Contest Recap: The 5th International Soil Judging Contest Brings a Record 14 Countries Together in China
Published: August 2026 | Source: IUSS International Soil Judging Working Group
Eighteen teams representing 14 countries gathered in Nanjing, China, for the 5th International Soil Judging Contest, hosted by the Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (ISSAS). Held every four years alongside the World Congress of Soil Science, the 2026 edition had the highest participation ever recorded.
For the first time, contestants were asked to learn and apply two global soil classification systems — U.S. Soil Taxonomy and the World Reference Base for Soil Resources — across the loess deposits, fluvial soils and centuries-old terraced landscapes of the Nanjing and Jurong area.
Team USA Stripes took the title of World Champion Soil Judging Team, Team “Barefoot” Germany won the group judging, and Holden Mrizek was the highest scoring individual of the 72 contestants. The full recap, with photo galleries from the training, the field, the contest and the awards ceremony, is on the article page.
A National Soil Judging Contest Prepares College Students to Steward the Land
Published: June 24, 2025 | Source: Civil Eats
The National Collegiate Soil Judging Contest brings together students from across the country to evaluate soil profiles, classify soils, and make land use recommendations. This hands-on competition not only tests students' knowledge of soil science but also prepares them for careers in environmental stewardship, agriculture, and land management.
Participants learn to assess soil properties such as texture, structure, color, and horizons, while also understanding the broader implications of soil health for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management. The contest emphasizes the critical role that soil scientists play in addressing global challenges like food security, climate change, and environmental conservation.
Through this competition, students develop practical field skills that complement their academic training, fostering a new generation of professionals dedicated to protecting and managing our soil resources.
Wisconsin-Stevens Point Hosts 2025 National Collegiate Soil Judging Contest
Published: June 2025 | Source: CSA News - Crop Science Society of America
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point proudly hosted the 2025 National Collegiate Soil Judging Contest, bringing together top soil science students from universities across the nation. This prestigious event showcased the talents of young soil scientists as they competed in evaluating diverse soil profiles from the Wisconsin landscape.
The contest featured multiple soil pits representing different soil orders and land use scenarios, challenging students to apply their knowledge of soil morphology, classification systems, and land use interpretation. Teams worked collaboratively to describe soil horizons, determine soil taxonomy, and provide recommendations for sustainable land management.
Hosting this national event highlights Wisconsin-Stevens-Point's commitment to soil science education and its recognition as a leader in preparing students for careers in soil conservation, environmental consulting, and agricultural management. The contest also provided valuable networking opportunities for students, educators, and professionals in the soil science community.