Soil science education and society

National well-being will continue to depend on the productive use of soils, but society will increasingly demand that soils be managed sustainably, So il scientists, therefore, need to contribute technology to land management in a holistic way to satisfy society's requirements. They must also help fo rmulate public policy, contribute to public understanding of environmental issues, and be alert to opportunities provided by new knowledge to improve soil and land management. Close cooperation with land owners and managers i s necessary. Appropriate training of soil scientists is needed to prepare t hem for these responsibilities. Training in the natural sciences is a prere quisite for both vocational and research careers in soil science. This basi c training should be concurrent with, or followed by, adequate exposure to the principal subdisciplines of soil science. Training in team-based proble m solving is essential. Examples that support these assertions are discusse d.