Careers

SOIL SCIENCES

Introduction

Soil Science is the study of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics and behaviors of soils and deals with soil formation, classification and mapping. Soils are not merely the resource for food production, but also play a crucial role in waste management, supporting the distribution of plants and animals and also support in distribution and storage of water and nutrients.

Soil science is an integrated discipline of biology, chemistry, physics, geology, geography, climatology, hydrology and mathematics.

Nature of Work

Soil Scientists

• Focus on understanding, managing and improving soil and water resources.
• Study the upper earth crust in terms of its physical and chemical properties; distribution, genesis and morphology; and biological components and attempt to determine the origin, distribution, composition and classification of soil.
• Collect, consult, investigate, evaluate, interpret, plan and inspect data related soil science.
• Develop methods of conserving and managing soil 
• Advise and suggest farmers and other landowners regarding ways, in which they can best use land, promote plant growth and avoid or correct problems such as erosion.
• Conduct experiments to develop new or improved varieties of field crops, focusing on adaptation to specific soils or climates.
• Investigate soil problems and poor water quality to determine sources and effects.
• Manage soils for crop and forest production and erosion control management, evaluate nutrient and water availability to crops.
• Identify and develop methods and techniques  to improve chemical, biological and physical characteristics of degraded or contaminated soils

 

Education		Admission Requirements
Degree Duration M.Sc. Ph.D.	B.Sc. 4 Years 2 Years 3-5 Years	FSc. Pre-medical (Bio-Chem-Phy) Equivalence if other than FSc (A’Level etc..) 50% marks
Qualities Required		Job Opportunities
Be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Interest towards nature and physical stamina are two most important qualities that one should have as one has to work in farms, fields and forests. Most of agricultural scientists need an understanding of basic business principles, the ability to apply statistical techniques and the ability to use computers to analyze data and to control biological and chemical processing.		Agriculture industry Consulting firms Ministry of Agriculture Agricultural product manufactures Cooperative extension Soil conservation service U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization Farm management agencies Independent laboratories Forestdepartment Mining industry Universities and colleges Environment protection agencies

 

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