Soil Scientist Science & Engineering Professionals
SaveWhat Does a Soil Scientist Do?
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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Where Do I Start?
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.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Soil Scientist
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialCrop Production Principles knowledge
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.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialEcology knowledge
The study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialEuropean Pesticide Legislation knowledge
The EU framework for community action which promotes the sustainable use of pesticides.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialSoil Mechanics knowledge
Thoroughly understand the characteristics of soil in relation to analysing the deformations of fluids within soil that supports man-made structures.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialSoil Science knowledge
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.
Recommended Books
2 booksA Guide to the Scientific Examination of Soils -
EssentialGeology knowledge
Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialSoil Structure knowledge
Diversity of soil elements and types of soil in relation to plant growth.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialApply Safety Procedures In Laboratory skill
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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialGather Experimental Data skill
Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Laboratory Tests skill
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWrite Work-Related Reports skill
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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAdvise On Nature Conservation skill
Provide information and suggested actions relating to the conservation of nature.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialConduct Soil Sample Tests skill
Analyse and test soil samples; determine gas chromatography and gather relevant isotope and carbon information; determine viscosity.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 34 displayed)
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OptionalAgronomy knowledge
The study of combining agriculture production and protection and regeneration of natural environment. Includes the principles and methods of critical selection and adequate application methods for sustainability in agriculture.
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OptionalSurveying Methods knowledge
Have an understanding of surveying methods, remote sensing methods and equipment.
Recommended Books
2 books -
Optional
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OptionalAgricultural Production Principles knowledge
Principles and conditions of organic and sustainable agricultural production.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalSurveying knowledge
The technique of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalPollution Prevention knowledge
The processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalEnvironmental Legislation knowledge
The environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.
Recommended Books
2 books -
OptionalAgricultural Equipment knowledge
The offered agricultural machinery and equipment products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAgronomical Production Principles knowledge
The techniques, methods and principles of conventional agronomical production.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalBiology knowledge
Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalEnvironmental Engineering knowledge
The application of scientific and engineering theories and principles aimed at improving the environment and sustainability, such as the provision of clean habitation necessities (such as air, water, and land) …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFertilisation Principles knowledge
The study of plant, soil structure, climatic and environmental issues in agronomical production.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalGovernment Policy knowledge
The political activities, plans, and intentions of a government for a legislative session for concrete causes.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalLaboratory Techniques knowledge
Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPlant Harvest Methods knowledge
The various methods, timing and equipment involved in harvesting different crops and plants.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPlant Propagation knowledge
Types of different propagation methods, materials and seeds and their criteria for health and quality.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalIrrigation Systems knowledge
The methods and systems management in irrigation.
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OptionalAdvise On Pollution Prevention skill
Advise individuals and organisations on the development and implementation of actions which aid in the prevention of pollution and its related risks.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAdvise On Soil And Water Protection skill
Advise on the effects of soil and water management practices in controlling pollutant loss, nitrate leaching and reduce soil erosion.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCollect Samples For Analysis skill
Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConduct Field Work skill
Conduct field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConduct Land Surveys skill
Conduct surveys to determine the location and features of natural and man-made structures, on surface level as well as underground and underwater. Operate electronic distance-measuring equipment and digital measuring instruments.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop Scientific Research Protocols skill
Develop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Surveying Instruments skill
Operate and adjust measuring instruments such as theodolites and prisms, and other electronic distance-measuring tools.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Scientific Research skill
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalRecord Survey Measurements skill
Gather and process descriptive data by using documents such as sketches, drawings and notes.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAdjust Surveying Equipment skill
Ensure accuracy of measurement by adjusting surveying equipment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAdvise On Fertiliser And Herbicide skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop Irrigation Strategies skill
Plan the deployment of methods and procedures for watering the land by artificial means, taking into account strategies for water use sustainability.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Soil Fertility skill
Analyse soil to determine type and quantity of fertiliser required for maximum production.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalImplement Biodiversity Action Plans skill
Promoting and implementing local and national biodiversity action plans in partnership with local/national statutory and voluntary organisations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalInspect Agricultural Fields skill
Inspect crops, fields, and plant stock to determine the need and timing for sowing, spraying, weeding, and harvesting.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalLiaise With Crop Growers skill
Give advice to agronomical and horticultural crop growers regarding aspects such as the maintenance of crops and more technical information concerning business and product development issues.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPrepare Surveying Report skill
Write a survey report containing information on property boundaries, the height and depth of the terrain, etc..
Course recommendations coming soon.