Soil science is the study of
soil as a
natural resource on the surface of the
earth including
soil formation,
classification and mapping; physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils; and these properties in relation to the use and
management of soils.
Sometimes terms which refer to branches of soil science, such as
pedology (formation, chemistry, morphology and classification of soil) and
edaphology (influence of soil on organisms, especially plants), are used as if synonymous with soil science. The diversity of names associated with this discipline is related to the various associations concerned. Indeed,
engineers,
agronomists,
chemists,
geologists,
physical geographers,
ecologists,
biologists,
microbiologists,
sylviculturists,
sanitarians,
archaeologists, and specialists in
regional planning, all contribute to further knowledge of soils and the advancement of the soil sciences.
Soil scientists have raised concerns about how to preserve soil and arable land in a world with a growing population, possible future water crisis, increasing per capita food consumption, and
land degradation.