In 2006, several of us published in Soil Science an article ("Whither goes soil science in the US and Canada?") in which we tried to find out how graduate soil science programs had evolved between 1992 and 2004. Our article (showing a decline of enrollments by 40%) shocked some, angered others, and stimulated yet others to action. It would be interesting to see where we are at this stage. More soil science departments in the US have disappeared from the map (e.g., at Cornell), so the situation does not seem to be improving there, but things are significantly better in other parts of the world (France, Brazil,...). I am wondering if someone might be interested in collaborating in a follow-up study, where soil science education programs in various countries would be assessed via questionnaires sent to as large a number of institutions as possible... If anyone is interested, he/she can respond here...
A corollary question, which interests me very much as well, is what is being done in various countries to make the public at large more aware of soils, and of the need to carry out research on soils. I know of a number of examples (for example in France), which seem very successful, but would love to know more about what is done elsewhere.
It is a great initiative indeed, and I'd like to see the outcome. If you need I can help distribute your questionnaires to some my colleagues in China.
Dear Dr. Baveye
I can help with your research and apply your questionnaire in my classes about soil.
Congratulations for your research,
Apolino J. N. Silva
Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte,
Natal, RN, Brazil
I am interested to participate for Iran. In Iran we have already two departments as Soil Science department and Irrigation department that both do some soil researches. In Irrigation department the majority of studies are towards soil physics (water-related issues and erosion) while in Soil Science department the studies are boarder including chemistry and biology. So, I can do it in my undergraduate and graduate classes and also track it in other universities. The topic of this study seems interesting to see how Iranian and scientists are eager for soil science.
Dear Professor Baveye:
I believe this would be a well-timed and highly relevant study, particularly in view of the year 2015 having been proclaimed as ‘International Year of Soils’ by the United Nations. This kind of study would be important for our country also (India), with the onus of feeding over 17% of world population with merely 2.5% of the land area.
Sir, I would be to happy to contribute to this follow-up study in whichever way you see fit.
Regards,
Hello Dr Baveye,
This is a very good study. I once had an interaction from a Professor of soil Science at Manitoba University who similarly confessed that students enrollment into Soil Science is on the decline.
I will like to be part of your study and administer questionnaires in my University.
I am working in the field of soil.soil engineering,Geo-technical engineering,nutrient contents of soil, application of manures,vermicomposts,classification etc.
INTERESTED IN WORKING IN COLLABORATION AND SHARING EXPERIENCE ABOUT SOIL SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE
IN OUR ENGINEERING COLLEGE
Dear Dr Baveye,
I would be happy to contribute for Italy, if needed
Regards
Franco
I would love to gothrough the performa and like to contrybute for India. If stll needed. Otherwise kindly send a copy of your work for my knowledge. Seems to be very interesting for me.
Regards
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