Soil science

The field of science that studies soil as a natural resource, its characteristics, formation, and classification. It also examines the physical, biological, and chemical potential of soil.

the study of soil
soil studies

knowledge

cross-sector

Soil science is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Soil scientist: Soil scientists research and study the scientific discipline concerning soil. They advise on how to improve soil quality to support nature, food production or human infrastructure using surveying techniques, irrigation techniques and erosion reduction measures. They make sure to conserve and restore land suffering from intense farming or human interaction.
Soil surveying technician: Soil surveying technicians analyse soil by carrying out technical surveying tasks, using soil surveying techniques. They focus on the process of classifying soil types and other soil properties. Soil surveying technicians operate surveying equipment and utilise programs to retrieve and interpret relevant data, and perform computations as required.

Soil science is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Geological engineer: Geological engineers apply geological knowledge for the assessment of sites, soils, slope stability, sediments and other observable characteristics in the Earth. They integrate this information in the planning and development of projects in those places. They assess and answer questions concerning the geological characteristics of soils by performing research and experiments of the sites aimed to be intervened.
Agricultural technician: Agricultural technicians collect and conduct experiments and tests on agriculture and aquaculture specimens. They provide support to scientists and farmers and also analyse and report on conditions in the collected specimens’ environments.
Earth science lecturer: Earth science lecturers are subject professors, teachers, or lecturers who instruct students who have obtained an upper secondary education diploma in their own specialised field of study, earth science, which is predominantly academic in nature. They work with their university research assistants and university teaching assistants in preparation of lectures and of exams, grading papers and exams and leading review and feedback sessions for the students. They also conduct academic research in their field of earth science, publish their findings and liaise with other university colleagues.
Fisheries adviser: Fisheries advisers provide consultancy on fish stocks and their habitats. They manage the costal fishing business modernisation and provide improvement solutions. Fisheries advisers develop plans and policies for fisheries management. They may provide advice on protected farms and wild fish stock.
Corrosion technician: Corrosion technicians monitor the integrity from a pipeline and provide repairs to it if needed. They ensure that the pipelines are properly connected and are in line with the health and safety regulations. Corrosion technicians inspect cathodic protection systems and pipeline connection points for corrosion. They may also assist in the designing of pipelines, analyse soil and write reports on technical issues.
Hydrologist: Hydrologists research and study the quality, current challenges, and distribution of water in the Earth. They study water supply from rivers, streams, and springs to determine their adequate and sustainable use. Together with a cross functional team of professionals, they plan and develop how water can be supplied to cities and urban areas while ensuring efficiency and resource conservation.
Environmental programme coordinator: Environmental programme coordinators develop programmes for the improvement of environmental sustainability and efficiency within a organisation or institution. They inspect sites in order to monitor an organisation’s or institution’s compliance with environmental legislation. They also ensure education for the public on environmental concerns.
Geologist: Geologists research the materials that form the earth. Their observations depend on the purpose of the research. Depending on their specialisation, geologists study how the Earth has been shaped over time, its geological layers, the quality of minerals for mining purposes, earthquakes and volcanic activity for private services, and similar phenomena.
Civil engineer: Civil engineers design, plan, and develop technical and engineering specifications for infrastructure and construction projects. They apply engineering knowledge in a vast array of projects, from the construction of infrastructure for transportation, housing projects, and luxury buildings, to the construction of natural sites. They design plans that seek to optimise materials and integrate specifications and resource allocation within the time constraints.

References

1. Soil science – ESCO