all generations with an appreciation of soil as a natural resource.

Soil science is an interdisciplinary science that includes increasing our knowledge of:

• Chemistry of soil organic matter
• Solute transport processes in soils
• Soil nutrient dynamics and bioavailability
• Chemistry of soil surfaces and soil solution
• Biotic regulation of soil processes
• Soil biology
• Environmental Biogeochemistry

Resource Links
Canadian Society of Soil Science
Canadian Journal of Soil Science