SoilTech (The Center for Soil Technologies)

SoilTech (The Center for Soil Technologies) is a National Science Foundation Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) led by the University of Southern California in collaboration with the University of Connecticut, University of Washington, and Iowa State University. SoilTech seeks industry, government and foundation collaboration via membership in SoilTech's Industry Advisory Board (IAB). SoilTech's mission is to develop next-generation sensor systems capable of in-situ measurement of dynamic variables in managed and unmanaged soils. With direction and mentorship provided by the Industry Advisory Board, SoilTech researchers at our participating universities carry out research in areas such as sensor development, soil health monitoring, ground penetration, data transmission, data analytics, dynamic models and visualization tools, thus enabling scientists and engineers to gain deeper understanding of dynamic processes in soils. SoilTech will provide the underlying science and engineering necessary to develop new, more efficient and more comprehensive ways of studying soil properties and managing soils and natural resources. This will lead to broad societal benefits such as reduced soil and water contamination, improvements to agricultural practices, and food security, and management of the nitrogen cycle.