Pedology contest

CANVAS attendance is required to enter the Pedology contest

The Pedology contest will occur on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 and provide opportunities for students (and others) to apply their knowledge of soils.

The contest was be closed book - no notes, cell phones, calculators, or other resources will be allowed. Soil texture triangles and Munsell color books were provided for use on appropriate portions.

2026 SSSA Pedology Handbook | Download

• The contest will be limited to the first 60 students who sign up and priority will be given to undergraduate students.
• Sign ups close October 1, 2026

Contest guidelines

Purpose

The Pedology contest is an opportunity to study and gain first-hand experience with soil and land uses in an unfamiliar location. This contest prepares participants for careers in soil conservation and management while promoting valuable skills.

Awards & recognition

Recognition awards will be given to the top three individuals and winners will be recognized at the SASES Awards Dinner.

• First place will receive $300
• Second place $200
• Third place $100

Eligibility

• Sign-ups will be open through October 1, 2026. Registration for CANVAS is required to participate. SASES club coaches &/or advisors: You may complete sign-up forms on behalf of your student members competing at CANVAS. Please complete an individual form for each student, enter in the email associated with their membership account.
• The Pedology contest is open to all undergraduate students and any other participants at CANVAS, but only undergraduate students are eligible for awards.

Evaluation

Contestants will test their knowledge of pedology.

1. The contest will include a practical and written evaluation.
2. Practice materials can be obtained from the 2026 SSSA Pedology Contest Handbook.
   1. A list of appropriate abbreviations will be given. Contestants must utilize these abbreviations, or answers will be marked incorrect.
3. Scorecard will consist of five parts: Soil Morphology, Soil Profile Characteristics, Site Characteristics, Soil Classification, and Site Interpretations.
4. Contestants should be prepared to estimate soil texture, identify soil structure and other soil features, label horizons and diagnostic horizons, classify and interpret soils, and answer other questions on other relevant topics such as soil formation and pedogenic processes.

Contacts

Contest Chairs

• Chris Baxter | Send Message
• Bryant Scharenbroch | Send Message
• Kristopher Osterloh | Send Message

ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Contact

• Student Programs | Send Message