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Soil is a fundamental and dynamic component of the Earth's ecosystem, serving as the foundation for plant life, influencing water cycles, and supporting a vast array of organisms. Soil science, is the study of soil as a natural resource, focusing on its formation, classification, and mapping, as well as its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Understanding soil is crucial for managing land resources, agriculture, and environmental conservation.
Soil science has a rich history with contributions from various pioneers who shaped the field. These pioneers, among others, have laid the groundwork for modern soil science, influencing how soils are studied, classified, and managed today. Their collective efforts have helped to advance our understanding of soil as a complex and vital natural resource.
Often considered the father of modern soil science, Dokuchaev was a Russian geologist and soil scientist whose work laid the foundation for soil classification and understanding of soil formation. His seminal work, "Russian Chernozem" (1883), introduced the concept of soil as a natural body formed through processes involving climate, vegetation, and topography.
A Swiss soil scientist, Jenny is renowned for his development of the soil formation model known as the "Soil Formation Factors" equation, which emphasizes the role of climate, organisms, parent material, topography, time and man in soil development. His influential book, "Factors of Soil Formation" (1941), remains a cornerstone in soil science.
An American soil scientist and geologist, Hilgard is known for his contributions to soil classification and the study of soil fertility. His work, including the comprehensive "Soils of the United States" (1892), helped to establish soil science as a distinct discipline in the U.S.
King was an American agricultural scientist who made significant contributions to soil science and agricultural practices. His work "Farmers of Forty Centuries" (1911) detailed traditional agricultural practices in Asia and their implications for soil management and conservation.
Although primarily known for his work in statistics, Fisher's contributions to soil science were also significant. His application of statistical methods to soil research helped in understanding soil variability and precision agriculture.
An American soil scientist, Lamb made important contributions to soil classification and the development of soil surveys in the U.S. His work helped in the creation of the Soil Taxonomy system used for classifying and interpreting soils.
Soil formation, or pedogenesis, pedology being the branch of soil science focused on soil formation, is a process influenced by the five factors of soil formation: parent material, climate, topography, biology, and time (Jenny, 1954). These factors interact to produce a diverse range of soil types with distinct properties and functions. They are represented by the Twelve Soil Orders of the World. The classification of soils is often based on these properties and the soil horizons (layers) that develop over time, with each having similar characteristics and potentially similar behaviour.
There are several soil classification systems:
Soil physical properties include texture, structure, and density, which affect water infiltration, root growth, and soil stability. The soil texture triangle, as detailed in "The Nature and Properties of Soils" (Brady and Weil, 2016), helps in understanding the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay in soil and how this informs a soil's biogeochemical characteristics. Chemical properties, including pH, cation exchange capacity, and mineral content, determine soil fertility and its ability to support plant growth. "Soil Chemistry" by Daniel G. Strawn, et al. (2022), offers an in-depth look at these chemical interactions and their implications for soil management.
Soil is also a living entity, teeming with microorganisms, fungi, and macrofauna that play critical roles in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and soil health. "Biological Diversity and Function in Soils" by Richard Bardget et al., (2005), is a seminal collection in soil biology.
Filmed at Myerscough College, Lancashire, England, we introduce Soil Science to undergraduates at Lancaster.
This video introduces the world soil orders in the Canary Islands, as well as the process of their formation.
Introducing mineral weathering, our scientists discuss the significance of basaltic columns in revealing the history of soil.
STARS PhD student Dan Evans discusses his research into the lifespan of soil from formation processes through to erosion.
The STARS team introduces the five factors of soil formation: parent material, climate, topography, biology, and time.
The study of soil science has practical applications in agriculture, forestry, land use planning, and environmental management. Sustainable soil management practices are essential for ensuring soil health and productivity over time. "Principles of Soil Management and Soil Conservation" by Anil K. Gupta and Eric G. L. Turco (2019) provides valuable insights into techniques for maintaining soil integrity and productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
Understanding soil and its science is crucial for addressing challenges related to food security, environmental sustainability, and land management. The interdisciplinary nature of soil science combines elements of geology, biology, chemistry, and environmental science to support a comprehensive view of this vital resource.
In this video, Professors Phil Haygarth and Davey Jones discuss the key indicators of soil quality.
Professor Dave Chadwick and PhD student Leigh-Ann Kemp discuss the decomposition rates and how climate impacts upon key soil processes
The STARS team visit the Laurel Forest in Maderia, a classical Andisol site and subtropical rainforest.
The Soil Security Programme is designed to fill knowledge gaps within soil science linked to soil functioning, climate change and land use change, by adopting multi-disciplinary, multi-scale approaches. Here, Professor Chris Collins the Soil Security Programme Co-ordinator talks about the synergy between the SSP and STARS and how this strengthens STARS aims to produce the next generation of soil scientists.
"Soils & Food Security: A Management Conundrum"
The 2018 Russell Lecture was delivered by Professor Cheryl Palm at the British Society of Soil Science Annual Conference at Lancaster University as part of the "Soils and Sustainability Development Goals".
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