american geosciences institute
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Soil and Plant Scientists

Credit: Soil Science, CC BY 2.0 on Flickr

Soil and plant scientists may work in laboratories, greenhouses, or in outdoor settings to maximize plant growth, especially crops. Their work requires a moderate to extensive background in the geosciences to complete tasks such as:

  • Studying soil composition, crop production, and plant growth to develop methods for improving crop yields and managing soil fertility.

  • Collecting and analyzing soil samples, conducting experiments, and monitoring crops.

  • Developing recommendations for farmers or other landowners on how to best manage their land and crops.

  • Working with other scientists, engineers, and technicians to solve complex problems.

  • Classifying soils by their chemical, physical, mineral, and biological composition. This may also include mapping soil types.

Read more about this occupation on O*NET OnLine at www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-1013.00

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