All rights reserved, 1998. Soil Science Fact Sheet College of Agriculture Soils are our most important resource. They provide the food, fiber and foundation of our existence.
Soil science is the study of the soil as a component of natural and man-made systems.
Soil science is the key factor in food production and is at the forefront of environmental and natural resource issues such as land use, soil contamination, ground water quality and waste disposal. Career Opportunities Graduates in soil science obtain positions in production agriculture, conservation, consulting, research, teaching, extension, and natural resource management. Agencies and businesses that hire soil science graduates include soil and plant testing labs, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, colleges of agriculture, the Extension Service, the Forest Service, agricultural experiment stations, the Bureau of Land Management, departments of health, the Public Service Commission, departments of natural resources and a variety of consulting firms and agribusiness companies. The B.S. degree also prepares students for advanced training. The department offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.