U of I has been involved in soil judging since the 1980s but had never ranked in the top five before. Their previous best was sixth place in 2024 and seventh in 2023. This victory marks the first time a team from the Northwest region has won the competition.
U of I's team, the smallest to win since West Virginia University in 2016, scored 2,819 points. The University of Delaware and the University of Maryland followed with 2,749 and 2,721 points, respectively.
The contest required participants to assess soil pits individually and as a team, evaluating texture, color, structure, wetness indicators, and other properties.
They identified hydrologic, geologic, and agronomic characteristics, assigned taxonomic classifications, and interpreted practical uses for the soil, including home construction, septic tank drainage, and road construction.
A new feature this year was assessing potato growing suitability, which benefited U of I due to Wisconsin's potato industry. Each participant had an hour to complete their evaluations.
Other team members included Tobee Holman, Logan Mann, Daniel Middelhoven, and Hannah Poland. The team was coached by Paul Tietz and MaryBeth Gavin, with Robert Heinse as the advisor. Donations from corporate supporters and individuals helped cover travel costs.
Looking ahead, U of I will compete in Grand Junction, Colorado, next year, aiming for their fourth consecutive regional title.
The 2026 National Collegiate Soil Judging Contest will be hosted by North Carolina State University, and winners will advance to the World Congress of Soil Science International Soil Judging Contest in Nanjing, China, in June 2026.
Photo Credit: UI Soil Judging 2025_trophy