Crop and Soil Science
The discipline of crop science provides the knowledge and understanding of technologies that contribute directly to improvements in production and quality of food, feed, fiber, seed, energy, and nutraceutical crops for the world. The art and science of plant improvement are key elements in efforts to feed, clothe and provide energy for the world’s ever-growing population. Conventional and molecular tools assist in the development of new genetic strains of food and energy crops. Crop plants play an important role in the future of sustainable food and energy production.
The discipline of soil science provides the basic understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of this important natural resource. Why is soil important? Soil is the fundamental substrate for life on terrestrial landscapes. Soil plays a vital role in sustaining human welfare and assuring future agricultural productivity and environmental stability. An understanding of global and local ecology depends on an awareness of the soil and its properties. Global information and mapping systems are essential tools for characterizing the landscape and its constituent soils.
Agronomists are crop and soil scientists who work to improve crops and agricultural productivity while effectively managing pests and weeds. Students in crop and soil science explore important contemporary issues faced by our society, including water quality and management, sustainability of different types of crop production, organic crop production, erosion and sedimentation, growing crops for biofuel production, land use and reclamation, genetic modification of crop plants, and soil quality and sustainability. An array of careers is available.
Career Opportunities
Careers for crop scientists are available in business, industry, farming, research, agricultural chemical industries, seed production, seed technology, communications, conservation, and education. Positions are available in agricultural experiment stations and extension services, state departments of agriculture, food processing companies, insurance agencies, lending institutions, and commercial firms, both domestic and international, dealing in the processing and sale of farm products, chemicals, and seed.
Careers for soil scientists are available in agriculture, forestry, education, state and federal resource agencies, private consulting, and research. Farms, ranches, and agricultural supply companies employ soil scientists as managers or field representatives. Soil scientists may become teachers of vocational agriculture or environmental education, or they may become county extension agents in agriculture or natural resources. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service often employ soil scientists, as do private consulting firms in environmental engineering and land use planning.
Academic Advising
Undergraduate curricula in crop and soil science are flexible enough to provide for the student's individual professional needs and interests and for a broad-based general education by allowing electives in other colleges throughout the university. Undergraduate advising is a vital part of the program, and the department is well known for excellence in advising. The department has a head advisor who meets with all students each term. Advisors and faculty provide curricular guidance and aid in professional extracurricular activities, career decisions, and job placement.
Scholarships
The Department of Crop and Soil Science administers a number of scholarships available only to students majoring in the department. Over $40,000 is given to students each year.
Student Clubs
The department supports a Crop Science Club that provides valuable co-curricular professional development, a collegiate Soil Judging Team that participates in both regional and national competitions, the OSU Organic Growers Club that provides hands-on experience in organic production of vegetable crops, and the OSU Bug Club, a student club whose members are actively engaged in insect education outreach to local schools and communities. Graduate students in soil science also have a student club.
Manoj Shukla, Department Head
109B Crop Science Building
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331
Phone: 541-737-5981
Email: manoj.shukla@oregonstate.edu
Website: http://cropandsoil.oregonstate.edu/
Faculty
http://cropandsoil.oregonstate.edu/cropandsoil/people/faculty
Staff
http://cropandsoil.oregonstate.edu/cropandsoil/people/administration
Crop Science (CROP)
CROP 101, INTRODUCTION TO CROP, SOIL, AND INSECT SCIENCE, 1 Credit
Introduces students with interests in crop, soil, and insect sciences to educational and professional opportunities in these disciplines. Speakers will discuss opportunities in research and academia as well as in the applied professional job market. CROSSLISTED as CROP 101/ENT 101/SOIL 101.
Equivalent to: ENT 101, HORT 101, SOIL 101
Available via Ecampus
CROP 199, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
CROP 200, CROP ECOLOGY AND MORPHOLOGY, 3 Credits
An introduction to the concepts and principles of crop ecology and morphology and a foundation for other crop science courses. Examines the dynamics and function of crop communities, and the biotic and environmental interactions that influence productivity. Fundamentals of the developmental morphology of crop seeds, seedlings, and plants. Morphological features of seeds and plants in relation to the identification of crop families and species of economic importance.
Available via Ecampus
CROP 280, INTRODUCTION TO THE COMPLEXITY OF OREGON CROPPING SYSTEMS, 4 Credits
An introduction to field cropping systems of western Oregon. Provides students with a broad overview of the complexity of cropping systems and the knowledge required to grow and produce a crop--plant physiology, seed biology, plant pathology, soil fertility, entomology, and weed science. Students will observe a crop under different management strategies to enhance understanding of management approaches.
