Soil Science

Advisor: If you’re interested in becoming a Soil Science major, contact Julie Garvin, jgarvin2@wisc.edu. She can help you schedule an appointment with one of our faculty advisors or provide you with further information about the department.Departmental Office: 263 Soils Building (608-262-2633) http://www.soils.wisc.edu

Field of Study: Soil science is the study of the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils. Soil Science allows us to optimize use and preservation of land for agriculture, forestry, recreation, transportation systems, urban development and many other endeavors.

Why study Soil Science? The food that nourishes us, the water that we drink and the air that we breathe all depend on soils and their life-sustaining properties. Soil Science at the UW-Madison provides an understanding of the practical application of biology, chemistry, physics and earth science principles to integrated land use and environmental protection.

Soil Science graduates enjoy a wide array of science, technology and business opportunities in economic and environmentally sound management of natural, agricultural and urban ecosystems.

Possible Careers: Environmental soil scientist or soil conservationist in government agencies, industry, or private consulting firms; crop consultant; farm conservation or land use planner; golf course superintendent; athletic field manager; waste management consultant; urban soil scientist; arboriculturist; positions in bioremediation; physician; veterinarian.