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Soil scientists perform important duties on farms, ensuring crops have access to the right nutrients to meet their potential.

Soil scientist

A soil scientist works in the laboratory and in the field to study the physical properties of soil, as well as its chemical and biological makeup, evaluating data to inform land use and land management decisions and to help land users choose practices that are good for agriculture and the environment.

Also known as a soil technician or soil consultant.

Soil scientists perform important duties on farms, ensuring crops have access to the right nutrients to meet their potential.

This profile highlights the skills and knowledge associated with the role. However, jobs will have varying responsibilities depending on level of the role and the size or type of the business.

We've listed employers and recruiters who hire for this role and you can find advice on searching for roles like this inside our Employment Toolkit.

Soil is a vital part of the agricultural industry and the environment. Soil scientists help provide the information that allows both to be in balance, assessing the ability of the soil to support crops and livestock, as well as managing wider environmental issues.

Soil scientists study the properties of soil and how they interact with the atmosphere, water system and living organisms. This includes assessing the effects of human activities such as farming and pollution on the soil. By collecting and analysing soil samples, they generate data on soil health, fertility (nutrient content), water holding capability and contamination levels. These findings then need to be communicated clearly to farmers and growers, as well as other land users and policymakers, to inform critical decisions in land use planning, crop selection, environmental restoration and sustainable resource management.

This role often involves a combination of outdoor field work and laboratory analysis. This may extend working hours past the typical 37-40 hours a week due to the nature of sampling. Fieldwork may involve travel to remote locations, with some assignments requiring overnight stays. Work can often involve spending time outdoors in challenging weather conditions to access remote locations then collect and analyse samples.

Soil scientists are required to regularly collaborate with other professionals in related disciplines, such as agronomy, geology, geography, mapping and ecology. Therefore, a soil scientist must not only have a detailed scientific knowledge but also competent communication skills. This is a fast developing area of expertise which needs practitioners who can keep abreast of new thinking and scientific advancement.

A soil scientist typically starts at an entry-level position, but can progress to more technical roles, specialising in a particular area. Advancements into management roles are then possible with more experience. After this there may be the opportunity to progress into consultant roles and self-employment.

As a soil scientist, your responsibilities might include:

Applying knowledge of soil forming factors to determine sample locations
Assessing soil condition using field tests and analysing samples in laboratories to determine the qualities and properties of soil
Traveling to on-site locations to collect soil samples and monitoring
Analysing data using specialised software and using this information to create reports, publications and soil distribution maps
Providing expert advice to clients based on findings, advising farmers on crop production, while addressing and remedying environmental issues, such as soil erosion and pollution
Influencing land use decisions by advising on the suitability of soils for different purposes
Promoting best practices to clients in an understandable manner
Writing clear and concise reports and papers to accurately communicate findings
Keeping up to date with the latest research and applicable technologies
Ensuring accuracy and organisation remain throughout research projects, while following correct procedures

To work as a soil scientist, you should be:

Confident in your analytical and problem-solving skills
Independent while also having teamwork skills
Able to demonstrate your strong scientific knowledge
Adaptable with a strong work ethic
Have a good eye for detail

As a soil scientist, you will require experience in scientific research, laboratory techniques and fieldwork, alongside a strong knowledge of soil science and the environment.

This position requires flexibility to work independently as well as within a team environment.

This role would suit someone with good problem-solving skills, logical thinking and a passion for agriculture and the environment.

The salary for a soil scientist ranges between £23,000 and £55,000, depending on location, age, experience, qualifications and sector.

This figure is for a full-time permanent position depending on level of experience, business type and location.

Soil scientists working in the private sector typically earn more than those working in the public sector. Specialised areas in the environmental sector, such as carbon capture, can lead to a higher salary.

A career in soil science offers a variety of progression routes across multiple sectors. As experience is gained, specialist opportunities arise, such as precision agriculture, soil fertility, hydrology and environmental impact assessment.

Within research organisations, those with advanced degrees can secure senior positions, such as leadership roles or professorships.

Within government bodies, a soil scientist may progress into regulatory roles, such as environmental monitoring or natural resource management.

This role may lead to international roles, working with global agencies to solve issues such as soil conservation.

The following qualifications are often required of soil scientists:

Formal qualifications:

BSc Plant Science
BSc Agricultural Sciences
BSc Environmental Sciences
MSc Physical Geography
MSc Earth Sciences

However, training within entry-level jobs is also common and this can include coaching in:

Soil sampling techniques
Laboratory techniques
Data analysis
Mapping software

You can also start in this career by taking a Crop technician apprenticeship.

Short courses and online study:

There are several short courses available to help applicants build the skills needed for a successful career as a soil scientist. These include:

British Society of Soil Science: An introduction to soil classification

BASIS: How to become a soil scientist

IBERS: Soil science

Lancaster University MOOC List: Soils - introducing the world beneath our feet

TIAH Essential Skills

Our online Essential Skills modules can help you develop your skills and knowledge in a range of areas and are a great addition to your CV.

Anyone considering working as a soil scientist would find our Nutrient Management and Foundations in Farm Safety courses useful.

Return to our job profiles page for more exciting roles in farming and growing.

Employers and recruiters who hire for this role include:

The employers and recruiters listed below hire for roles like this one. If you would like your business to be listed here, please click the button underneath the logos shown here.