Soil Grading and Land Degradation

What is taught in this field

This field covers the natural properties of soils, their composition and fertility, as well as the principles of soil classification and assessment. The main focus is soil grading (bonitirovka), that is, determining how valuable land is in terms of yield and quality.

Students study the following subjects:

• soil science and soil genesis;
• soil chemistry and physics;
• methods of land grading;
• land degradation: erosion, salinization, waterlogging and pollution;
• principles of land use and protection;
• geoinformatics and cartography, field research and laboratory analysis.

Practical classes are usually held in the field and in the laboratory. Students learn to collect soil samples, analyze them and present the results as maps.

Who the graduate will become

Graduates become specialists in recording, assessing and protecting land resources. They can work in the following professions and positions:

• soil scientist;
• land grading specialist;
• land use and monitoring specialist;
• agrochemist or laboratory technician;
• land cadastre and cartography specialist.

Such specialists are needed at agricultural enterprises, in the land relations system and in environmental control bodies.

Where you can work

Agriculture plays a major role in Uzbekistan, so specialists in soil and land resources are consistently in demand. Graduates can work in the following organizations:

• state bodies of the agricultural and water management system;
• land cadastre and land use organizations;
• farms and agro-firms;
• agrochemical laboratories and research institutes;
• environmental control and nature protection bodies;
• design and geodesy organizations.

Who it suits

This field suits applicants who are interested in nature and know chemistry, biology and geography well. The following qualities are especially important:

• interest in natural phenomena and soil processes;
• clear thinking and analytical ability;
• readiness to work in field conditions;
• inclination toward calculations and working with maps;
• a responsible approach to land and environmental issues.

If you want to build a useful career in agriculture and nature protection, this field may be a good match for you.