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Soil Science

Soil is a vital component of the environment. We depend on it for many ecosystem services, such as crop production and water quality.

Soil science is crucial for sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, ecosystem conservation, and various aspects of land use planning and development. It provides valuable insights for addressing challenges related to food production, water quality, climate change, and more.

Come study soil science in the heart of where soil plays a pivotal role in issues of economic prosperity and environmental sustainability. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with no fixed deadlines for admission or assistantships. Before applying, you must obtain a commitment from a faculty member willing to serve as your advisor.

Key Issues for Soil Science

Agriculture

Soil science helps farmers understand the properties and fertility of soils, enabling them to make informed decisions about crop selection, fertilization, and irrigation. It plays a crucial role in maximizing crop yield and ensuring food security.

Conservation

Soil is a vital component of the environment. Soil scientists study the impact of human activities, such as deforestation and industrial practices, on soil health. Understanding these impacts helps in developing sustainable land management practices.

Climate Change Mitigation

Soil plays an important role in carbon sequestration, influencing the global carbon cycle. Soil scientists study how different land management practices can impact carbon storage in soil, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

Ecosystem Health

Soils are home to a diverse range of organisms and contribute to overall ecosystem health. Soil scientists study the interactions between soil, plants, and microorganisms to better understand and preserve ecosystems.

Land Use Planning 

Knowledge of soil properties is crucial for planning land use. Whether it’s for urban development, infrastructure projects, or conservation areas, understanding soil characteristics helps in making informed decisions about land management.

Waste Management

Soil science is involved in assessing and managing waste disposal sites. Understanding how different materials interact with the soil helps in minimizing the environmental impact of waste disposal.

Water Quality and Quantity

Soil acts as a natural filter for water. Soil science helps in assessing the quality of groundwater and surface water, preventing contamination, and ensuring a safe water supply.

Soil Science Experts

Associate Teaching Professor
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Office:
1126A Agronomy Hall 716 Farm House Ln
Phone:
(515) 294-3287
Email:
amberand@iastate.edu
Morrill Professor
Lee Burrras, Morrill Professor, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University
Office:
2015 Agronomy 716 Farm House Ln
Phone:
(515) 294-0559
Email:
lburras@iastate.edu
Professor and Lead, Iowa Nitrogen Initiative
William T. Frankenberger Professorship in Soil Science
Mike Castellano
Office:
2104l Agronomy 716 Farm House Ln
Phone:
(515) 294-3963
Email:
castelmj@iastate.edu
Professor and Director of the Iowa Water Center
Cruse pic mollisol award
Office:
3202 Agronomy 716 Farm House Ln
Phone:
(515) 294-7850
Email:
rmc@iastate.edu
Associate Teaching Professor
dobilldan-crop4x3
Office:
856 Hadrian Drive
Phone:
(919) 761-5300
Email:
ddobill@iastate.edu
Professor
Director of Graduate Education
Agronomy Advisory Council Member
Department of Agronomy Faculty Senator
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Office:
3007 Agronomy 716 Farm House Ln
Phone:
(515) 294-9868
Email:
bkh@iastate.edu
Distinguished Professor
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Office:
2543 Agronomy 716 Farm House Ln
Phone:
(515) 294-7843
Email:
rhorton@iastate.edu
Affiliate Associate Professor
Kovar
Office:
305 Natl Lab AG Env 1015 N University Blvd
Phone:
(515) 294-3419
Email:
jokovar@iastate.edu
Associate Teaching Professor
Kwaw-Mensah
Office:
2407 Agronomy 716 Farm House Ln
Phone:
1-515-294-5106
Email:
dkwaw@iastate.edu
Affiliate Associate Professor
Research collaboration with the Agronomy Faculty in areas of Soil Science, Nutrient Management, Soybean Management, Precision Agriculture, Remote Sensing, and Predictive Analytics
Office:
2104 Agronomy 716 Farm House Ln
Phone:
(515) 294-1360
Email:
kyveryga@iastate.edu
Professor (Emeritus)
Photo Credit: Christopher Gannon
Office:
3216 Agronomy Hall, 716 Farm House Ln
Phone:
(515) 294-6200
Email:
apmallar@iastate.edu
Emeritus Professor
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Office:
1126A Agronomy 716 Farm House Ln
Phone:
(515) 294-5510
Email:
akmanu@iastate.edu
Associate Professor
(Christopher Gannon/Iowa State University)
Office:
2517 Agronomy 716 Farm House Ln
Phone:
(515) 294-7947
Email:
marsh@iastate.edu
Associate Professor
Miller headshot - 2022
Office:
2019 Agronomy Hall, 716 Farm House Ln
Phone:
(515) 294-8077
Email:
millerba@iastate.edu
Assistant Professor
Extension Nitrogen Science Specialist
Roth,Richard
Office:
3208 Agronomy Hall
Phone:
(515) 294-0506
Email:
rtroth@iastate.edu
Professor
2024 President, Soil Science Society of America
Michael Thompson
Office:
2503 Agronomy 716 Farm House Ln
Phone:
(515) 294-2415
Email:
mlthomps@iastate.edu

Featured News

Rick Cruse, Mindy Devries and Brian Gelder (research staff in ABE and soil science graduate faculty member) were invited to attend the International Workshop on Mollisols Erosion and Degradation in Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
Agronomy Faculty Attend World Mollisols Workshop in China, Cruse Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Rick Cruse, Mindy Devries and Brian Gelder (research staff in ABE and soil science graduate faculty member) were invited to attend the International Workshop on Mollisols Erosion and Degradation in
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Become an expert in crop physiology, ecology, and management; forage quality and utilization; seed production and physiology; weed biology and control

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Explore the living and vast ecosystem under our feet. Soil science covers chemistry of the soil, fertility, management, microbiology and biochemistry, morphology and genesis as well as soil physics.

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