土壤学是研究土壤及其生成的学科，是自然地理学的分支。它对研究植物的生长，繁殖以至分布都起着重要影响。 从农业角度来看，土壤是指陆地上能够让植物生长的疏松表层。

英语pedology源于希腊语的pedon(土地)。

Agrology (from Greek ἀγρός, agros, "field, tilled land"; and -λογία, -logia) is the branch of soil science dealing with the production of crops. The use of the term is most active in Canada. Use of the term outside Canada is sporadic but significant. The term appears especially well established in Russia and China, with agrologists on university faculty lists and agrology curricula.