The field of soil science investigates the nature of different types of soil in its interaction with living organism, mainly plants. The two branch of this sub discipline are further divided into Pedology and Edaphology. Both the classification of soil and the mechanism by which it is created are examined by soil science. Engineers, biologists, microbiologists, sanitarians and archaeologists all contribute to this interdisciplinary field’s advancement of knowledge, thus expanding its range of potential employers. Geology, natural resource management, sustainable development, and biochemistry are a few of the fields that influence soil science. Students pursuing degrees in soil science learn about subjects including crop rotation, soil fertilisers, water management, and crop tillage, to mention a few.

To stop land degradation, soil scientists research soil as a natural resource, work to preserve it and provide light on the preservation process. As land degradation has a significant negative influence on our agriculture, as well as. Our economy and poses a threat to our abilty to generate cash for the country, soil scientists has a vast array of career options. They collaborate with farmers to safeguard the long term viability of the soil, ultimately safeguarding our flora and wildlife as well because both depend on healthy ground. A very basic requirement that affects vast swaths of human endeavour, restoring the quality of the land and preventing land degradation has a very extensive and profound reach

Study Levels:

The levels of study available within this field are as follows:

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Soil and Crop Sciences
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Plant Sciences
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Agricultural Science
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Soil, Water, and Atmosphere
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Horticulture
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Soil Water and Environmental Science
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Agricultural sciences
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Soil Geography and Earth Science Dynamics
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Soils and Global Change
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Soil Mechanics and Business Management
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Crop and Soil Sciences
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Soil and Sustainability

• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Plant Sciences
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Soil ad Land Resources
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Plant Breeding
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Earth sciences
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Agronomy
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Plant and Soil Science
• Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Plantation Management
• PhD

The specialisations available within this sub-discipline include the following:

• Pesticide Science
• Horticultural Sciences
• Land Reclamation and Restoration
• Soil and Crop Sciences
• Decommissioning
• Soil Mechanics
• Soil Assessment and Remediation
• Agriculture Science
• Soil and Plant Nutrition
• Soils and Global Change
• Forestry
• Engineering Seismology
• Environment Geotechniques
• Plant Sciences
• Edaphology
• Soil Biochemistry
• Soil Microbiology
• Soil Biology
• Soil Chemistry
• Soil Biochemistry
• Nutrient Management
• Soil Genesis
• Soil Mineralogy

Employability:

The goal of soil science, an interdisciplinary field, is to examine and maintain the nutrients and other fertility aspects of the soil. It combines these efforts with horticulture and agriculture. Both soil mineralogists and microbiologists strive to improve the quality of this natural resource, which affects the flora that breeds on the land. The degree of soil fertility, which affects both a nation’s economic and overall well being, is a key factor in agriculture. Since soil is an essential natural resource for anthropogenic operations, there are a wide variety of jobs that may be done with it. The different types of job opportunities available for a student pursuing soil science in India are:

• Soil and Crop Scientist
• Soil Technician
• Soil and Plant Science Professor

• Soil Research Scientist
• Environmental Scientist
• Soil Fertility Specialist
• Soil Conservation Scientist
• Soil Scientist
• Mud Engineer
• Hydrologist

Students in soil science may find work in the following fields:

• Soil Scientist
• Hydrologist
• Soil Conservation Technician
• Microbiologist
• Soil Researcher
• Plantation Managers
• Soil Pedologist
• Soil Science Teacher/Professor
• Environmental Consultant
• Crop Consultant
• Crop Production Specialist
• Farmer
• Watershed Technician
• Conservation Planner
• Soil Nutrient Manager