Career Details :: Soil Scientists
Description
Research or study soil characteristics, map soil types, and investigate responses of soils to known management practices to determine use capabilities of soils and effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.
Experience
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Education
A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Training
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Tasks
- Studies soil characteristics and classifies soils according to standard types.
- Performs chemical analysis on microorganism content of soil to determine microbial reactions and chemical mineralogical relationship to plant growth.
- Provides advice on rural or urban land use.
- Investigates responses of specific soil types to soil management practices, such as fertilization, crop rotation, and industrial waste control.
- Conducts experiments on farms or experimental stations to determine best soil types for different plants.
Related Careers
- Animal Scientists
- Biochemists
- Biologists
- Food Science Technicians
- Plant Scientists
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Important Abilities
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Comprehension
- Category Flexibility
General Work Activities
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Getting Information Needed to Do the Job
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Provide Consultation & Advice to Others
Important Skills
Frequent Work Context
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
- Consequence of Error
- Indoors
- Sitting
Related Majors
| Major | Add to XapPack |
|---|---|
| Environmental Soil Science |  [ add ] |
| Land Irrigation Science | [ add ] |
| Pre-architecture | [ add ] |
| Soil Science | [ add ] |
| Soil/Crop/Atmospheric Sciences | [ add ] |
| Soil/Water Management | [ add ] |
Institutions Offering Related Majors
No institutions found.