Available via Ecampus
CROP 300, CROP PRODUCTION IN PACIFIC NORTHWEST AGROECOSYSTEMS, 4 Credits
Relation of crop production to human culture and the natural environment. Origins of agriculture and the processes of agricultural change, and productivity and sustainability of specific crop production systems in the Pacific Northwest. History, geography, resource requirements, and key challenges faced are presented. Fundamental crop production practices in relation to productivity and sustainability. CROSSLISTED as CROP 300/HORT 300.
Equivalent to: HORT 300
Recommended: One year of general biology
Available via Ecampus
CROP 310, FORAGE PRODUCTION, 4 Credits
Importance of, and current production practices for, forage crops.
Recommended: (CROP 300 or HORT 300) and (CSS 205 or SOIL 205)
Available via Ecampus
CROP 325, ^AG AND ENVIRONMENTAL PREDICAMENTS: A CASE STUDY APPROACH, 3 Credits
Analyze controversial agricultural and environmental issues, synthesize information from diverse sources, and apply scientific knowledge to recommend specific courses of action to solve real world problems. Develop oral and written communication skills through individual and group work. CROSSLISTED as CROP 325/SOIL 325/SUS 325.
Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)
CROP 330, *WORLD FOOD CROPS, 3 Credits
Origin, production, utilization, and improvement of the world's major food crops. The role of crop production in global economic and social development; food security and worldwide nutritional requirements.
Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues
Recommended: CROP 200
Available via Ecampus
CROP 340, *PENS AND PLOWS: WRITINGS OF WORKING THE LAND, 3 Credits
A survey of literature from ancient Greece to the twentieth century focusing on the significance of agricultural life and/or the natural world. Students read and discuss writings considered critical in the development of Western culture and receive input on the literary significance and the accuracy of agriculture presented within the readings.
Attributes: CPWC – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Western Culture
CROP 355, ORGANIC CERTIFICATION, 3 Credits
Learn about the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards relating to certified operations, inspection, certification processes, and labeling. Focus on the crops, processing, and livestock aspects of organic certification for farms and food manufacturing operations.
Available via Ecampus
CROP 401, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Available via Ecampus
CROP 403, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Available via Ecampus
CROP 405, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: CROP 405H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
CROP 405H, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: CROP 405
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
CROP 410, INTERNSHIP, 1-6 Credits
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
Available via Ecampus
CROP 414, PRECISION AGRICULTURE, 4 Credits
Provides insight into the technology available to support precision agriculture and data management planning applications. Examines the concepts and applications of precision agriculture to teach practical use of hardware, equipment and software. An overview of current technology including autonomous vehicles, GPS, soil and crop proximal sensors, imagery and mapping, variable rate control systems, and yield monitors. CROSSLISTED as CROP 414/HORT 414.
Equivalent to: HORT 414
Available via Ecampus
CROP 420, SEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 3 Credits
Seed formation and factors affecting their development and maturation. Seed structure and chemical composition. Physiological and biochemical aspects of seed germination, dormancy, deterioration and storability. The concept of seed quality, its importance in agriculture, its attributes and impact on field performance. Methods of measuring seed quality of conventional and genetically modified seeds.
Recommended: Biology, plant anatomy and/or physiology courses
Available via Ecampus
CROP 430, ORGANIC SOIL AND CROP MANAGEMENT, 3 Credits
Explores organic soil and crop management, organic soil system management, soil microbiology under organic systems, cropping systems, organic cereal production systems, organic forage production system, organic horticultural systems management, organic field and horticulture cropping systems. CROSSLISTED as CROP 430/SOIL 430.
Equivalent to: SOIL 430
Recommended: AGRI 420, CROP 200, SOIL 205 or introductory biology
Available via Ecampus
CROP 433, SYSTEMATICS AND ADAPTATION OF VEGETABLE CROPS, 4 Credits
Covers the botanical and taxonomic relationships, breeding systems and adaptation of vegetable crops. Fresh material is used to illustrate varietal differences and traits of importance. CROSSLISTED as CROP 433/HORT 433.
Prerequisite: BI 102 with D- or better or BI 213 with D- or better or BI 213H with D- or better or BI 223 with D- or better or BI 223H with D- or better or BI 311 with D- or better or BI 311H with D- or better or HORT 430 with D- or better or CSS 430 with D- or better or PBG 430 with D- or better or HORT 450 with D- or better or CSS 450 with D- or better or PBG 450 with D- or better
Equivalent to: HORT 433
CROP 440, WEED MANAGEMENT, 4 Credits
Principles of weed control by cultural, biological, and chemical means; weed identification; introduction to herbicides and factors influencing their use.
