Soil science

Soil Science

Soil Science (pronunciation: /sɔɪl saɪəns/) is a branch of Earth Science that deals with the study of soil as a natural resource on the surface of the Earth.

Etymology

The term "Soil Science" is derived from the English words "soil" and "science". "Soil" comes from Old English "sweorfan" meaning "to rub, wipe off" and "science" comes from the Latin "scientia" meaning "knowledge".

Definition

Soil Science is the scientific study of soil as a natural resource, including its formation, classification, and mapping; physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties; and these properties in relation to the use and management of soils.

Related Terms

• Pedology: The study of soil in its natural environment.
• Edaphology: The study of soil in relation to soil-dependent uses.
• Soil Morphology: The field in soil science dealing with the description of soil structure and color.
• Soil Chemistry: The branch of soil science that studies the chemical characteristics and processes of soils.
• Soil Physics: The branch of soil science that deals with the study of soil physical properties and processes.
• Soil Biology: The study of microbial and faunal activity and ecology in soil.

See Also

• Earth Science
• Geology
• Agronomy
• Hydrology

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