What is the scientific study of soil known as?

The scientific study of soil is known as pedology. This field focuses on understanding the formation, classification, and mapping of soils, as well as their physical, chemical, and biological properties. Pedologists often explore the interactions between soil and the environment, which includes studying how soils influence agriculture, ecology, and climate.

Paleontology, on the other hand, is the study of ancient life through the examination of fossilized remains, providing insights mainly into historical biology and evolution. Geology pertains to the study of the Earth’s physical structure, substance, history, and processes, while botany is the scientific study of plants and their biology. Each of these fields has distinct objectives and areas of study, making pedology uniquely focused on the aspects of soil as a fundamental component of the Earth's ecosystem.