Related Jobs or Working
with these Jobs
Soil scientists specialise in studying the
properties of soil and soil health.
This usually involves investigating the soil
conditions of a range of sites, collecting and analysing samples, and
reporting findings.
They classify the properties of the soil, assess
the soil fertility, check for contamination, and also look at the
relationship between soil and plant growth. Their work can inform the
management of crop production, erosion control, mine-site restoration,
pollution reduction and land management.
ANZSCO ID: 234399
Knowledge, skills and attributes
A soil scientist needs:
-
to have good critical thinking and analytical
skills
-
good problem solving skills
-
strong written and verbal communication skills
-
to have a high attention to detail
-
to enjoy working outdoors
-
to be able to work independently and as part of a
team.
(Source:
TasAgJobs)
Duties and Tasks
- Studies origins, composition and
distribution of soils and the materials from which soils are formed.
- Investigates effect of land use practices
on soil.
- Analyses soil for elements and develops
methods for altering soil characteristics to suit different plants.
- Plans and co-ordinates management
practices for the control of soil degradation due to erosion,
cultivation, excess water or salinity.
- Advises on moisture conservation,
irrigation and drainage.
- Advises on suitability of soil use for
cropping, horticulture, pasture, forestry and alternative systems of
land use, including waste disposal.
- Advises on use of soil for engineering
purposes and on restoration of soil following massive disturbances
through mining and other exploitative operations.
Working conditions
Soil scientists divide their time between working in a laboratory,
researching and analysing samples, and spending time surveying out in the
field. They may be required to work long hours, and the fieldwork can be
physically demanding. Soil scientists may be required to undertake
project-related travel.
In Australia, soil scientists may work for science
organisations, government departments or consultancy companies.
Tools and technologies
Soil scientists use a range of specialised machinery and equipment to
collect and analyse soil, including soil samplers, sieves, probes, augers
and core cutters. They also use computers and standard laboratory equipment,
such as microscopes and measuring devices, to analyse the chemical
composition and properties of the soil.
Education and training/entrance
requirements
To become a soil scientist you usually need to complete a
science degree majoring in agricultural science, environmental science,
biological sciences or a related field.
Did You Know?
Ammonification:
Bacteria or fungi convert organic forms of nitrogen (mostly from
plant and animal waste) into ammonium NH4+, which can be used by
plants.
Assimilation: Living organisms
take up nitrogen to be used for biological processes such as making
chlorophyll, proteins and enzymes.
Denitrification: Under poor
aeration, soil bacteria convert nitrate ions into nitrogen gas which
cannot be used by plants and is lost to the atmosphere.
Fixation: Bacteria convert
nitrogen gas into ammonium or nitrate that living organisms can
assimilate. Rhizobium bacteria have the unique ability to fix
nitrogen through metabolic processes. These bacteria form symbiotic
relationships with plants in the legume family.
(Source:
Learn About Ag)
Read about the role of nitrogen in climate change
The Conversation 5 December 2016
|
|