USask AgBio graduate digs into soil and environmental sciences – Information

“The University of Agriculture and Bioresources (AgBio) made available the prospect to get an schooling in environmental science although having the opportunity to master about agriculture as properly,” explained Robertson. “This permitted me to obtain an education and learning that would open up the door to quite a few career options in Saskatchewan, both in the pure methods and agriculture industries.”

A palms-on discovering encounter that stood out to Robertson through his degree was working as an undergraduate research assistant in the Applied Pedology Lab in AgBio.

In this situation he was accountable for processing soil samples by separating the natural and organic make any difference in the soil into two teams: refreshing and well decomposed. In addition, he assisted with field sampling, preparing samples for analysis, and carrying out pH/EC screening.

Doing work as a research assistant influenced Robertson to produce an undergraduate thesis, “Comparison of Natural and organic Matter Types in Cultivated Wetlands at Depth and Between Two Soil Zones in Saskatchewan.” His thesis was supervised by Dr. Angela Bedard-Haughn (PhD), dean and professor in AgBio. Robertson’s thesis was a subset of PhD university student Chantel Chizen’s investigate on soil carbon storage in cultivated wetlands throughout Saskatchewan. Chizen provided Robertson with steering on the writing and investigate of his thesis.

“This research will assistance with cultivated wetlands security mechanisms and guideline future management procedures. In agriculture, investigation is vital in advancing management tactics,” reported Robertson.

Another hands-on understanding working experience that benefited Robertson all through his time in AgBio was the EVSC 380 Grassland Soils and Vegetation area program. Throughout this five-day subject program, students study the soils, vegetation, and landscape of the prairie ecozone.

“Trying to study how to recognize soils and grasses is difficult by way of a computer or book. The greatest way to get expertise in figuring out soil and plant traits is currently being in the area and getting other men and women all over you to study from,” he claimed.

Robertson designed time to collaborate with classmates outside of course as well, and was the president of the Environmental and Bioresources Student Association for the 2022/23 tutorial year. He also excelled academically and is the recipient of the P.M. and Y.Y. Huang Distinguished Undergraduate Award in Soil Science, awarded to the most distinguished graduate with a specialization in soil science. He was also the recipient of 11 scholarships all through his time at USask.

“All of the buddies and colleagues I have satisfied at the Higher education of Agriculture and Bioresources, and the assist provided by professors and training assistants, has contributed to a perception of group and prospects for networking that would be challenging to rival in any other institution,” he explained.

Robertson has previously secured publish-graduation employment as an Ag innovation apprentice for Simplot Grower Solutions and is hunting ahead to the long run.

“I hope to carry on to find out and improve as a specialist in the agriculture industry in Saskatchewan,” said Robertson.