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James Thompson, PhD
Professor of Soil Science

Research

At any given time, I am involved in several different research projects. To learn more about some of those projects, click on the links below.

Pedometrics

Pedometrics is, “The application of mathematical and statistical methods for the quantitative modeling of soils, with the purpose of analyzing its distribution, properties and behavior.”

Our research program combines pedology, geomorphology, and hydrology to better understand:

  • How and why soils vary across landscapes (particularly at different scales),
  • How to measure and model soil variability, and
  • How this variability affects land use decision-making and environmental quality.

Our approach includes:

  • Analysis of soil survey and other natural resource databases,
  • Use of innovative soil survey techniques for modeling and mapping soil variability at various scales, and
  • Analysis of hydrologic processes and the effects of soil variability on water quality at hillslope, watershed, and regional scales.

Learn More About Pedometrics


GlobalSoilMap.Net

A global consortium has been formed that aims to make a new digital soil map of the world using state-of-the-art and emerging technologies for soil mapping and predicting soil properties at fine resolution. This new global soil map will be supplemented by interpretation and functionality options that aim to assist better decisions in a range of global issues like food production and hunger eradication, climate change, and environmental degradation. This is an initiative of the Digital Soil Mapping Working Group of the International Union of Soil Sciences IUSS.

Learn More About Global Soil Map