Soil and Plant Scientists
What is a Soil and Plant Scientist?
Soil and Plant Scientists are specialized professionals who study the relationships between soil, plants, and environmental factors. They conduct research to understand how soil composition, structure, and health affect plant growth and agricultural productivity. These scientists utilize their expertise to examine soil properties, including nutrient levels, pH balance, and moisture content, to provide insights on how to improve soil fertility and sustainability. They often work in various settings, including agricultural research institutions, government agencies, and environmental consulting firms, focusing on developing strategies to enhance crop yields, conserve natural resources, and mitigate the effects of soil erosion and degradation. Their work is vital in addressing global challenges such as food security, climate change, and land management practices that promote biodiversity and ecosystem health.
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.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software
- Presentation software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Geographic information system
- Spreadsheet software
Tools Used
- Radarbased surveillance systems
- Spectrofluorimeters or fluorimeters
- Photometer
- pH meters
- Laboratory flasks
Knowledge
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Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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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.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Skills
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Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities
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Category Flexibility
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Master's degree
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Bachelor's degree
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Doctoral degree
Work Activities
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Detailed 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.
Work Interests
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. 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.
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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 labor, athletics, or protective services.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$43790.0 - $119410.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.