What is the study involving the properties and management of soil called?

The study involving the properties and management of soil is called soil science. This discipline encompasses a thorough understanding of soil formation, classification, and mapping, as well as its physical, chemical, biological, and mineralogical properties. Soil science plays a crucial role in agriculture, environmental management, and sustainability, as it helps in understanding how soils interact with plants, water, and the atmosphere. By studying soil, scientists can develop better management practices to enhance soil health, improve crop yields, and mitigate issues such as erosion and pollution.

While agronomy focuses on crop production and soil management, and horticulture deals with the cultivation of plants, soil science is specifically dedicated to investigating and managing soil itself. Environmental science encompasses broader ecological principles, which may include elements of soil study, but it is not exclusively focused on soil. Thus, the choice identifying soil science accurately reflects this specialized area of study.