BS Crop and Soil Science

This major offers the following option(s):

Also available via Ecampus.

Crop and Soil Science encompasses everything from soils to seeds: natural systems, field crop agriculture, rural and urban economies, and natural resource management. Through a diverse set of course offerings, and collaboration between the public and private sectors, Crop and Soil Science students develop the knowledge and skills to improve the future of farming and natural resource systems in Oregon and beyond. The program focuses on topics related to safe, stable food systems, promoting sustainable practices in agriculture, and understanding and protecting our water and soil resources. The major has three options: Soil Science, Agronomy, or Plant Breeding & Genetics.

The Soil Science option provides students with a solid understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of this essential natural resource. Soil science students explore issues including water quality and management, organic crop production, erosion and sedimentation, land use and reclamation, and soil health and sustainability. Soil science professionals solve real-world, sustainable living problems in urban, agricultural, forest, rangeland, and other natural systems.

Students in the Agronomy option gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be active contributors in producing food, feed, fiber, and energy crops for our world. Agronomic professionals have the expertise to utilize the potentials of a given production system and to choose plant materials and crop production practices that optimize production while minimizing environmental impact, which requires in-depth knowledge of plants, plant genetics, plant pests, soils, soil fertility, production equipment, economics, and politics to be successful.

The Plant Breeding and Genetics option provides an interdisciplinary approach to applied plant breeding and practical experience in breeding and genetic analysis working in the greenhouse, field, and laboratory. Students gain fundamental knowledge in plant breeding that may be applied to a range of crops including annual and perennial horticultural crops, agronomic food and feed crops, and forestry products. In addition to many other important qualities, plant breeders work to develop crops with stronger yields, better disease resistance, and increased tolerance to climate change.

Major Code: 120