Soil science uses geology, soil, rock, and other particulates as a trace evidence type within criminal investigations.

The diversity and almost limitless number of soils and particulate materials are unique due to their variation in shape, size, colour, grain distribution, material type, and mineralogy.

Soil evidence can be used to link pertinent places with deposition and contact sites and other scenes of interest, to associate potential suspects with victims, and can also assist in the search and location of bodies. It can also provide intelligence, insight and discriminating evidence of contact (footwear, clothing, implements, etc.).