MSc in Soils and Biogeochemistry in Davis United States | University of California Davis

The Soils and Biogeochemistry Graduate Group, based in the Land, Air and Water Resources department, provides M.S. and Ph.D. programs emphasizing research on soil processes across various landscapes and ecosystems. This interdisciplinary program examines the physical, chemical, and biological interactions governing mass and energy transfer in agricultural and natural environments, aiming to enhance ecosystem functionality, yield, and long-term viability. Investigations address how natural processes and human activities—particularly climate shifts, land modification, and contamination—affect soils at multiple scales, from local plots to global systems. Key research areas encompass: greenhouse gas dynamics, surface interactions of pesticides and trace elements, mineral breakdown, movement of natural and introduced chemicals, microbial communities in soil, carbon storage strategies, nutrient absorption and cycling in cultivated and natural ecosystems, sustainable farming practices, biodiversity assessment, erosion control, ecosystem service contributions, and soil formation patterns. This work bridges chemistry, physics, and biology while maintaining strong partnerships with agricultural producers, conservation organizations, policymakers, and other stakeholders. UC Davis's program enables soil research across California's varied environments, nationwide, and through international initiatives, focusing on farmlands, woodlands, prairies, wetlands, coastal zones, and urban areas.