Soil Science: Principles and Technology

The food that nourishes us, the water that we drink and the air that we breathe all depend on soils and their life-sustaining properties. Soil Science provides an understanding of the practical application of biology, chemistry, physics and earth science principles to integrated land use and environmental protection. It deals with soil as a natural resource on the surface of the earth including soil formation, classification and mapping; physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils per se; and these properties in relation to the use and management of soils. Oil is a renewable energy source and is one of the `life-bloods’ that nurtures, nourishes and sustains life. Of the total food consumed by humans, 99.7% comes from soil. It is estimated that the world wastes between 80-90% of its applied nutrients and yet soil health, its ability to operate as a carbon sink, and its role in revitalising waterways are vital priorities for industry and shaping agrifood practices. A soil scientist studies the chemical, physical, and biological properties of the top few meters of the Earth’s surface. Soil science is divided into two main areas of study – soil pedology and soil edaphology. Soil pedology studies the formation and development, composition, morphology and identification and the classification of soils. Edaphology focuses on human’s use of soil and its influence on living things, particularly plants. This includes soil fertility, managing sewers and landfills, anticipating flood runoff, and examining the process by which plants obtain nutrients and water from soil. Scientists also look at the inter-relationships between soil and factors that affect plant growth such as soil acidity, salinity and toxic contaminations.