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Judging Teams


Soil Judging Team

Coach: Dr. Jon Sandor (jasandor@iastate.edu)

The Soil Judging Team evaluates soil properties and considers land-use potential. The team competes in local, regional, and national competitions with other collegiate teams. It is a great way to get hands-on experience.

The 2003-2004 Soil Judging Team at Regionals in Missouri students on the judging team

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Soil Judging contests consist of four subject areas:

  • Recognizing soil horizons and describing the properites of each.
  • Analyzing the landscape and geology of the site.
  • Classifying the soils according to the U.S. Soil Taxonomy.
  • Interpreting soil information for agricultural, engineering, and other land uses.

Crop Judging Team

Contact: Dr. Lance Gibson (lgibson@iastate.edu)

The crops contest consists of a series of written, problem-solving and identification exams. The Iowa Crop Improvement Association sponsors the team.

2004 Crop Judging Team member Mary Gilles 2004 Crop Judging Team member Ryan Schnoes works on the written part of the contest.

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