Razi University

The Soil Science Laboratory, planned concurrently with the establishment of the School of Agriculture, officially commenced its educational and research activities in 1988, coinciding with the founding of the Faculty of Agriculture and the recruitment of its first faculty members. In 2006, the Department of Soil Science was formally established after receiving approval to offer a bachelor’s program—a program that became active in 2008 with the admission of its first cohort of students. In 2012, the Department was renamed the Department of Soil Science and Engineering. That same year, the department began offering master’s programs in four fields: Soil Genesis and Classification, Soil Physics and Conservation, Soil Chemistry and Fertility, and Soil Biology.

Currently, the department admits students into two master’s programs: Soil Resources Management (Soil Physics and Conservation – Soil Resources and Land Evaluation) and Soil Fertility and Biotechnology Management (Soil Chemistry and Fertility – Soil Biology and Biotechnology).

The Department’s faculty members are actively engaged in teaching and research across all major areas of Soil Science. As part of its medium‑term development plan, the department aims to establish Ph.D. programs as well. Supported by its faculty, administrators, students, and alumni, the Department of Soil Science and Engineering possesses strong potential for contributing to research at local, national, and international scales.

Department Goals
Since soil is a non-renewable natural resource, its improper use can lead to degradation and declining agricultural productivity. Therefore, the primary mission of this department is to train graduates in Soil Science who possess solid knowledge of soil characteristics, evaluation, and management. Through such expertise, the protection of soil from various forms of degradation—such as erosion, contamination, salinization, and sodification—becomes achievable for the benefit of future generations. Overall, Soil Science is one of the foundational and essential disciplines within Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Studies, focusing on the physical, chemical, biological, and micromorphological properties of soil.

Programs Offered:
BSc.: 

• Soil Science and Engineering 

MSc.: 

• Soil Fertility and Biotechnology Management: 1) Soil Biology and Biotechnology; 2) Soil Chemistry, Fertility and Plant Nutrition
• Soil Resources Management: 1) Soil Physics and Conservation; 2) Soil Resources and Land Evaluation