Main Content
Learn the fundamentals of soil science and soil management for urban gardens and farms. Understand how to evaluate soil conditions, interpret soil test results, and improve soil health for productive, sustainable food production.
Course Details
Price: $40
Registration Closes: August 28, 2026
Course Dates: September 21-October 4, 2026
Who Should Take This Course
This course is designed for people who are actively growing food in an urban setting, such as community gardeners, nonprofit farmers, and small/emerging commercial growers, including those with little or no formal agricultural training. Participants should currently have access to a garden or farm space, since course assignments will involve applying lessons to your own site.
Course Objectives
Healthy soils are the foundation of successful urban food production.
This course introduces the fundamentals of soil science and practical soil management for urban growers using research-backed practices taught by Rutgers subject matter experts. You will learn how soil properties influence plant health, how to interpret soil test results, identify common challenges such as compaction and contamination, and develop practical strategies to improve soil health in urban agriculture settings.
You will learn how to:
- Explain the basic components and functions of soil
- Identify different soil types and understand how texture, structure, pH, and compaction affect plant growth
- Collect soil samples and interpret basic soil test results
- Identify common soil-related challenges in urban environments, including contamination concerns
- Apply practical strategies to improve soil health and fertility
- Develop a basic site-specific Soil Management Plan
Course Format
This course combines online learning with hands-on practice:
- Online lessons (self-paced): Short videos and quizzes you can complete on your own time
- At-home activities: Apply what you learn to your own growing space
- Optional online office hours: Chat with the instructor about your questions in real time online during designated office hours if you want extra support.
Time Commitment
About 3.5 total hours over 3 weeks, including:
- ~2 hours of online lessons
- ~1.5 hours of at-home activities
You can complete the online portion when it works for your schedule.
Meet Your Instructors
Ashaki Rouff, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Rutgers University–Newark and the PI and Director of the Newark Geoscience Ecosystem (NewGeo). Her research focuses on urban geochemistry, soil contamination, and sustainable soil management. She teaches geochemistry and urban environmental science and is a researcher with numerous scientific publications.
Shavonne N. Hylton, Ph.D. is the Program Coordinator for the Newark Geoscience Ecosystem (NewGeo) at Rutgers University–Newark. An environmental health scientist, her work focuses on environmental exposures and urban health. She has experience in environmental health, public health, and higher education and has authored numerous scientific publications.
Evert Elzinga, Ph.D. is a Professor of Environmental Geochemistry and Soil Chemistry in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Rutgers University–Newark and a member of NewGeo. His research examines how contaminants interact with soils and water, with a focus on soil chemistry and environmental geochemistry. He teaches soil science and geochemistry and has authored numerous scientific publications.
Why This Course Matters
Healthy soil is essential for productive urban agriculture. This course helps you:
- Improve soil health and crop productivity
- Better understand and manage soil-related challenges
- Make informed decisions using soil test results Build practical soil management skills for long-term growing success
What You’ll Walk Away With
By the end of the course, you will have:
- Taken a soil test and received a lab analysis report for your growing space
- A basic Soil Management Plan that you develop for your own site
- Practical skills for evaluating and improving soil health
- A Rutgers certificate of completion to demonstrate your training and knowledge
- Unlimited access to course content after the course ends so you can revisit lessons and resources whenever you need them
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to complete all coursework by the course end date to get my certificate?
Yes. You will need to complete all required coursework with a passing grade by the course close date to receive your certificate of completion. Class lessons will be released during the first two weeks of the course; the third week is for you to catch up on any coursework you weren’t able to finish earlier.
If I don’t pass an assignment at first, can I fix it and resubmit it?
Yes. If you do not pass an assignment on your first attempt, you will have the opportunity to review feedback, make improvements, and resubmit your work. Our goal is to help participants learn the material and build real skills they can use in their garden or farm. We want you to succeed in the course and earn your certificate of completion.
Have more questions?
Contact Carenny Reyes.