Randal Southard

Randal Southard was raised in Utah, New York and Montana. He received a B.S. in biology and M.S. in soil science from Utah State University in Logan, and earned his Ph.D. in soil science from North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

Southard came to UC Davis in 1983. As a soil science professor and soil scientist in the Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, he conducts research on soil genesis, morphology and classification; soil-geomorphic relations; and soil mineralogy. His most recent research focuses on the mineralogy and health effects of agricultural dust and asbestos, and on the effects of soil mineralogy and weathering on potassium fixation and silica chemistry.

Southard teaches courses in environmental science, pedology and field studies of soils and co-authored the textbook Soil Genesis and Classification. He was vice-chair of soils and biogeochemistry in the Department of Land, Air and Water Resources prior to his appointment as associate dean in 1999.

Southard has served as chair of the Western Regional Coordinating Committee on Soil Survey and president of the Western Society of Soil Science, and is active with the National Cooperative Soil Survey. He is currently a member of the board of directors of the Soil Science Society of America and is an elected fellow of that society. He also serves as the campus representative to the Council of Environmental Deans and Directors.