The Department of Soil Science provides undergraduate and graduate education in agricultural, environmental, and natural resource aspects of soils. Areas of emphasis include soil ecology, soil erosion and tillage management, soil fertility and plant nutrition, soil physicochemical phenomena, fate of soil contaminants, waste management, water and contaminant transport, pedology, and land use analysis. Soils are a critical natural resource in environmental protection, food and fiber production, turf and grounds management, rural and urban planning, and waste disposal. All of these facets of soils and soil science are integrated into the department's course offerings and research programs. Soil science majors prepare for professional, technical, consulting, and administrative positions in such areas as the environmental sciences, ecology and restoration, crop and timber production, soil survey, and informatics, conservation, environmental pollution control, turf and grounds management, and land-use planning. Contact the department for further information on career opportunities.