About, The Association of Ohio Pedologists
Professional Certification
In an effort to verify and maintain the education and training a Soil Scientist receives the Association has developed a professional certification program. Individuals that meet the minimum qualification will be approved for certification. Certified individuals are also required to complete a minimum number of hours of training every two years to maintain their certification status.
ASSOCIATION OBJECTIVES
To advance the profession of soil science as it relates to
classification, mapping, and interpretations.
To improve and maintain the stature of professional soil
scientists in Ohio.
To promote high quality standards among soil scientists.
To foster broader recognition of the need, use and application
of soil science in government and especially in the
private business sector.
To cooperate with and counsel colleges and universities
in adjusting curricula to the changing needs of soil scientists.
To function as a communication medium between professional
soil scientist, allied disciplines and professional
organizations.
To work toward state registration and certification of soil
scientists.
To foster good land use and environmental programs
through the use of soil resource information.
Technical Conferences and Tours
Technical conferences and tours, such as the ones listed below, are sponsored by the Association of Ohio Pedologists to keep the membership abreast of technical developments and to discuss technical issues.
- Slippage Field Day
- On-site Investigation Training for Septic Systems
- Water Table Instrument Workshop
- Soil Redox Features Workshop
- Geomorphic Tours
- Glacial Till Fractures and Faults Workshop
Professional Activities
Co-sponsored by the Association
- Central States Forest Soils Conference
- Regional & National Collegiate Land Judging Contest
- Soil Quality Conference
- Soil & Land Use Planning Tours
- Meeting of Soil & Water Conservation Society
- Soils Tour for American Society of Agronomy
Available Resources
- Web site: http://www.ohiopedologist.org/
- Consultant List
State Soil for Ohio
The Association of Ohio Pedologists
selected the Miamian soil as
the recommended state soil for Ohio
in 1984. Naming of a state soil
would draw attention to the importance
of soil to the citizens of Ohio.
The Miamian soil series is representative
of the nearly 500 different kinds of soil found
in Ohio and is recognized internationally among soil
scientists as an example of soils formed in humid
temperate regions. It was the most common soil
recognized in the earliest state soil maps of Ohio.
The properties of the Miamian soil series make it
well suited to a variety of uses.
Soil-A Valuable Resource
Soil is a priceless resource that requires sound
management for its optimum use and protection.
Proper management depends on a thorough understanding
of soils and their properties. There are
nearly 500 different soils in Ohio, each with a different
suitability for various uses. Matching land use
with soil suitability becomes increasingly important
as the world widens the search for new places to
live, work, and grow food.
The Association of Ohio Pedologist (AOP) was formed in 1976, in an effort to establish and maintain professional standard in pedology. These standards required education and experience in mapping, soil classification, correlation, investigation, and in the interpretation of soils for use and management.
The Association is a nonprofit scientific and education organization dedicated to promoting the professional development of its members. Some of the members work in the national Cooperative Soil Survey Program. Others teach and conduct research on physical and chemical soil properties important to soil classification and management. Still others provide professional assistance to units of government, such as planning commissions, health departments, soil and water conservation districts and to consultants, developers, and individuals on the use and management of soils.
In addition to Pedologists, the Association includes four other categories of membership. Student Members are enrolled in an institution of higher education offering course work in pedology, soil science, soil management, or related subjects and are actively engaged in preparing to enter the profession, or have an interest in pedology. Affiliate members are mostly involve in land use planning activities that use soil survey information. Soils Professionals are presently, or were formerly, engaged in a soil resource related profession. Honorary members are recognized for outstanding contributions in soil science.
In January, 1981, AOP adopted the Code of Ethics of the American Registry of Certified Professionals in Agronomy, Crops, and Soils.
For consultative assistance on soil survey and detailed soil investigation contact members of the ASSOCIATION OF OHIO PEDOLGISTS for a listing of certified professional soil scientists. This list is available at the following locations.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Division of Soil and Water Conservation
4383 Fountain Square Dr., Bldg B-3
Columbus, Ohio 43224
Phone (614) 265-6932
The Ohio State University
School of Natural Resources
2021 Coffey Road
Columbus, Ohio 43210
Phone (614) 292-9067/9059
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
200 North High Street, Room 522
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone (614) 255-2483
AFFILIATE OF ARCPACS
American Registry of Certified Professionals in Agronomy,
Crops, and Soils
AOP Brochure