Soil and Plant Scientist

Your Fit

Income

$68K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

4.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Soil and Plant Scientist?

Soil and Plant Scientists specialize in the study of soil composition, structure, and processes, and their interactions with plant growth. Their work is crucial in improving agricultural productivity, managing natural resources, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

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Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Soil and Plant Scientist.

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Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does a Soil and Plant Scientist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$44K per year	$54K per year	$68K per year	$94K per year	$119K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $20K above the national average.

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What does a Soil and Plant Scientist do?

Work environment

Soil and Plant Scientists work in various settings, including laboratories, agricultural fields, greenhouses, and offices. They may be employed by universities, government agencies, private research firms, or agricultural companies. Their work often involves both fieldwork, conducting experiments and collecting samples, and laboratory work, analyzing data and developing strategies.

Quick task list

Conducts research on soil properties, plant genetics, and crop management.
Develops methods to improve soil health and plant growth.
Advises farmers and agricultural businesses on best practices.
Analyzes environmental impacts of agricultural practices.
Publishes research findings and presents at conferences.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Agronomy: Specializing in crop production and soil management.
Soil Conservation: Focusing on preserving soil health and preventing erosion.
Plant Pathology: Studying plant diseases and developing control strategies.
Soil Fertility: Concentrating on soil nutrients and fertilization practices.
Environmental Soil Science: Examining soil's role in the environment and its interaction with pollutants.

Description

Soil and Plant Scientists are vital in addressing global challenges such as food security, environmental protection, and sustainable agriculture. They apply scientific principles to understand how soils and plants interact and how these interactions can be optimized for agricultural productivity and environmental health. Their work involves not only conducting experiments and analyzing data but also translating these findings into practical applications and recommendations.

This occupation requires a strong foundation in the sciences, analytical skills, and the ability to conduct detailed research. Soil and Plant Scientists must keep abreast of the latest scientific developments and technologies in their field. They often work collaboratively with other scientists, agronomists, and environmental experts, making communication skills crucial.

The career offers the satisfaction of contributing to vital areas such as food production, conservation, and environmental stewardship. It appeals to those who have a passion for the outdoors and the environment, and for science-based problem-solving. The role can be diverse, offering opportunities to work on a variety of projects and in different settings, from laboratory research to field-based studies.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.
The intellectual challenge of solving complex agricultural and environmental issues.
Seeing the tangible impact of your work on farming practices and policy.

You might make a good Soil and Plant Scientist if you are...

Passionate about agriculture, the environment, and natural sciences.
Detail-oriented and enjoy conducting scientific research.
Interested in applying scientific knowledge to practical problems.
Comfortable working both outdoors in the field and indoors in a lab.
Skilled in communication, able to convey complex information effectively.

Pros:

Engaging in meaningful work with direct impact on food production and environmental health.
Opportunities for diverse work experiences in the lab, field, and office.
Growing relevance in the context of global environmental and agricultural challenges.

Cons:

Fieldwork can be physically demanding and may involve exposure to various weather conditions.
Research can be time-consuming, requiring patience and long-term commitment.
Balancing fieldwork with the demands of laboratory analysis and reporting.

How to become a Soil and Plant Scientist

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in agronomy, soil science, botany, or a related field is typically required, which involves about 4 years of post-secondary education. Advanced research positions often require a master's or doctoral degree.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and chemistry to understand basic plant and soil sciences.
Environmental science to gain insight into ecosystem interactions.
Mathematics, particularly statistics, for data analysis.
Agriculture classes, if available, for foundational knowledge in farming and crop management.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining environmental or agricultural clubs.
Participating in science fairs with projects related to botany or ecology.
Volunteering at local farms, gardens, or

conservation projects to gain practical experience.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in soil science, plant science, agronomy, or a related field.
Consider internships or cooperative education opportunities in agricultural research centers or environmental agencies.
Gain hands-on experience through field studies or laboratory work.
For advanced research roles, pursue a master's or doctoral degree in a specialized area of soil or plant science.

More resources

Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) - Offers resources and networking opportunities for professionals in soil science.
American Society of Agronomy (ASA) - Provides information on education and careers in agronomy.
Botanical Society of America (BSA) - A platform for research and education in plant sciences.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – National Resources Conservation Service - Offers resources on soil conservation and management.

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