WHAT IS CROP SCIENCE?
Crop science involves applying biological, chemical, and physical principles to the growth of crops. The goal is often to increase the effectiveness of crop production in order to either produce nutrition for humans, feed for animals, for the floral industry, or to give farmers the tools and knowledge to make better economical and environmental decisions. It is a creative, problem-solving process which has brought about great changes in modern crop production and management.
Crop Science is important economically to support the growers' market, which in turn affects the produce, grain, feed, and floral industry, which directly affects all aspects of the food we eat. Crop Science is important environmentally because we need to make sure that new methods are sustainable and do not damage groundwater, create run-off contamination, or interfere with the healthy balance of plant, animal, and microorganism life.
WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS?
Crop Science students can expect to study the application of biological and chemical technology to understand how to improve food production while protecting the environment. It is a broad field with many specialties, so crop science majors may choose to focus on anything from agronomy, horticulture, or floriculture, to genetics, chemistry, computer science, animal science, botany, economics, business, engineering, entomology, and plant pathology. Specific courses we've seen include:
- Animal Agriculture
- Economic Organization of Agriculture
- Equipment, Structures, Power Systems
- Soil Science and Fertility
- Crop, Weed, Pest Identification
- Introduction to Horticulture
- Grain, Seed, & Breeding Techniques
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Great Resources
on Crop Science
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- Plant Physiology
- Fertilizers, Pesticides and Growth Regulators
- Geomorphology
- Weather and Climate
- Organic Chemisrty
- Plant Tissue Culture
- Fruit & Vegetable Production
- Soil Morphology & Classification
- Agricultural & Environmental Quality
- Greenhouse Crop Production
- Special Problems in Plant Biotechnology
- Soil and Water Conservation
- Forage Crops
CAREERS AND SALARY OUTLOOK
Crop Scientists conduct research in production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. They may also classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Within the private sector, agrochemical, seed, grain, greenhouse, nursery, and food processing companies employ crop scientists. Crop scientists may also become farmers or professional agricultural consultants who advise farmers. Within the public sector, it's also possible to be employed in various vocations with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), local and regional planning agencies, and the Cooperative Extension Service. Position titles that we've seen include:
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Career Guidance
on Crop Science
 In crop science, you'd better be ready to get your hands dirty, according to international expert Dr. Ancha Srinivasan. He shares his views in this exclusive interview.  >>>
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- Agribusiness Sales and Service
- Crop Protection Specialist/Consultant
- Farm Owner / Manager
- Agricultural Business Manager
- Soil and Water Conservation Scientist
- Agricultural Chemical Sales Representative
- Agricultural Extension Agent
- Agricultural Missionary
- International Agriculturalist
- Herbicide Specialist
- Soil Analyst
- Industrial Agronomist
- Research Leader / Technician
- Land Use Consultant
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that agricultural and food scientists had median annual earnings of $48,670 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned an average of between $35,770 and $65,990 during that year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $85,000 . Check out full report from BLS on careers in Agricultural and Food Scientists here.
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