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A soil scientist is a person who evaluates soils, or soil related data to that they may contribute to agricultural production and the protection of the environment. They evaluate both natural resource management and environmental quality issues.
To become a soil scientist you need to have at least a bachelor degree from a major agricultural university. In the begining you will be less experienced and not have as many different opportunities, but as you learn from doing your job, a wider field of soil science jobs will be opened to you.
OSU (Oregon State University) is a college with many agricultural programs. The following information is the classes that they offer and recommend in the field of soil science:
CSS 305. Principles of Soil Science (4)
CSS 306. Problem Solving: Soil Science Applications (1)
CSS 315. ^Nutrient Management and Cycling (4)[Taught at EOU La Grande campus only]
or CSS 325. ^Agricultural and Environmental Predicaments: a Case Study Approach (3)
Biological science elective (4)
Physical science elective (5)
Select a minimum of 9-10 credits from below:
CSS 335. *Introduction to Water Science and Policy (3)
CSS 375. Soil Resource Potentials (3)
CSS 395. *World Soil Resources (3)
CSS 407. Seminar (1)
CSS 415. Soil Fertility Management (3)
CSS 455. Biology of Soil Ecosystems (4)
CSS 466. Soil Morphology and Classification (4)
CSS 468. Soil Landscape Analysis (4)
CSS 480. Case Studies in Cropping Systems Management (4)
CSS 535. Soil Physics (3)
CSS 536. Vadose Zone Hydrology Laboratory (1)
CSS 545. Geochemistry of Soil Ecosystems (4)
Total=27
If you are interested in getting into this college and taking these classes, you need to have taken high school agricultural classes and have an accumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher for transfer students.
Anyone who enjoys agriculture and the environment, or just spending time outside would enjoy a job in this career field. Also, people who desire to contribute to the success of others, enthusiasm for maps and relationships in nature, and a love of science.
Sources:
"Careers in Soil Science." Soils.usda.gov. 12 Jan. 2009 .
"Soil Science Minor." Oregonstate.edu. 12 Jan. 2009 .
"Virtual Advisor." Emt.askadmission.net. 12 Jan. 2009 .
"What is a "Soil Scientist" ?" Uwyo.edu. 12 Jan. 2009 . |
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