Department of Soil Science
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Soil Science explores the nature, properties and use of soil to capture its value and to understand better its critical role as a foundation of life. People who study soil seek to comprehend fundamental global surface processes on multiple scales that impact ecosystems functioning and environmental health.
Our mission is to provide instruction, research and extension leadership in application of soil chemistry, physics, biology and pedology principles to economic and environmentally sound land use. Our programs are designed to improve basic understanding and practical management of soil resources in natural, agricultural and urban ecosystems. We proactively implement the Wisconsin Idea of outreach to the extended community to provide all generations with an appreciation of soil as a natural resource. More information about the UW-Madison Department of Soil Science can be found on the Department Overview page.
News/Features
Joel Pedersen noted by DNR for work on chronic wasting disease - WDNR Secretary Matthew Frank recently recognized soil science associate professor Joel Pedersen and professor Craig Benson, Civil and Environmental Engineering, for their pivotal role in paving the way for the DNR to dispose of deer carcasses from the state chronic wasting disease (CWD) zone in the Dane County Landfill. Benson's and Pedersen's studies of the fate and transport of prions in landfills provided scientific evidence that allayed Dane County Board concerns about the safety of the disposal method. Their research can potentially save the DNR between $550 and $2,000 per ton on costs for safely disposing of carcasses of deer infected with CWD.
Teri Balser was recently chosen for the 2008-09 American Society for Microbiology and National Science Foundation "Biology Scholars" residency program. Modeled after the Carnegie Teaching Scholars program, the Biology Scholars program is designed to advance biology education nationally. Teri will join colleagues from around the U.S. in exploring the science and scholarship of biology teaching and learning.
The mighty microbe: some scientists fear CO2-spewing bacteria will speed global warming (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/16/08; Teri Balser, assosciate professor)
Project to look at nutrient stratification in Wisconsin's agricultural soils (Agri-View, 3/20/08; Laura Ward Good, assistant scientist)
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