career in soil science (?)

[u/gentlyrotting777]

Hello🐣

Im before making a career decision. My concerns about climate change led me to study organic farming in Denmark. The course was a bit of a disappointment and I felt my future prospects are limited so I am looking for my next step.

Im stuck between two paths. I feel interest to study something completely new to me and unrelated to the climate: phisiotherapy. But lately Ive been also feeling the urgency of climate action, so Im thinking to continue studying in the field of agriculture, but more on the science side. I came across the work of Elaine Ingham and the soil food web and I find it interesting, but I am unsure how could this knowledge be applied professionally in a job.

So my questions are:

- Does anyone have recommendations of universities in Europe where I can study soil biology? A distance learning option would be great, but optional (I am also open to anything related to fixing our effed up conventional agriculture)

- What could be my job opportunities if I would specialize on soil health? Unfortunately in my country I mostly see "advisor" job postings of fertilizer companies where the job is to push their product to farmers :s

- Are there any other career pathways where I could help to create a more climate resilient food system?

Thank you for any advice, have a great day:)

[u/todaysthrowaway0110]

In the US, many soil scientists pay their rent by performing wetland delineation. Wetlands are protected but of course is prompted by construction.

I have no idea how it goes in Europe.

[u/Jamibia]

Heya! If you come from an agricultural perspective, I can recommend the University of Hohenheim in Germany or the BOKU in Vienna, Austria. Both excellent universities that hit the balance between practical agriculture and high quality science with their research. Job-wise it depends a bit on what you want to do: are you drawn to practical agriculture and want to become a farm manager, specialising in climate friendly farming and soil health? Or do you want to go down the soil carbon route, which opens up a wide range of jobs in the sustainability corporate sector, carbon credit market etc.

[u/atascon]

I came at this from a similar angle to you, driven mainly by an interest in climate resilience, and it's tough out there job wise. I'm in the UK and careers related to soil basically revolve around academia, environmental consultancy work (usually requiring a PhD), engineering/construction related work, or agronomy. Your best bet of working at the intersection of climate and soils is academia or, if you get lucky, maybe an NGO or think tank. Here, the government department responsible for agriculture does a little bit of work on soils but you'd have to be an expert.

[u/exodusofficer]

The SDU department of biology in Odense has a world-class environmental microbiology program. It is mostly focused on subaqueous soils/marine sediments, but you should take a look at it.

[u/200pf]

The big issue is that there is not a lot of money to be made doing soil conservation work. Sorry this isn’t more helpful.

[u/_Aquic_Haplorthod]

Just chiming in to say I would avoid distance learning if possible. Soils and soil science is a very hands on field and having time outside looking at test pits and doing work with someone experienced is paramount in early development of skills.

Also if there is any kind of lab (indoor or outdoor) you would want to be there for that.

Just my take. I studied in the U.S. (Wisconsin) and was in a very hands on program that I feel has set me apart from some colleagues at similar stages in their careers.

[u/AccurateEbb4974]

I know you said Europe but California Polytechnic Humboldt State has a really interesting soils programs and some nice equipment as well. We also have a fire lab and a lot of community gardens and permaculture spots. Recently the soils department helped out the Native American Studies Food Sovereignty Lab (FSL) by doing a soil test paid for by a grant. FSL is restoring a landscape to its native plants and food systems.

It’s really cool eating native berries, just ate Salal today and there’s Huckleberries and all sorts of other things that we know are safe to eat because the soil was tested as safe. Arcata is also known as one of the most sustainable cities in America I think due to our marsh water treatment system and has a great art scene. Lots of cool musicians come out here even though it’s a bit of a bubble we had afroman, funkadelic, phish and of course a thousand local bands. Check out Pennies for Pluto! They’re on Spotify.

[u/AccurateEbb4974 → u/AccurateEbb4974]

There’s also Aquilli Metzli doing interesting work, we have a critical agriculture program out here as well!

[u/VintageLunchMeat]

Ask the program hard questions about job placements?

Could always do the physiotherapy program then use that to pay the bills while you train up on something soil or climate related.