Soil and the Environment Objectives and Methodology The objectives of Soil and the Environment are to introduce the critical field of study, soil science; and to understand the necessity of soil science in solving environmental problems. Key concepts from soils science will be introduced, and various environmental problems will be studied, such as groundwater contamination from agricultural chemicals and hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. Develop capabilities to assess environmental problems and use soil science management methods to reduce and avoid environmental degradation.