PEDOLOGY
& SOIL MANAGEMENT
Soils are magic. Soils are connectors. To study soil is to study ourselves.
OUR RESEARCH
Pedology and Soil Management
As pedologists (pedology: the study of the formation, characteristics and distribution of soils), we study how soils form, why they look the way they do, and how their properties are distributed spatially and with depth. Our research is focused on understanding and quantifying soil variability, the relationships between soils and landscapes, and the responses of soils to land management strategies and environmental change.
OUR TEACHING
Quality, Diversity, Passion, and Engagement
Our teaching philosophy is based upon the four major principles of QUALITY, DIVERSITY, PASSION, and ENGAGEMENT. We strive to live these values by increasing quality and rigor in classroom and field courses, increasing diversity in instructional narratives and diversity in the student body, expressing passion for our chosen field by wearing our hearts on our sleeve, and always working to improve student engagement – “Engage, engage, engage!” – through teaching, advising, research and artistic activities. Soil Science is a terrific Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) integrator. Students must draw upon and build from first principles in Chemistry, Physics and Biology to understand basic and applied concepts. It's always a great day for Soil!
IMAGE AND FIGURE GALLERY
CONTACT US
558 Borlaug Hall
1991 Upper Buford Circle
St Paul, MN 55108
jeli0026 at umn.edu
612-626-9936 *(working remotely during COVID-19 restrictions - please email)