Agriculture and Soil Science
Agricultural Consultant, Soil Scientist, Environmental Protection Officer, Countryside Stewardship Officer, Water Quality Officer, Farm Waste Management Advisor, Conservation Officer, Organic Farmer
The Sector
Agriculture occupies 85% of the land area of the UK. There is always a need to measure, analyse and control its environmental impact, whilst creating more sustainable farming methods that enhance food production and conserve flora and fauna.
Soil science is the study and investigation of the nature and behaviour of soils and soil management. Soils are important in agricultural production as the medium for plant growth, but also in the broader environmental context as the interface between the atmosphere and the underlying weathered and un-weathered geological materials and subsurface water stores. Soils play an exceptionally important role in buffering the effects of both natural phenomena, such as precipitation, and human activity, such as crop cultivation or the spillage of a potential contaminant.
Issues and Trends
For many years there has been little focus on the study of soils in terms of funding and research activity. This has changed in the last decade and soils are increasingly recognised as a key component in many environmental systems. This awareness has been recognised by European ministries and agencies, highlighting the need to conserve, maintain, improve and monitor soil quality where possible.
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