Soil Scientist

Soil science is the study of various properties of soil such as chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition for crop production, forest products and erosion control. The main job of  a soil scientists is toanalyze the soil for increasing the productivity of crops. An important focus area is soil sustainability. Issues related to soil degradation such as erosion, compaction, lowered fertility, and contamination etc. are serious concerns. Their research areas include irrigation and drainage, tillage, soil classification, plant nutrition, soil fertility, and other so.

Soil scientists carry out on-farm trials or at experiment stations to determine the response of specific soil types to factors such as tillage, fertilization, crop rotation, water, gas or heat flow, and industrial waste control. Their research findings are helpful to solve a range of soil management issues such as which crops to grow in which type of soil, restoring endangered ecosystems by finding ways to increase soil fertility etc. Their job includes collecting soil samples and recording his observations. They examine soil conditions with the aim of helping farmers, builders, and environmentalists decide how best to take advantage of local soils. It is also their job to conduct research at universities or for private industry and government agencies as farm advisors or cooperative extension agents.

Soil conservationists are concerned with soil erosion control, moisture conservation, and sound land use. They conduct surveys and investigate measures needed to maintain or restore proper soil management.

Route to become a Soil Scientist

• 10+2 in Science with PCB
• B. Sc Agriculture/ Agriculture Soil Science and Agriculture Chemistry/ Forestry
• M. Sc Soil Science

Significant Stats

• English is mandatory in 10+2 in some colleges
• 50 – 60% marks are mandatory in 10+2 including English
• Must be 17 years of Age for admission to B. Sc
   

Pros

• Due to limited number of professionals available in the field, good work opportunities are available.
• Some might find the work environment attractive as a lot of laboratory work is involved.

Cons

• The salaries are not great to begin with.
• It involves a lot of field work also which may be tedious for some.