Soils and Biogeochemistry
Track leader:
Randy Dahlgren
Soil science and biogeochemistry are concerned with the chemical, physical,
geological and biological processes and reactions that govern the
composition of the natural environment, and the cycles of matter and energy
that transport the Earth's chemical components in time and space. This
track teaches students scientific principles, ranging from the molecular to
global scales, for managing soil, water and plant resources. The track
includes land use, GIS, remote sensing, soil and ecosystem management and
restoration, nutrient management, soil and water pollution remediation, and
global change. The track emphasizes practical work experience through
student internships with state and federal agencies, soil, water and plant
labs, and growers. Graduates are qualified for managerial and technical
positions with environmental and agricultural businesses. They are prepared
for positions in advising, planning, land appraisal, research, and teaching
with private, government, and international organizations involved with soil
and water development, use, and conservation and global change issues. Some
graduates continue in master's and doctoral programs in soil science,
environmental toxicology, hydrology, ecology, and plant sciences.
Faculty Perspective:
“Soils are the foundation of society. In order to use them properly and
conserve them, we must understand them. Norman Borlaug, 1970 Nobel Peace
Prize recipient said in his Nobel lecture ‘...the first essential component
of social justice is adequate food for all mankind.’ If we are to provide
that component, along with a quality environmental, we must understand
soils.”
- Randy Dahlgren
Potential Graduate Programs:
Students from the former Soil and Water Science major that has now
become a track in ESM have gone on to graduate school at the best schools in
the country including Cornell,
North Carolina State,
University of Minnesota
and University of Wisconsin to name just a few.