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Soil Scientist
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A soil scientist is a scientist who studies the soil. More specifically, a soil scientist is someone who studies soil to determine how good is it is for agricultural purposes, if it is adversely affecting the environment, and if there is anything in it that might be a sign that the environment is in trouble. To put all this as simply as possible: A soil scientist studies the soil to see how good or bad it is.
A scientist by definition is someone who is an expert in some field. So, in this case a soil scientist is an expert in soil. In order to be an expert the soil scientist must have a college degree in soil science or some related major. Closely related majors include earth science, natural resources, and environmental science. If a related field is studied then the person must take courses in soils so that there is a great understanding about soil and how it affects the environment and how it might develop and affect the environment in the future.
Often soil scientists work with people, companies, and government organizations that have nothing to do with soil. A soil scientist will be called in to help solve a problem or to help determine the best way to complete a task or a project.
For example, a soil scientist might work with the government for the purpose of zoning properties as private or public. A soil scientist may work with a farmer to determine the best place to grow a specific crop or to figure out why crops failed. A soil scientist may also be consulted by a construction company to determine the risk for a landslide or to help stop soil erosion.
Those are just three examples of how and when a soil scientist might be used. There are literally hundreds of other situations that might require the expertise of a soil scientist.
Too often, especially in the last several years, the role of soil scientists has been reduced in favor of consulting geologists and/or engineers who make decisions without really knowing all the information. Soil scientists have a very deep knowledge of soil that most geologists and engineers simply don’t have. Therefore, soil scientists should be consulted in situations where they’re not being consulted.
Soil scientists have very specific knowledge about soil that no other professions really have. So it’s sad and slightly disturbing that the role of the soil scientist isn’t really being recognized. Unfortunately this lack of recognition could have an adverse affect on the environment and on people both directly and indirectly.
Soil scientists are experts in matters relating to soil. This much is obvious because of the title. However, soil scientists are able to help farmers grow better crops, soil scientists are able to help builders build safer homes, and soil scientists are able to determine whether soil is safe or not. These are just three roles that a soil scientist can fill. There are many more roles too. Soil scientists study soil and they’re experts on the topic. This expertise can be used to make all of our lives safer and happier.
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