Expand your horizons with Soil Judging
Soil judging is the field component of soil science, a diverse discipline that combines geology, chemistry, physics, and biology. The study of soils helps us to better understand and protect the natural resource that sustains us all. The University of Minnesota has a competitive collegiate team that participates in hands-on learning and travels to nationwide competitions. Soil judging is a fun way to spend time outside, challenge your brain, and get your hands dirty! The prerequisite for joining the Soil Judging team is SOIL2125, Basic Soil Science. Students who would like to take the class (SOIL3521) and join the team should reach out to Prof. Nic Jelinski. Participating in Soil Judging by enrolling in SOIL3521 counts toward the Soil Science Minor.
Hear more about what it means to be part of the Soil Judging team from student and former team captain Amital Shaver in this short video:
To get the latest news from the Soil Judging team and follow along with their travels, visit the team's blog.
2025-2026
November 2, 2025: Congrats to the team on their success at the Regional Contest in Omaha Nebraska! The team placed fourth in group judging and fourth overall. Get all the details of their trip on the team's blog.
2024-2025
The team's showing at the 2025 National Collegiate Soils Contest in Stevens Point, WI was its 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. You can read about the team's adventure in Stevens Point on their blog.
2023-2024
2022-2023
2019-2020
