References
Soil Science Fundamentals Exam:
This exam is based largely on questions used in the introductory soil science course at Purdue University, AGRY 25500. Sample questions are available for you to study. Purdue students can access them through the website: Purdue University - Detailed Course Information
Indiana Soils and Field Skills Exam:
- Primary Study Materials:
- Franzmeier, D.P., G.C. Steinhardt, and D.G. Schulze, 2004. Indiana Soils and Landscape Evaluation Manual: Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. Available from Purdue Media Distribution Center.
- Jackson, M.T., editor. 1997. The Natural Heritage of Indiana. Indiana University Press, Bloomington. In this book, the following chapters: Franzmeier, D.P. Cradle of Life: Soils. Chapter 4, pages 45-58.
- Franzmeier, D.P., G.C. Steinhardt, and D.G. Schulze, 2004. Indiana Soils and Landscape Evaluation Manual: Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. Available from Purdue Media Distribution Center.
- Reference Materials:
- Jackson, M.T., editor. 1997. The Natural Heritage of Indiana. Indiana University Press, Bloomington. In this book, the following chapters:
- Howe, R.C. Of Time, Rocks and Ancient Life: Bedrock Geology. Chapter 1, Pages 3-14.
- Melhorn, W.N. Indiana on Ice: The Late Tertiary and Ice Age History of Indiana Landscapes. Chapter 2, Pages 15-27.
- Gray, H.H. The View From the Window: Physiography. Chapter 3, pages 28-44.
- Howe, R.C. Of Time, Rocks and Ancient Life: Bedrock Geology. Chapter 1, Pages 3-14.
- Schoenberger, P.J., D.A. Wysocki, E.C. Benham, W.D. Broderson. (editors). 2002. Field Book for Describing and Sampling Soils. Version 2.0. Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE.
- Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil Survey Manual. Agric. Handbook 18. USDA, NRCS. U.S. Govt. Print. Office, Washington, D.C.
- Soil Survey Division Staff. 1999. Soil Taxonomy, A Basic Method for Making and Interpreting Soil Surveys, 2nd Ed. Agric. Handbook 436. USDA, NRCS. U.S. Govt. Print. Office, Washington, D.C.
- Jackson, M.T., editor. 1997. The Natural Heritage of Indiana. Indiana University Press, Bloomington. In this book, the following chapters:
- Soil and Landscape Evaluation Report for On-Site Sewage Disposal Systems
- DSat8 and Seasonal High Water Tables in Indiana Soils
- Texture Estimate Calculator - Can be used to calculate the score of estimated textures compared to laboratory data.
- How to File a Complaint Against an Indiana Registered Soil Scientist
A Professional Soil Scientist's registration expires on June 30th of the third (3rd) year following the date it was approved. To renew their registration, a Registered Professional Soil Scientist must:
- Complete at least forty-five (45) CEUg credits
- Complete at least three (3) CEUf credits by participating in an evaluation session
- Report their completion of general continuing education units (CEUg) and in a field skills continuing education units (CEUf) to the IRSS office
- Submit the registration fee of $240.00 to the IRSS office with a check made payable to OISC (Office of Indiana State Chemist).
Continuing Education Units (CEUs):
- CEUg: Continuing Education Units, General Skills
- CEUf: Continuing Education Units, Field Skills
Check your listing in the Roster and report any changes to
Article I. Preamble
The privilege of professional practice imposes obligations of responsibility as well as professional knowledge. The Indiana Registry of Soil Scientists certifies the credentials of individuals who have met certain professional requirements and agree to this Code. The Registry was established in 2001 by state law (IC 25‐31.5) and is administered by a Board of Registration for Soil Scientists appointed by the Governor of Indiana. Two (2) levels of registration are recognized. Fully qualified individuals are called Indiana Registered Professional Soil Scientists; those who meet all requirements except experience are Indiana Registered Associate Soil Scientists. Collectively, they are called Registered Soil Scientists.
If an individual or organization feels that a registered professional soil scientist has violated the code of professional conduct established by rule in Indiana Administrative Code, 307 IAC 1‐2‐3, and would like to file a complaint of fraud, deceit, gross negligence, or misconduct against the registered soil scientist they can do so by doing the following:
The complaint must:
- Be in writing;
- Sworn to by the individual or office of the organization filing the complaint;
- Filed within two (2) years after the incident alleged in the complaint.
Exams - Applicants must pass two exams: a Soil Science Fundamentals Exam and the Indiana Soil and Field Skills Exam. Usually, a Fundamentals Exam and the Indiana Soils Exam can be taken on the same day.
This section will help you find a well-qualified consulting soil scientist who will do soil and landscape evaluations for on-site wastewater disposal systems or for other purposes. The registered soil scientists listed here have the technical credentials required by state law (Indiana Code 25-31.5) and have agreed to follow a Code of Professional Conduct which states that they hold paramount the health and welfare of the public and the protection of soil and water quality.