Results from the 2025 Northeast Regional Soil Judging Contest

The 2025 Northeast Regional (Region 1) Soil Judging Contest was hosted by the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown on October 8–10. The first two days consisted of 10 practice pits at two separate locations, the University Campus and Gallitzin State Forest. The contest day was held at Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. This contest highlighted the variety of Ultisols in the Allegheny Mountain section of the Appalachian Plateau Physiographic Province. 

With 13 schools participating and 101 student contestants, this was the largest Region 1 Soil Judging Contest in recent memory. We are pleased with the growing interest in soil science, welcoming new teams from many smaller universities. Such a large regional contest wouldn’t be possible without the numerous volunteers, so we give special thanks to all of the volunteers and the park staff that helped make the week run smoothly. 

Results

The top six qualifying schools for overall teams, listed in order include:

1. University of Maryland
2. University of Rhode Island
3. Delaware Valley University
4. Penn State University
5. Fredonia, State University of New York
6. University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

 The top three group pits:

1. University of Maryland
2. University of Rhode Island
3. Delaware Valley University

 The top five individuals:

1. Ellie Rogers, University of Maryland
2. Cole Chapman, University of Maryland
3. Spencer Goldberg, University of Maryland
4. Grace Lettero, Delaware Valley University
5. Kelsey Genovese, University of Maryland