pedology

n.
The study of the physical and mental development and characteristics of children.

[PEDO-² + -LOGY.]

pedologic pe'do·log'ic (-də-lŏj'ĭk) or pe'do·log'i·cal (-ĭ-kəl) adj.
pedologically pe'do·log'i·cal·ly adv.
pedologist pe·dol'o·gist n.

pe·dol·o·gy² (pĭ-dŏl'ə-jē, pĕ-)
n.
The scientific study of soils, including their origins, characteristics, and uses.

[PEDO-¹ + -LOGY.]

pedologic ped'o·log'ic (pĕd'l-ŏj'ĭk) or ped'o·log'i·cal (-ĭ-kəl) adj.
pedologically ped'o·log'i·cal·ly adv.
pedologist pe·dol'o·gist n.

(pi-DOL-uh-jee)

noun
The study of soil: its formation, usage, classification, etc. Also called soil science.

Etymology
From Greek pedon (soil)

If at first you thought pedology was the study of children, you're not completely off. Using the Greek prefix pedo- (child), this term can refer to the field concerned with the development of little ones. But for everyone's sanity, pedology is mostly used when referring to soils, and pediatrics for children. Imagine taking your sick child to a pedologist who turns out to be an expert in soils or expecting a soil specialist to check your backyard when she shows up with a stethoscope around her neck.

Usage
"Accra's underlying geology and pedology makes the permeability of water difficult." — Ken Mensah; Rain, Rain Go Away; Ghanaian Chronicle (Accra); May 27, 2004.

"University of Illinois pedology professor Dr. Robert Carmody uses a spade to smooth the wall of a soil pit at the school's South Farms." — Charlyn Fargo; Nature's Greatest Gift; State Journal Register (Springfield, Illinois); Jun 21, 2002.

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For more information on pedology, visit Britannica.com.

Defined narrowly, a science that is concerned with the nature and arrangement of horizons in soil profiles; the physical constitution and chemical composition of soils; the occurrence of soils in relation to one another and to other elements of the environment such as climate, natural vegetation, topography, and rocks; and the modes of origin of soils. Pedology so defined does not include soil technology, which is concerned with uses of soils.

Broadly, pedology is the science of the nature, properties, formation, distribution, and function of soils, and of their response to use, management, and manipulation. The first definition is widely used in the United States and less so in other countries. The second definition is worldwide. See also Soil; Soil mechanics.

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The science of soils: their characteristics, development, and distribution.

[Ge]

Study and analysis of soils, in particular their origins, development, character, and distribution.