Soil Science Research
Diverse Landscapes and Collaboration
Our department regularly collaborates with several government and private agricultural research entities based in Fort Collins and throughout the state. Colorado is rich with varied landscapes including rangelands, forests, and prairies, each with their own unique characteristics. As soil scientists we study all aspects of soil and impacts from climate change with the benefit of sharing our knowledge broadly with policy makers and producers alike.
Our Research Focus Areas

Soil Research Programs
Our research programs address a variety of topics including:
- Biogeochemical cycling of nutrients
- Land application of animal, municipal and industrial wastes
- Transport and fate of inorganic and organic contaminants in soils and water
- Soil microbial structural and functional diversity
- Movement of water, solutes, and gases through soil
- Soil formation processes
- Soil fertility and precision nutrient management
- Soil and water quality
- Global climate change

Graduate Studies in Soil Systems
We feel it’s important to foster a creative and dynamic environment for our research and education. We work closely with our graduate students and prioritize cross-disciplinary research opportunities. Our students can access resources in collaborating colleges like Engineering, Natural Resources, and Natural Sciences.
Additionally, our graduate students get to learn about Colorado’s exciting and diverse landscapes and soil systems:
- Agricultural
- Forest
- Rangeland
Soil Science Faculty
Our faculty are actively investigating foundational questions and innovative solutions. Take a moment to browse their research interests and current projects.
- Soil Science and Biosolids Management- Jim Ippolito
- Soil Physics- Greg Butters
- Environmental Soil Quality and Soil Fertility- Jim Ippolito
- Environmental Soil Chemistry- Thomas Borch
- Cropping Systems and Nutrient Cycling- Meagan Schipanski
- Geomicrobiology- Mike Wilkins
- Pedology and Forest/Range Soils- Suellen Melzer
- Soil Ecology- Francesca Cotrufo, Steve Fonte
- Environmental Soil Microbiology- Kelly Wrighton
- Soil Ecology and Global Climate Change- Keith Paustian
Soil Science Graduate Programs
Masters in Soil and Crop Science
We also offer a Ph.D. in Soil and Crop Sciences.
We have specific application requirements for our graduate programs. We only accept students who have already found a faculty advisor. Take a moment to browse our graduate program application requirements.
