Soil Science At a Critical Professional Crossroads.

Can the profession of soil science attain complete professional status?  The profession of soil science is approximately 200 years old.  It has grown in numbers and into many diversified fields of specialty, yet has critically stagnated in recent decades.  Other surveys and papers have delved into the specifics or nature of this professional stagnation.  There is a need to consider the basic structure of a complete profession and some of the mechanics for the soil science profession to attain complete professional status.  A three-legged stool is wholly dependent upon all of its’ legs being there and in a sturdy condition.   A complete profession is also dependent upon three basic and sturdy legs.  If any of these three professional legs are unstable, the complete profession is either unstable or unattainable.  The three professional legs are:  (1)—specialized knowledge through academia, education, and research;  (2)---governmental bodies through extension, standards, policies, and laws;  (3)---professional applied practice through a set of standards, ethics, and certification or licensing.  The soil science profession is at critical crossroads as to numbers, funding, and identity.  It needs to quickly assess where it has been, current status, and actions needed to attain complete professional status.