College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Curricula in Agronomy
The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences is multidisciplinary in character, including field crops; soil and water; forage and turf; weed science; and food science and technology. The department offers curricula in agronomy, and plant and environmental soil science.
Agronomy is a combination of crop science and soil science, dealing with the inventory, analysis, manipulation and management of soils, and the many phases of breeding and producing crops for food, feed, fiber and recreation. Proper use and conservation of soils and efficient production of crops are of paramount importance to the health and quality of life enjoyed by society.
Agronomy encompasses two main areas of interest: (1) crops—the study of the principles involved in production, management (including weed control), marketing and use of fiber, forage, grain, oil, and turf crops; also food science and technology as related to cereals and oil crops; and (2) soils—the study of their nature, properties, management, conservation and use. The well-trained agronomist may choose a career in: education—consulting, extension or public relations activities; production agriculture—seed production, farming and farm management; soil and water resource management—soil surveying, land appraisal, land use planning, conservation and pollution abatement; agro-business—fertilizers, herbicides, weed control, seeds and turf; agronomic research with crops, soils; or the fields of environmental protection and pollution control as affected by soil-plant-water interactions. The required courses provide an essential foundation in several disciplines, while the elective courses can be selected to meet the interests, needs and objectives of individual students.
Maximum flexibility in curricula is provided in the junior and senior years so that each student, in consultation with the academic advisor, can design a degree program that best serves each individual’s career objectives in relation to projected employment opportunities at the time of graduation.
Agro-Industry Option
Agronomists often choose careers in sales, promotions, public relations and management with agro-business industries. These industries market fertilizers, herbicides, seeds, turf and crop products. Courses in other agricultural sciences, accounting, marketing, management, finance and humanities should be taken as electives.
Soil and Crop Management Option
Agronomists use inputs of fertilizer, seed, herbicides, irrigation water, tillage and conservation practices to maximize production while maintaining the integrity of soil, plant and water resources. This option is appropriate for students with career interests in production agriculture, soil and water conservation, consulting, extension, public relations, land reclamation, or soil and water resource management. By electing courses in other agricultural sciences and business to complement the required courses in agronomy, students develop programs to meet particular career goals.
Turfgrass Management Option
This option prepares students for careers in management of golf course, athletic fields, sod farms, parks, cemeteries, public institutions and businesses such as landscape contractors and lawn care specialists. Courses dealing with ornamental horticulture, management, plant protection, business, landscape architecture and equipment are desirable electives in the training of turf managers.