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Revision as of 20:21, 31 May 2007
Agricultural soil science is a branch of soil science that deals with the study of edaphic conditions as they relate to the production of food and fiber.
History
Prior to the development of pedology in the 19th century, agricultural soil science was the only branch of soil science, and as such, defined it. The bias of early soil science toward viewing soils only in terms of their agricultural potential continues to define the soil science profession in both academic and popular settings as of 2006. (Baveye, 2006)
Current status
Agricultural soil science studies the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to agriculture. Agricultural soil scientists develop methods that will improve the use of soil and increase the production of food and fiber crops. They conduct research in irrigation and drainage, tillage, soil classification, plant nutrition, soil fertility, and other areas.
Agronomy and Soil
Agricultural soil scientists study ways to make soils more productive. They classify soils and test them to determine whether they contain nutrients vital to plant growth. Such nutritional substances include compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. If a certain soil is deficient in these substances, fertilizers may provide them. Agricultural soil scientists investigate the movement of nutrients through the soil, and the amount of nutrients absorbed by a plant's roots. Agricultural soil scientists also examine the development of roots and their relation to the soil.
Soil Preservation
In addition, agricultural soil scientists develop methods to preserve the agricultural productivity of soil and to decrease the effects on productivity of erosion by wind and water. For example, a technique called contour plowing may be used to prevent soil erosion and conserve rainfall. Researchers in agricultural soil science also seek ways to use the soil more effectively in addressing associated challenges. Such challenges include the beneficial reuse of human and animal wastes using agricultural crops; agricultural soil management aspects of preventing water pollution and the build-up in agricultural soil of chemical pesticides.
Employment of Agricultural Soil Scientists
Most agricultural soil scientists are consultants, researchers, or teachers. Many work for Cooperative Extension Service offices as farm advisors, agricultural experiment stations, federal or state government agencies, industrial firms, or universities. Agricultural soil scientists also serve in such international organizations as the Agency for International Development and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Quotations
The key objective of the soil science discipline is that of “finding ways to meet growing human needs for food and fiber while maintaining environmental stability and conserving resources for future generations” John W Doran, 2002 SSSA President, 2002
"Many people have the vague notion that soil science is merely a phase of agronomy and deals only with practical soil management for field crops. Whether we like it or not this is the image many have of us." Charles E. Kellog, 1961
See also
External links
- A special issue of the Journal of Environmental Management focuses on farm management and the environment, including articles on tillage practices and soil compaction.
References
Doran, J., and T. Sims. Renewed vision for Earth Scientists “Sustaining Earth and its People - Translating Science into Practice. Geotimes, July: 5, 2002.
FAO-AGL, 2006, Soil Biodiversity Portal: Conservation and Management of Soil Biodiversity and its role in Sustainable Agriculture Url last accessed 2006-04-16
Kellog, C.E., 1961, A challenge to American soil scientists: On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Soil Science Society of America. Soil Science Society of America Proceedings, 25(6):419-423, 1961.
Professional Profiles - Agricultural and Food Scientists (Soil Scientists) Url last accessed 2006-04-16
USDA-NRCS Careers in Soil Science Url last accessed 2006-04-16
Professional Profiles - Agricultural and Food Scientists (Soil Scientists) Url last accessed 2006-04-16
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