What does it take to be a good soil scientist?

Like most of the science fields out there, being a soil scientist is about wanting to find solutions to everyday problems surrounding food supply, and the environment, using technology, observation, and determination.  The following are questions that may help in the decision to study soils.

Do you like to be outside?

Not all people that study soils go outside, some work in the lab, help farmers write new policies, and teach people about soils. There are others that spend nearly all of their time outside, running field trials, or mapping soils. Most people who work with soils need to spend at least SOME of their time outside. Soil science is a good way that some people that turn a love of the outdoors into a career!

Do you like science?

This doesn't necessarily mean school science either, because a lot of soil science is about hands on problem solving, which may not be the case in all schools. However, since the eduction of people in soils involves understanding basic science, liking these courses helps. Science is all about discovering new, mind blowing experiences. Does solving puzzles sound like fun? Explaining mysteries? The world is full of them, and soils, with their vast diversity can provide endless riddles, stories that need to be solved, and a huge field of opportunity to solve them.

Is it a lonely job? I really think I like working with people?

Don’t I have to be well organized and detail oriented to be a good scientist?

What does being detail oriented actually mean? Science IS about following procedure for certain activities. Science is like making a recipe. You need to be able to do the method, step by step, as close to perfect as you can. You also need to write down what you are doing and when. Not every scientist is good with really the small details. Science is all about using new information to understand the world, and some scientists are very good with fitting large concepts together, and others spend their careers looking at one square centimeter, depending on what they prefer. Being detailed oriented helps, but being observant and questioning are also very important traits.

What if my grades aren’t good enough to get me into college?

You don't need to go to a 4 year college to appreciate soils. There are technical colleges and certification programs in agricultural, environmental, and horticultural sciences that teach trades. Some of these include training to be a natural resource technicians,landscape design, and greenhouse operations.  People who work in construction, farming, and other areas still need to understand how soils work. Most county extension offices offer programs and seminars on soils, crops, and other activities which are open to everyone, regardless of their education.

I think I prefer working with animal or plants?

You should still study soil science, at least once! Most foods come from plants. There are many interesting interactions between plants and soils, and more details can be found on the soil fertility page. People who work in plant breeding or biotechnology also need to understand the soils and the nutrients.  Only balanced soil fertility creates balanced rations. There are certain elements in the soil that, if found in excess or deficiency, can kill animals. Soils are the primary way that animal waste is disposed, most of the foods that are important in animal nutrition and growth come from the soil.

I am a person who is more into art, the humanities and literature. Why should I care about soil?

Art and soils are intimately related. Most of the materials used in the making of artistic products are found in the earth’s crust, including soil for color pigments in paints, dyes, and inks, rocks for sculptures, sand and minerals to create glass, ores for metalwork, and clay for ceramics. There are several different books, poems, and songs that mention soils, the land, and nature, as major themes. These include the books "Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry" series by Mildred D. Taylor, and The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden by John Steinbeck. Science fiction has an entire genre dedicated to terraforming, which involves the creation of a planet, ground, weather, and all. Soil even makes its way into comic books like The Swamp Thing.

How do I get started?

Start asking questions about what you observe. Why are soils red? Why do certain trees only grow in some locations? If you have questions, check google or wikipedia for a first source. If you need to get good definitions for words that you don't understand, there is a glossary of soil science that can help. For more detailed questions, or potential career advice,  visit the Ask a Soil Science page for more information. There are also career profiles of soil scientists coming soon! To become a soil scientist, visit the education page for ideas of classes and courses that you can take. We are also working on potential science projects that involve soil. There is a Roadmap on How to Get Started on Advanced Science Projects available to launch questions in soils for you.

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