Recommended: One year biological science and one course in organic chemistry.
Available via Ecampus
CROP 448, LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION ON PASTURE, 4 Credits
Focuses on grazing management in cultivated pastures in Oregon and other regions with similar agro-ecological conditions. Become familiar with the basic principles of pasture production, grazing management and feed planning and management in large and small ruminant production systems. Provides information on the underlying factors affecting pasture and animal production and product quality in pasture-based production systems. CROSSLISTED as ANS 448/CROP 448/RNG 448.
CROP 460, SEED PRODUCTION, 3 Credits
An introduction to principles and practices of seed-based genetic delivery systems. Fundamentals of seed crop biology, cultivar maintenance and production methods are stressed. Concepts are illustrated using Pacific Northwest seed crops.
Recommended: CROP 200
Available via Ecampus
CROP 463, SEED BIOLOGY, 3 Credits
Information about reproductive development of plants such as pollination and fertilization, which is important for the initiation of seed formation, will be provided. Embryo and endosperm development as well as accumulation of seed storage materials, which are major events during seed development, will be covered, as well as the dormancy and germination mechanisms in mature seeds. CROSSLISTED as CROP 463/HORT 463.
Equivalent to: HORT 463
CROP 475, PRINCIPLES OF CANNABACEAE PRODUCTION: HEMP AND HOPS, 3 Credits
Explores hemp and hops history, products, utilization, phytochemistry, organic and conventional production systems, including rotation, fertilization, weed and pest control, multiple utilization streams, harvesting, postharvest operations.
Prerequisite: AGRI 420 with C or better or CROP 430 with C or better or CSS 205 with C or better or CSS 305 with C or better or CSS 315 with C or better or HORT 316 with C or better or HORT 421 with C or better or SOIL 205 with C or better or SOIL 205H with C or better or SOIL 430 with C or better or WSE 266 with C or better
Equivalent to: CROP 475X
CROP 480, CASE STUDIES IN CROPPING SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT, 4 Credits
Analyzes decision cases involving the production of field and horticultural crops; individual and group activities; discussion of the decision-making process. CROSSLISTED as CROP 480/HORT 480.
Equivalent to: HORT 480
Recommended: CROP 300/HORT 300 or HORT 301; prior knowledge of plant physiology, soils, entomology, weed science, plant pathology, and plant nutrition
Available via Ecampus
CROP 499, SPECIAL TOPICS IN CROP SCIENCE AND SOIL SCIENCE, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: CROP 499H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
CROP 499H, SPECIAL TOPICS IN CROP SCIENCE AND SOIL SCIENCE, 1-16 Credits
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: CROP 499
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
CROP 501, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
CROP 503, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
CROP 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
CROP 506, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
CROP 507, SEMINAR, 1 Credit
This course is repeatable for 99 credits.
CROP 509, PRACTICUM IN TEACHING, 1-3 Credits
Developing skills and competence in teaching under staff supervision; organization and presentation of instructional material by assisting in laboratory, recitation, and lectures. CROSSLISTED as CROP 509/ENT 509/PBG 509/SOIL 509.
Equivalent to: CSS 509, ENT 509, PBG 509, SOIL 509
This course is repeatable for 9 credits.
CROP 514, PRECISION AGRICULTURE, 4 Credits
Provides insight into the technology available to support precision agriculture and data management planning applications. Examines the concepts and applications of precision agriculture to teach practical use of hardware, equipment and software. An overview of current technology including autonomous vehicles, GPS, soil and crop proximal sensors, imagery and mapping, variable rate control systems, and yield monitors.
Available via Ecampus
CROP 520, SEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 3 Credits
Seed formation and factors affecting their development and maturation. Seed structure and chemical composition. Physiological and biochemical aspects of seed germination, dormancy, deterioration and storability. The concept of seed quality, its importance in agriculture, its attributes and impact on field performance. Methods of measuring seed quality of conventional and genetically modified seeds.
Recommended: Biology, plant anatomy and/or physiology courses
Available via Ecampus
CROP 530, ORGANIC SOIL AND CROP MANAGEMENT, 3 Credits
Explores organic soil and crop management, organic soil system management, soil microbiology under organic systems, cropping systems, organic cereal production systems, organic forage production system, organic horticultural systems management, organic field and horticulture cropping systems. CROSSLISTED as CROP 530/<