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Soil Scientist

Soil Scientists study the chemical makeup and properties of soil to help forestry organizations make educated land use decisions. Their work is essential to protecting and managing forest land in a sustainable manner.

If you enjoy digging in the dirt (soil in this case), then a career in pedology, or Soil Science, might be in your future. Soil scientists gather and analyze soil, determining the chemical composition to figure out how to best utilize and manage land. For example, if a type of soil is found to attract invasive bugs, the Soil Scientist may recommend treatment options prior to planting a row of seedlings. This type of research gives insight into how to best manage soil, vegetation, and erosion control.

Soil Scientists are also referred to as Pedologists, Agrologists, and Soil Classifiers.

Pete Kleto

Soil Scientist, Forestry & Land Resource Consultants

As a soil scientist specializing in soil mapping, I love being on the land and experiencing so many aspects of the natural environment. I am able to see how good stewardship practices can function in a compatible manner with the land.

Education

For a direct path to work as a Soil Scientist, a Bachelor’s Degree in Soil Science is recommended. A Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, or Crop Science can also lead to becoming a Soil Scientist. For forestry-specific soil science, it is ideal to also study forestry.

Higher-level research-driven positions often require a Master’s or Doctorate Degree in Soil Science.

Helpful courses to take in high school include agricultural courses such as Horticulture; science-focused classes such as Earth Science, Chemistry, and Biology; Math and Physics.

It will also be helpful to join and participate in an agriculture club such as FFA (Future Farmers of America) for hands-on industry experience. Early exposure to field experience will give you the best perspective when studying soil science.

Tools of the Trade

  • In the field, a soil scientist will utilize soil sampling equipment, GIS, CAD, and GPS technologies.
  • A penetrometer, a pH meter, and Biolog plates are used for measuring soil properties.
  • Various test kits and scientific methods are utilized for testing soil. Test strips and tube samplers are among some of the tools used in the laboratory.
  • Soil Scientists work in various locations: in the field (the forest, in fields, etc.), in laboratories, and kitchens.

Important Skills

Knowledge of soil and plant language, scientific soil practices and use of laboratory equipment.

General business skills such as working well in a team, strong communication, writing and planning skills. Good problem solving skills and flexibilityare also important.

Understanding government regulations at the federal, state, and local levels as they relate to land use is also important.

A typical day could involve fieldwork to examine land types and collect data on various soil properties; measuring how well the trees are growing on a given soil; and downloading data from the field into a computer for soil mapping.

Job Responsibilities

The Soil Scientist enters the field, utilizes various testing methods, and analyzes the soil. These tests determine soil characteristics, chemical processes, and transformations. Soil types are mapped and results are shared with key stakeholders. If waste, for example from pollution, causes environmental quality issues, the Soil Scientist then guides the efforts to help resolve them.

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