Soil scientist

Soil scientists study soil quality and characteristics. They survey and map soils, and use their knowledge to advise on the best use of soil resources. Their work benefits areas such as agriculture, forestry, land and environmental management, waste disposal and civil engineering.

Work activities

Soil scientists use their skills and knowledge to help people make the best use of soils. Soils are a vital resource, as they are essential for producing food, timber and fibres. Soil supports ecological habitats and biodiversity. It also supports all types of development, including houses, roads and industries. With a high demand for soil usage, it is essential that we know how best to use and protect soils. Soil scientists study the distribution, qualities and characteristics of different soils by examining sites and taking samples for laboratory analysis, during fieldwork. Laboratory work includes researching and designing experiments, and using statistics and computers to analyse the results. Soil scientists can use computers to produce maps of soil distributions and models of the physical, chemical and biological processes within soils. Soil scientists’ findings influence how people decide to use the land. For example, they write reports that assess the suitability of land for agriculture, forestry, civil engineering, habitat management, natural resource or archaeological exploration, and waste management. In agriculture and horticulture, soil scientists assess the soil’s potential for growing crops. They advise farmers on issues such as crop nutrition, the use of fertilisers, and land management methods that minimise or prevent soil erosion. In this work, soil scientists also need to know about plant-soil relationships, so they can advise on which crops are best suited to particular soils. Soil scientists must understand the extent to which soils can accept and break down waste such as sewage, pesticides and refuse, to avoid environmental problems.

Some soil scientists study soil drainage, and suggest ways to prevent chemical “run-off” into nearby rivers and lakes. Others test the effects and efficiency of products such as fertilisers and pesticides on the soil. Soil scientists can work as soil mapping consultants. This involves assessing the soil’s ability to support development, including civil engineering projects, and exploration sites such as mines and quarries. Soil scientists test and analyse the soil to make sure that it is safe and suitable for development. For example, they advise on the risks of mudslides and landslips, and any drainage problems that could affect the development or surrounding countryside. Soil scientists are very much involved in environmental issues, tackling problems such as the acidification of soils and their pollution by chemicals and heavy metals. Soil management is increasingly important to slow down the release of carbon from the soil into the atmosphere, as this can increase the rate of global warming. They also advise local authorities on the suitability of landfill sites for waste disposal and tackle the environmental issues surrounding abandoned mines and quarries. For example, polluted water from abandoned mines can more easily seep into some soil types than others. Soil scientists often have to travel to carry out their work, both nationally and internationally. Soil scientists who work for international organisations might have the opportunity to travel to other countries, for example, advising on soil use and protection in developing countries. Soil science is made up of several areas, including soil physics, chemistry, biology and mineralogy. Soil scientists must have broad knowledge of all these areas, although they can specialise in one or two categories. Many soil scientists work in interdisciplinary teams, studying broad environmental issues.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a soil scientist, you should have:

Detailed knowledge of the chemical, physical and biological nature of soil.
An interest in environmental issues.
A flexible and enquiring mind, with good problem-solving skills.
Computer skills to produce reports, maps and models.
The ability to explain your findings clearly and concisely, including to people who may not have a scientific background (such as farmers and local authority officers). This could be verbally or in writing.
An enjoyment of fieldwork, including working on your own.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for soil scientists vary. The pay rates given are approximate. Soil scientists earn in the range of £22,500, rising to up to £60,000 with experience and extra responsibilities.

Soil scientists usually work a basic 37-40-hour week but they can work longer hours when carrying out fieldwork.

Employers include local authorities and commercial firms involved in soil surveying, land management, restoration, and environmental assessment and monitoring. ADAS employs soil scientists as consultants in land management and waste disposal. There can be research opportunities, for example, with The National Soil Resources Institute (NSRI) at Cranfield University, the James Hutton Institute, universities, and agricultural and technical colleges. Opportunities for soil scientists occur in towns, cities and rural areas throughout the UK. There are opportunities for soil scientists in consultancy firms to work on UK-based and international projects involving soil assessment and evaluation.

Soil scientists can become self-employed consultants.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in science magazines and journals such as New Scientist (which also posts jobs on its website), on specialist job boards (for example, for academic, environmental and land management careers) and in national newspapers.

Entry routes and training

The direct route to employment is a degree in soil science, or one that includes a substantial element of soil science. A few colleges and universities offer courses and degrees in soil science/plant and soil science. Always check a specialist source for up-to-date information about courses and entry requirements. On its website, the British Society of Soil Science has a list of other degree courses that include a soil science content. The alternative route is to take a degree in a related subject, followed by a postgraduate qualification in soil science. There are a small number of specialist postgraduate courses. Entry to postgraduate research is usually with a first (undergraduate) degree in a subject such as biology, biochemistry, botany/plant science, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, geology, maths, physical geography or physics. Some universities offer first degree courses with a foundation year. This is an extra year for students who don’t have the specified science A-levels for entry.

Training is usually on-the-job, for example, in particular lab procedures or specialist equipment. Continuing professional development could be through short courses and by going to conferences, seminars and workshops. A level 7 soil scientist degree apprenticeship is in development.

Progression depends on where you work. In a larger commercial company or research institute, you might progress to a supervisory or management role. University lecturers can progress to senior lecturer and reader posts or head of department positions. Experienced soil scientists can become self-employed consultants. Some soil scientists write for science journals and farming magazines. Others go into sales and marketing for agricultural and agrochemical products.

Qualifications

For entry to a soil science degree, the usual requirement is:

Two to three A-levels, including at least one science subject.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, including English and maths.

Alternatives to A-levels include:

Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals
The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

However, course requirements vary, so please check prospectuses carefully.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter a degree course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, for example, Access to Science. You don’t usually need any qualifications to enter an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider. A foundation year before the start of a science degree is available at some universities and higher education colleges for students who don’t have the science A-levels usually needed for entry to the course.

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