Master in Soil Sciences: a specialized program necessary for our country

Chile is characterized by being a country with varied ecosystems, and a great wealth of soils, however, only a minimum percentage of researchers is dedicated to the study and specialization of the same, which allows generating sustainable management strategies and policies based on scientific evidence. That is why the UACh Master’s in Soil Sciences presents itself as a great opportunity for new professionals.

The Master’s program in Soil Sciences at the Universidad Austral de Chile is characterized by generating specialists with scientific and methodological knowledge, associated with the ecosystem functions of soils.

This is governed by two lines of research, the study of ecosystem functions and soil fertility, nutrition and contamination. Lines associated with the trajectory of its director Susana Valle, Agronomist and specialist in Soil Sciences.

“Currently there are few programs focused on Soil Sciences, it is not something massive, and what distinguishes us is that we focus on the study of the ecosystem functions of soils, that is particular and unique at the country level” highlights the academic.

The objective of this program is the training of researchers with an undergraduate degree in Agronomy, Forest Engineering, Geography, Geology and other related disciplines. And that they are able to use knowledge and critical analysis from scientific and technological principles to address problems and present solutions in the field of soil management in the country.

To this end, the program approaches from a perspective of generating basic knowledge and/or applied to the different fields of agronomic and/or environmental sciences. In order that graduates can direct and evaluate basic and/or applied research programs in the field of management and conservation of natural resources, soil, water and edaphic biodiversity. In addition to developing research programs in chemical companies in agroecosystems that contain standards for sustainable management of fertilization of crops, meadows and fruit trees.

The program is made up of 4 semesters, 2 of them with subjects and 2 with thesis project and Thesis. And, it is currently accredited until 2028. Today its main challenge is to continue improving the accreditation indicators (CNA): “such as scientific productivity and graduation times and the projection is to improve them hopefully in the short term.” What ended is also a seal of quality for our graduates, concluded Susana Valle.