Profession soil scientist

Soil scientists research and study the scientific discipline concerning soil. They advise on how to improve soil quality to support nature, food production or human infrastructure using surveying techniques, irrigation techniques and erosion reduction measures. They make sure to conserve and restore land suffering from intense farming or human interaction.

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Personality Type

Knowledge

  • Geology

    Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.

  • Soil science

    The field of science that studies soil as a natural resource, its characteristics, formation, and classification. It also examines the physical, biological, and chemical potential of soil.

  • European pesticide legislation

    The EU framework for community action which promotes the sustainable use of pesticides.

  • Ecology

    The study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.

  • Soil mechanics

    Thoroughly understand the characteristics of soil in relation to analysing the deformations of fluids within soil that supports man-made structures.

  • Crop production principles

    Principles in growing crops, the natural cycle, nursing of nature, growth conditions and principles of organic and sustainable production. Quality criterias and requirements of seeds, plants and crop.

  • Soil structure

    Diversity of soil elements and types of soil in relation to plant growth.

Skills

  • Perform laboratory tests

    Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

  • Gather experimental data

    Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.

  • Conduct soil sample tests

    Analyse and test soil samples; determine gas chromatography and gather relevant isotope and carbon information; determine viscosity.

  • Advise on nature conservation

    Provide information and suggested actions relating to the conservation of nature.

  • Apply safety procedures in laboratory

    Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.

  • Write work-related reports

    Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.

Optional knowledge and skills

develop irrigation strategies develop scientific research protocols agricultural equipment agronomy ensure soil fertility surveying methods environmental engineering plant harvest methods biology implement biodiversity action plans agronomical production principles advise on pollution prevention conduct land surveys agricultural production principles adjust surveying equipment climate change impact government policy perform scientific research collect samples for analysis pollution prevention surveying operate surveying instruments prepare surveying report advise on fertiliser and herbicide plant propagation conduct field work liaise with crop growers laboratory techniques irrigation systems inspect agricultural fields environmental legislation fertilisation principles advise on soil and water protection record survey measurements

Source: Sisyphus ODB