Soil Judging Team

Our Team
The University of Arkansas has a long-standing tradition of excellence in soil judging, with students participating in competitions since the early 1950s. Since 2011, under the instruction and coaching of Dr. Kristofor R. Brye, the University of Arkansas Soil Judging Team has achieved remarkable success, placing first overall eight times, second overall five times, and third overall twice at regional contests. During this same period, University of Arkansas students have earned first-high individual honors nine times and second-high individual honors six times, while the team has qualified for and participated in the National Soil Judging Contest 12 times. Beyond the competition, soil judging provides students with valuable hands-on experiences that deepen their understanding of soil formation, landscape processes, environmental interactions, soil classification, landscape interpretation, and soil-use ratings. Students apply classroom knowledge to real-world conditions while developing technical, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that help them stand out in a competitive job market. Participation also gives students the opportunity to build professional relationships and expand their networks by connecting with peers, coaches, industry professionals, and soil science experts from across the country, creating opportunities for mentorship, internships, career connections, and lasting professional relationships.

Our Needs
Donor support provides the resources students need to participate in regional and national soil judging competitions, including equipment replacement, material preparation, contest registration fees, travel, lodging, and meals. The cost to attend and participate in a contest is approximately $900 per student, although expenses can be higher when air travel is required due to a national contest occurring beyond driving distance.

In addition, each student needs approximately $500 in field equipment and materials to be fully prepared for competition. These materials include a soil color book, clinometer for measuring slope, muffin tin, soil knife, squirt bottle, acid bottle, towel, small sieve, and 5-gallon bucket with lid. While much of this equipment can be reused from year to year, repeated field use can lead to normal wear and the periodic need for replacement. Donor support helps ensure students have the equipment, resources, and financial support necessary to compete at the highest level while representing the University of Arkansas.

How Can You Help?
Donor support is essential to the continued success of the University of Arkansas Soil Judging Team and the educational and career opportunities obtained from soil judging. This support allows students to participate in regional and national competitions while developing valuable field-based skills in visual observation, soil classification, and landscape interpretation that cannot be fully replicated in a classroom. It also helps the University of Arkansas maintain a strong presence and reputation in soil judging at the regional and national levels. By supporting soil judging, donors are investing not only in the team but also in the education and training of the next generation of professionals. The skills students develop through soil judging are valuable across a variety of fields, including natural resources, agriculture, environmental consulting, wetland delineation, ecosystem restoration, and on-site wastewater management. Ultimately, donor support helps equip students with the practical knowledge, confidence, and experience needed to enter the workforce prepared to make meaningful and substantial contributions to their communities and industries.