The Mid-Atlantic Association of Professional Soil Scientists (MAPSS) is a non- profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the profession of soil science and the protection of the public interest in matters related to soil science. The Association was organized in 1987 and serves professionals primarily in the Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia area. The membership consists of private consultants, federal government employees, university faculty, state and county employees and other individuals interested in the goals and objectives of the Association in the Mid-Atlantic region.

 
 

Soil Judging Nationals 2026

University of Maryland Soil Judging Team at the 2026 National Competition in Raleigh, NC. L to R: Kelsey Genovese, Helen McConville, Emily O’Neill, Sage Greiner, Crystal Kitburi, Ellie Rogers, Tyler Demory, Martin Rabenhorst (Coach) Spencer Goldberg, Zie Goodman (7th place), Anya Olson, Cole Chapman (3rd place).

The 2026 National Collegiate Soils Contest was recently hosted by North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC.  Led by UMD veteran coach Martin Rabenhorst, the team land in 7th place in Group Judging, but secured 3nd place overall among a record 28 universities.  Two individual soil judgers, Cole Chapman and Zie Goodman made it into the top 10 and have been invited to compete in the International Soil Judging Competition this June in Nanjing, China.

Read More HERE>

Our Newsletter

Pulling a monolith from a glenelg pit

Get a recap on the 2024 NE Regional Soil Judging Contest in Rhode Island and the 2025 national contest in Wisconsin, as well as MAPSS business updates and info on future in-field trainings. PLEASE CONSIDER SUBMITTING SOMETHING OF INTEREST FOR PUBLICATION IN THE NEXT ISSUE!

Summer 2025: Vol. 36: Issue 1

 

Sassafras: MD State Soil

A typical profile of sassafras soil series

Sassafras is one of the earliest established soil series and the prevalent throughout the Coastal Plain in Maryland.

Read More HERE>