The practice of soil science in Arkansas is regulated by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Originally established under Act 460 of 1975, the profession of Soil Classifying was regulated by the Arkansas State Board of Registration for Professional Soil Classifiers. Act 691 of 2023 abolished the board and transferred all regulatory authority to the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission.
Soil & Environmental Contacts
| Name | Company | Mailing Address | City/State/Zip | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Fowlkes | Cypress Tree Environmental Consulting, LLC | 608 Scotch Pine Drive | Jonesboro, AR 72404 | 870-219-4450 | [email protected] |
| Billy Garner | Garner Soil Classification Services | 675 Flat Rock Road | Booneville, AR 72927 | 479-206-0104 | [email protected] |
| Dr. Michel Ransom | Kansas State University, Department of Agronomy | 1712 Claflin Road | Manhattan, KS 66506-0110 | 785-770-7903 | [email protected] |
| Johnny Chism | — | 118 Karen Street | Harrison, AR 72601 | 870-715-8199 | [email protected] |
| Dr. Phillip Owens | — | 1104 North Sunset Drive | Fayetteville, AR 72701 | 765-586-4312 | [email protected] |
| Robert Goff | EarthTech, Inc. | P.O. Box 73 | Vilonia, AR 72173 | 501-472-1624 | [email protected] |
| Graham Thompson | Watershed Conservation Resource Center | 909 East Rolling Hills Drive | Fayetteville, AR 72703 | 479-444-1916 / 479-879-5712 | [email protected] |
| Edgar Mersiovsky | — | 19 Northlake Circle | Conway, AR 72032 | 501-328-5344 / 501-428-3057 | [email protected] |
| Steven Curtis Osier | Halff Associates, Inc. | 1465 East Joyce Blvd., Suite 200 | Fayetteville, AR 72703 | 479-595-5643 / 479-252-0090 | [email protected] |
| Dr. Sheri Herron | Herron Soil Interpretations, LLC | P.O. Box 1086 | Farmington, AR 72730 | 479-267-3991 / 479-236-3478 | [email protected] |
| Joseph Schuster | — | 4577 Azalea Lane | Vernon, FL 32462 | 850-819-0056 | [email protected] |
| Christopher Hatcher | Statewide Consulting, LLC | 315 45th Court | Meridian, MS 39301 | 662-422-7975 | [email protected] |
| Bodie Drake | PERC Pro, LLC | 13243 Puppy Creek Road, Suite 9 | Springdale, AR 72762 | 479-800-1574 | [email protected] |
| Dr. Larry West | Soil Systems, LLC | 3640 Monte Vallo Manor | Fayetteville, AR 72764 | 479-225-8201 | [email protected] |
| David Meints | Meinco, Inc. | P.O. Box 1001 | Bryant, AR 72089 | 501-821-3837 / 501-503-9829 | [email protected] |
| Zamir Libohova | — | 1247 East Sparrow Circle | Fayetteville, AR 72701 | 531-333-9245 | [email protected] |
Educational Requirements
Applicants must hold:
- A Bachelor of Science or higher degree in agricultural or physical sciences
- At least 30 semester hours in biological, physical, or earth sciences
- At least 15 semester hours in soil science, including:
- Soil classification and genesis
- Field instruction in site evaluation and soil description
Experience Requirements
Soil Classifier-In-Training
If you completed an approved soil science curriculum:
- No experience is required.
If you completed an unapproved curriculum:
- You must have 1 year of soil mapping and evaluation experience under:
- The National Cooperative Soil Survey Program, or
- A registered professional soil classifier
- Supervision must involve direct, on-site observation and training, unless otherwise approved.
Professional Soil Classifier
Applicants must have:
- A valid SCIT certificate
- 1 year of supervised field experience (or 2 years without SCIT)
- Demonstrated independent productivity
- A supervisor-approved and documented training plan (if outside of NCSS Program)
Application for Registration
Applications must be submitted using the official form and must include:
- Five references (3 from professional soil classifiers, 2 character references)
- Certified college transcripts
- Detailed work history
- Examples of soil science work and professional contributions
The Department may request additional documentation or an in-person appearance.
Exams
Soil Classifier-In-Training
- Fundamentals of Soil Classification – 75% to pass
- Field Examination – 75% to pass
Professional Soil Classifier
- Fundamentals of Soil Classification – 75%
- Principles and Practice of Soil Classifying – 75%
- Field Examination – 75%
Applicants may take both written exams on the same day. All applicants will receive written notice at least 20 days in advance of the exam date and location.
Field Exams
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency through:
- Field mapping
- Soil profile description
- On-site interpretation for specific uses
A 75% cumulative score is required to pass.
Fees
| Applications | $20.00 | |
| Initial Registration, Soil Classifier | $60.00 | |
| Initial Certification, Soil Classifier-In-Training | $50.00 | valid for four years |
| Reexamination | $20.00 | |
| Registration Renewal, Soil Classifier | $20.00 | |
| Late Renewals: Soil Classifier | $30.00 | plus $2.00 per month for each expired month |
Late renewals may be affected for up to three years. They are effective on August 1, following the June in which the certificate expired.
| Temporary Permits: | |
| Initial | $75.00 |
| Renewal | $60.00 |
Forms
- Application Packet
- Arkansas Professional Soil Classifier Renewal Form
- Change of Contact Information Form
Program Contact: Mary Elizabeth Lea
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (501) 682-3953