Soil Morphology and Genesis

If you wish information on specific programs or wish to learn of openings for new students in individual laboratories, please contact professors directly.

Field and laboratory studies are used to investigate the spatial distribution of soil properties and soil processes. The effects of landscape position, vegetation, climate, and chronology are studied in relation to the development and classification of soils.

Programs Available in Soil Morphology and Genesis:

Burras, Lee. Professor. Environmental soil science; soil morphology and genesis. lburras@iastate.edu

Laird, David A. Professor (USDA Collaborator). Soil inorganic chemical processes and soil mineralogy in relation to soil and environmental quality. delaird@nstl.gov

Manu, Andrew K. Associate Professor. Morphological, chemical, physical and biological processes in urban environments; investigation of soil quality indices using a landscape approach; microwave remote sensing of surface moisture; and integrated approaches to rejuvenation of degraded tropical lands. akmanu@iastate.edu

Thompson, Michael L. Professor. Organomineral complexes and colloid transport in soils. Field and laboratory characterization and behavioral studies of natural colloids. mlthomps@iastate.edu

Sandor, Jonathan A. Professor. Soil morphology and genesis, especially geomorphology, archaeology, and the effects of land use on soils. Special research involves the investigation of ancient agricultural fields to evaluate the long-term effects of agricultural practices on soil productivity. jasandor@iastate.edu