Major: Soil Science
When he said that an army marches on its stomach, Napoleon captured in a few words the importance of food. However, food is only as good as the soil from which it grows.
Majors in soil science learn the answers to questions like these: Which fertilizers work best for different fruits and vegetables? What types of soils do wheat and corn prefer? And which methods best control weeds? The answers can make or break farmers, and agronomists find great satisfaction doing their part in feeding the world.
Soil science majors learn about the chemistry, biology, use, management, and conservation of different kinds of soil.
“Everything from agriculture to industry is affected in some way by soils.”
Kristin, sophomore, environmental soil science, University of Delaware
Are You Ready To...?
- Travel to other countries and work with local farmers
- Keep up with new technologies
- Analyze the mineral content of soil samples
- Specialize in a crop type and stick with it
- Advise farmers on how to better conserve soil
It Helps to Be...
Curious, analytical, self-motivated, interested in science and nature, and passionate about solving world food problems.
College Checklist
- Does the department offer courses in your area of specialization or is it influenced by local agriculture?
- How many faculty members are in the department?
- Are most courses taught by faculty members or graduate students?
- Is there a strong program offering both national and international internships?
- Is academic advising a high priority?
- Is there a club for agronomy majors?
Did You Know?
- Agronomists today take on many environmental issues from herbicide use to genetic engineering and soil conservation to organic agriculture.
Course Spotlight
You may need to choose a single type of crop to focus on in your studies. Crop science, a course you'll probably take in your second year, is an excellent opportunity to make that important decision. The course provides an overview of the major crop species and teaches the basics ideas behind crop science. You may do hands-on work with actual plants in the lab and on field trips to farms where different crops are raised.
