Wednesday, 9 November 2005 - 2:45 PM
263-2

Soil Science in Modern Geology and Geography Departments.

Eric Brevik, Valdosta State University, Dept. of Physics, Astronomy, and Geosciences, Valdosta State Univ., Valdosta, GA 31698-0055

As we move into the 21st century, soil science is a field in search of an identity. As soil scientists, where do we belong? As a discipline, should soils be placed in a department of Agronomy, of Geology, of Geography, or in a department of its own? This presentation will explore the current state of the soils specialist, particularly pedology / soil geomorphology, in modern Geology and Geography departments and make comparisons to Agriculture-oriented departments using 1) personal experiences of the author, 2) a survey of recent job listings for soils specialists, including Geology, Geography, and Agriculture-oriented departments, and 3) a survey of the curriculum in a random sampling of Geology and Geography departments. Conclusions will be drawn about where pedologists / soil geomorphologists are being employed, and what this may mean for the future of our field.

Back to Where Is the Next Generation of Soil Scientists?
Back to Z01 Soil Science Education

Back to The ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings (November 6-10, 2005)