Program Overview

Introduction to Soil Science Program

The Soil Science program at Oregon State University offers a comprehensive curriculum that explores the chemical, physical, and biological nature of soils. The program aims to provide students with a deep understanding of soil science principles and their applications in various fields, including agriculture, environmental science, and ecology.

Course Offerings

The program offers a wide range of courses, including:

• SOIL 101: Introduction to Crop, Soil, and Insect Science
• SOIL 199: Special Topics
• SOIL 205: Soil Science
• SOIL 206: Soil Science Laboratory
• SOIL 299: Special Topics
• SOIL 316: Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems
• SOIL 325: Ag and Environmental Predicaments: A Case Study Approach
• SOIL 360: Soil Management for Organic Production
• SOIL 366: Ecosystems of Wildland Soils
• SOIL 388: Soil Systems and Plant Growth
• SOIL 395: World Soil Resources
• SOIL 399: Special Topics
• SOIL 401: Research
• SOIL 403: Thesis
• SOIL 405: Reading and Conference
• SOIL 407: Seminar
• SOIL 408: Workshop
• SOIL 409: Practicum
• SOIL 410: Internship
• SOIL 430: Organic Soil and Crop Management
• SOIL 435: Environmental Soil Physics
• SOIL 445: Environmental Soil Chemistry
• SOIL 455: Biology of Soil Ecosystems
• SOIL 466: Soil Morphology and Classification
• SOIL 468: Soil Landscape Analysis
• SOIL 499: Special Topics
• SOIL 501: Research and Scholarship
• SOIL 503: Thesis/Dissertation
• SOIL 505: Reading and Conference
• SOIL 506: Projects
• SOIL 507: Seminar
• SOIL 508: Workshop
• SOIL 509: Practicum in Teaching
• SOIL 510: Internship
• SOIL 511: Soil: A Natural and Societal Resource
• SOIL 512: Methods of Soil Analysis - Field
• SOIL 514: Methods of Soil Analysis - Laboratory
• SOIL 515: Soil Fertility Management
• SOIL 523: Principles of Stable Isotopes
• SOIL 525: Mineral-Organic Matter Interactions
• SOIL 530: Organic Soil and Crop Management
• SOIL 535: Soil Physics
• SOIL 545: Environmental Soil Chemistry
• SOIL 555: Biology of Soil Ecosystems
• SOIL 560: Soil for Educators
• SOIL 566: Soil Morphology and Classification
• SOIL 568: Soil Landscape Analysis
• SOIL 599: Special Topics
• SOIL 601: Research
• SOIL 603: Thesis/Dissertation
• SOIL 605: Reading and Conference
• SOIL 606: Projects
• SOIL 607: Seminar
• SOIL 608: Workshop
• SOIL 609: Practicum in Teaching
• SOIL 645: Soil Microbial Ecology
• SOIL 684: Global Biogeochemical Cycles
• SOIL 699: Special Topics

Program Requirements

The program requires students to complete a series of core courses, including SOIL 205, SOIL 206, and SOIL 316. Students must also complete a minimum of 16 credits of elective courses, which can be chosen from a variety of options, including soil physics, soil chemistry, and soil biology.

Research Areas

The program offers research opportunities in a variety of areas, including:

• Soil physics and chemistry
• Soil biology and ecology
• Soil fertility and nutrient management
• Soil erosion and conservation
• Soil and water quality

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Soil Science program can pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:

• Agriculture and farming
• Environmental science and conservation
• Ecology and wildlife management
• Soil and water quality management
• Research and development

Conclusion

The Soil Science program at Oregon State University provides students with a comprehensive education in soil science, preparing them for careers in a variety of fields. With a wide range of course offerings and research opportunities, the program is ideal for students who are passionate about soil science and its applications.