Arkansas Association of Professional Soil Classifiers (AAPSC)
The Arkansas Association of Professional Soil Classifiers (AAPSC) is a professional non-profit organization dedicated to promotion of the profession of soil classification, mapping, interpretations, conservation, and wise land use. Our members include consultants, researchers, educators, wetland scientists, environmental health specialists, students, and others committed to study and stewardship of Arkansas's soils.
AAPSC Annual Meeting:
October 15-16, 2026
Thursday, October 15 - Education/information sessions and business meeting
Friday, October 16 - Field Day (more info to come)
University of Arkansas Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center
15327 Hwy 1
Harrisburg, AR 72432
U of A Soil Judging Team Soliciting Donations to Support Soil Judging Activities
The University of Arkansas has a long-standing tradition of excellence in soil judging, with students participating in competitions since the early 1950s. Soil judging allows students to gain valuable hands-on experiences that deepen their understanding of soil formation, landscape processes, environmental interactions, soil classification, and soil-use ratings, and requires students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world conditions while developing technical, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that help them stand out in a competitive job market.
The U of A provides travel expenses for the Team coach and limited funds to support student equipment and travel expenses, but because of ever tightening university budgets, donor support is essential to provide the resources necessary for students to participate in regional and national competitions. Costs for a student to participate in a contest is approximately $900 but can be higher when air travel is required.
The AAPSC provides limited support for the U of A Soil Judging Team and other similar educational activities, but the Team is soliciting addition support from members and other individuals. By supporting soil judging, donors are investing not only in the team, but also in the education and training of the next generation of soil science professionals. As part of a campaign to help fund judging activities, the Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences at the U of A has established a web site to facilitate donations for judging activities, including Soil Judging. Please consider donating to this important activity.
The link to the site is Bumpers Judging Teams · GiveCampus.
The site can also be reached by scanning the QR code
For additional information on Soil Judging, contact Dr. Kris Brye; kbrye@uark.edu.
AAPSC Mission
Organized in 1974, the mission of the AAPSC is to increase the dissemination of information on and appreciation of soils as they relate to human welfare, agricultural and silvicultural production, protection of the environment, and conservation of the soil resource, the State and Nation’s most valuable non-renewable resource welfare.
AAPSC provides a forum for exchange of information on soil, encourages and enhances communication with other disciplines, serves as a body of opinion on matters relating to soil science and soil classification, and maintains professional standards in the application of soil science in Arkansas.
Membership is open to private consultants; federal, state, and county employees; university faculty and students; retirees; and anyone interested in the goals and objectives of Association and conservation of soils and related natural resources.
1. Promote the wise use of soil as a non-renewable natural resource.
2. Promote soil science education at all levels in Arkansas.
3. Advance the profession of soil classifiers and soil scientists.
4. Enhance public understanding and appreciation of soil as a critical resource contributing to ecosystem services that enhance human welfare.
5. Promote licensing of soil classifiers to protect the public interest.
6. Promote adherence to standards of ethical and professional conduct by licensed soil classifiers and others engaged in soil evaluation and management recommendations.
AAPSC Objectives
Questions about soils or soil use and management? Ask using the form below:
© 2026. All rights reserved.