Soil Scientist Career Description
The soil scientist is a scientist who studies soil and its uses.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Soil scientists can specialize in various fields such as soil formation (the processes whereby soil is formed), soil classification (the classification of soil according to their properties), soil survey (the mapping of soil types in the field), soil mineralogy (the composition of the soil), soil biology, chemistry and physics (the biological, chemical and physical properties of the soil), soil fertility (how many plant nutrients there are in the soil and can be taken up by it) and soil decay (through for example erosion or by becoming brackish).
Soil scientists are researchers, developers and advisors. They use their knowledge to ensure that good soil planning and management is administered. They make recommendations regarding soil fertilization and the correct use of water. Soil scientists are responsible for optimal soil utilization. They must prevent soil degradation and ensure that the natural soil fertility is maintained and improved. Farmland with good potential must be reserved for agricultural use.
Soil scientists work in the field, as well as in the laboratory and use natural resource data banks, simulation models and computers.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Preferably soil scientists must love nature. Good concentration skills and attentiveness are important qualities. Due to the variety of possible work situations different types of personalities can be accommodated.
Where can I work?
The Agricultural Research Council with all its research institutes is the main employer of soil scientists. Soil scientists are also employed by the Department of Agriculture, universities, agricultural co-operations, manufacturers of fertilizers and other research organisations.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Soil scientists can start their own businesses as analysts or soil surveyors and development consultants. They can offer their services to all agricultural industries, development cooperation's, agricultural divisions of commercial banks, municipal and environmental developers and landscape architects.
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