IRSS Study Materials

Soil Science Fundamentals Exam:

This exam is based largely on questions used in the introductory soil science course at Purdue University, AGRY 25500. Sample questions are available for you to study. Purdue students can access them through the website: Purdue University - Detailed Course Information

Indiana Soils and Field Skills Exam:

  1. Primary Study Materials:

      1. Franzmeier, D.P., G.C. Steinhardt, and D.G. Schulze, 2004. Indiana Soils and Landscape Evaluation Manual: Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. Available from Purdue Media Distribution Center.

      2. Jackson, M.T., editor. 1997. The Natural Heritage of Indiana. Indiana University Press, Bloomington. In this book, the following chapters:  Franzmeier, D.P. Cradle of Life: Soils. Chapter 4, pages 45-58.

  2. Reference Materials:

    1. Jackson, M.T., editor. 1997. The Natural Heritage of Indiana. Indiana University Press, Bloomington. In this book, the following chapters:

      1. Howe, R.C. Of Time, Rocks and Ancient Life: Bedrock Geology. Chapter 1, Pages 3-14.

      2. Melhorn, W.N. Indiana on Ice: The Late Tertiary and Ice Age History of Indiana Landscapes. Chapter 2, Pages 15-27.

      3. Gray, H.H. The View From the Window: Physiography. Chapter 3, pages 28-44.

    2. Schoenberger, P.J., D.A. Wysocki, E.C. Benham, W.D. Broderson. (editors). 2002. Field Book for Describing and Sampling Soils. Version 2.0. Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE.

    3. Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil Survey Manual. Agric. Handbook 18. USDA, NRCS. U.S. Govt. Print. Office, Washington, D.C.

    4. Soil Survey Division Staff. 1999. Soil Taxonomy, A Basic Method for Making and Interpreting Soil Surveys, 2nd Ed. Agric. Handbook 436. USDA, NRCS. U.S. Govt. Print. Office, Washington, D.C.