The University of Minnesota’s Soil Judging Team is a student organization housed within the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) that offers hands-on learning in soil science, land evaluation, and environmental fieldwork. Students on the team practice describing, classifying, and interpreting soils in real-world settings, often working directly in soil pits to evaluate properties like texture, structure, and drainage.
“Soil is what sustains us. It’s what we stand on. It’s where our food comes from. It’s how we build the infrastructure that supports our day-to-day life,” says Amital Shaver, a recent graduate and former co-captain of the Soil Judging team. “And if we really take the time to get to know the story of all of the layers of soil, then we can really understand … how the ground that’s underneath our feet came to be.”
Soil judging is a competitive, field-based activity in which students evaluate soil profiles and landscapes to interpret land use potential. National contests bring together top collegiate teams from across the country and challenge students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
The University of Minnesota team recently competed at the 2025 National Collegiate Soils Contest in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and earned the second-best national finish in program history. After two days of competition, the team placed sixth overall and eighth in group judging—demonstrating impressive growth, preparation, and teamwork throughout the season.
Watch the team in action in the video below, and see blog posts about their time at nationals.
Opportunities abound in soil science
For students interested in soil science, environmental fieldwork, or land management, CFANS offers hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for meaningful careers in science, conservation, and sustainability.
Students on the Soil Judging Team come from a variety of CFANS majors that focus on environmental and agricultural systems, including:
• Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management
• Agricultural Communication and Marketing
• Plant Science
• Agricultural Education
Related minors include:
• Climatology
• Soil Science
• Water Science
- Categories:
- Agriculture and Environment
- Earth Sciences
- Soil
