Soil and Plant Scientist

Soil and Plant scientist conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, 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. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity

Some of the job titles of this field are Agronomist, Arboriculture Researcher, Crop Nutrition Scientist, Forage Physiologist, Horticulture Specialist, Plant Physiologist, Plant Research Geneticist, Research Scientist, Research Soil Scientist, and scientist.

Occupation specific Information

Tasks:

·         Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.

·         Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.

·         Provide information or recommendations to farmers or other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, or avoid or correct problems such as erosion.

·         Conduct experiments to develop new or improved varieties of field crops, focusing on characteristics such as yield, quality, disease resistance, nutritional value, or adaptation to specific soils or climates.

·         Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.

Occupational Requirement

Work Activities

·         Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

·         Develop sustainable industrial or development methods.

·         Advise others about land management or conservation.

·         Research sustainable agricultural processes or practices.

·         Research hydrologic features or processes.

Education & Experience Requirement

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school like Bachelors in Biology, zoology

Related Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Job Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Skills Required

Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Knowledge Required

Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

English Language —Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Chemistry — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Worker Characteristic

• Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behaviour. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labour, athletics, or protective services.

Related Occupation

·         Agricultural Engineer

·         Biologist

·         Environmental conservation scientist

·         Industrial  Ecologists

·         Precision Agriculture Technicians