Vision

Since its inception in 1999, Pedosphere.com aimed to become an extensive repository of Soil Science knowledge through partnerships with major international organizations and also be an active player in global Soil Science education by creating high quality, interactive resources that engage both students and instructors. The development of internet technologies has lead to a glut of information, therefore, there is a tremendous need to organize information, convert it to knowledge and manage the knowledge for specific purposes such as global education. The original aims of becoming key Soil Science knowledge managers and active global educators is now entering its second phase of actualization.

Inspiration

The most inspiring statement that is driving us is the following excerpt from remarks by His Highness the Aga Khan at the State Banquet (Dhaka, Bangladesh) on 19 May 2008:
 
"Technology is also transforming our economic lives. Economic value is no longer tied to how much land one controls - or how many machines or factories one owns. Within our lifetimes, predominantly "Agricultural Societies" and "Industrial Societies" of the past have been joined - and sometimes supplanted - by what many call the "Knowledge Society," propelled by the digital revolution, and focusing on the creation and management of information. In a Knowledge Society, the most productive investments we can make are investments in education."

Expertise

Pedosphere.com is dedicated to publishing Soil Science literature and resources in print and electronic media. Our expertise in the field of knowledge management lies in the integration of three distinct spheres in global Soil Science education (teaching methods, subject area expertise and information technology) and has been recognized by different audiences and institutions at a local, national and international levels.

Knowledge Management Projects

The first volume of 'The Pedosphere and Its Dynamics: A Systems Approach to Soil Science' book series 'Introduction to Soil Science and Soil Resources' was published in 1999 and has been reprinted four times. The current version, 1.3, is being upgraded to a second edition. The content of the first edition is organized into 12 chapters. Each subsection has three headings: definitions, concepts and applications. We have done this to ensure that the users can master the terminology necessary to understand the major concepts being presented and apply these to solve problems. This approach also makes active use of the glossary and allows the user to master the content efficiently. The second edition will have a similar design, more content and is expected to be published in Summer 2009. This example also illustrates our commitment to design products which enhance teaching and learning. Full story ...

The second example of knowledge management is the Pedosphere.com Soil Science Test Center which provides interactivity for learning and exploring Soil Science and soil resources at an introductory level. It also allows the user to custom design sample quizzes, practice mid-terms & practice final exams. Answers and explanations for each question attempted provide quick and precise feedback, and encourage learning. Performance is measured in terms of overall score, and scores for definitions, concepts and applications. This unique approach identifies competency as well as weaknesses in comprehension of the course material. All these resources have been designed to engage the user in learning the material and also help the instructors to deliver their courses. Full story ...

The third example of knowledge management is through productive national and international collaborations which have led to the development of searchable versions of two major books: 'Keys to Soil Taxonomy' 8th edition (USDA-NRCS, Lincoln, Nebraska), and the 'Canadian System of Soil Classification', 3rd edition (Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada and NRC Research Press, Ottawa, Ontario). These resources are accessible to a global audience. Efforts are underway to bring a searchable version of 'World Reference Base for Soil Resources', FAO's World Soil Resources Report number 84 online. Full story...

The fourth example of knowledge management is through the production of several educational resources such as editorials, interviews with prominent international Soil Scientists, Soil Science glossary, Soil Physics and Soil Classification utilities and photo journals for virtual field trips. Full story...

Objectives

We have created these resources to:

1. raise the profile of the discipline of Soil Science;
2. show how Soil Science is or can be integrated with other disciplines in Earth System Science;
3. set a global educational standard which would aid in the evaluation and transfer of credits for Soil Science courses among different institutions around the world;
4. help instructors deliver Soil Science courses using a systems approach to address current issues in agriculture, forestry, ecology and environmental sciences; and
5. generate a global awareness of the importance of Soil Science to humanity.

Leadership

In 1999, Dr. Noorallah Juma took the initiative to establish pedosphere.com. He retired on September 30, 2008 from the University of Alberta and holds the status of Professor Emeritus of Soil Science in the Department of Renewable Resources. During his 25 year tenure at the University of Albera, he taught courses and conducted research in the fields of Soil Microbiology, Soil Biochemistry, Soil Ecology, General Soil Science, Soil Remediation, Soil Fertility, and Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture. He is the Team Leader of Pedosphere.com and is now pursuing his passion of Soil Science knowledge management and global Soil Science education. Full story...