Soil and Crop Sciences
Every day, we are working on the critical science and technology necessary to meet the demands of future sustainable food systems. We are actively engaged in developing strategies to reverse climate change by integrating complex soil regeneration systems, leveraging genetics to develop resilient crops, and optimizing water conservation through data collection and analytics.
Together, we are transforming environmental challenges into opportunities to reimagine how we feed a rapidly changing world and restore our fragile planet. With pathways to a master’s in soil science and online soil science courses, CSU prepares students to lead in sustainable soil and crop management.
Research and Engagement
We leverage our expertise in plant genetics, ecosystem management, and soil science to transform environmental challenges into technological opportunities and sustainable agricultural practices. Our collaborative faculty engage our students, industry, and government stakeholders to fulfill Colorado’s growing needs.
Soil Analytics
SOIL | WATER | PLANTS | COMPOST | MANURE
We partner with the Department of Agricultural Biology in the College of Agricultural Sciences to offer our industry members soil analytics. We are outfitted to handle multiple sample types and can accommodate your unique sample requests.
Story of Impact
Manny Deleon
Manny Deleon’s passion for learning led him to Colorado State University, where he earned a master’s degree in soil and crop science and began working as a research associate in 2015. He specializes in water quality and works with farmers and the Colorado Department of Agriculture to monitor water quality across the state.
And that tinkering passion has led him to seek new answers in an ag industry steeped in tradition. He’s a self-taught 3D modeler and has five 3D printers in his basement, utilizing them to make replacement parts for equipment utilized in his job.
Upcoming Department Events and News
From the Bronx to Colorado farms: Manny Deleon is redefining ag research
CSU-TAPS interns put ag learning into practice
Soil and Crop Sciences Degrees and Programs
Undergraduate Degrees
Soil and Crop Sciences Major – Soil Science and Environmental Solutions
Explore the interdisciplinary nature of soils through the study of soil organisms and their interactions with each other and the soil’s physical and chemical environment.
Soil and Crop Sciences
Gain hands-on training and expert instruction that will equip you to solve current global sustainability challenges in soil, plant, and environmental sciences.
Soil and Crop Sciences Major – Sustainable Agriculture Management On-Campus and Online
Help the agricultural economy prosper by combining practical business expertise with cutting-edge knowledge of data-driven sustainable agriculture.
Soil and Crop Sciences Major – Plant Biotechnology
Apply advanced genomics to develop varieties of crops that are more nutritious, resilient to climate change, and disease-resistant to enable sustainable agriculture.
Graduate Degrees
Ph.D. in Soil and Crop Science
Develop deep knowledge and understanding of soils, plants, microbiomes, genomics, or related topics through the development of original research under the mentorship of world-class scientists. Gain exposure and preparation in a range of career paths where you can make an important impact.
M.S. in Soil and Crop Science – Agroecosystems Management
Learn the skills of precision crop, nutrient, and management systems that improve the efficiency of crop water use and pest management.
M.S. in Soil and Crop Science
Develop an advanced understanding of soil, plants, microbiomes, genomics, or related topics while preparing for impactful careers.
M.S. in Soil and Crop Science, Plant Breeding and Genetics
Become a member of a comprehensive crop molecular genetics program involving molecular mapping and characterization of agronomically important traits in a variety of crops.
Minors
Soil Resources and Conservation – Minor
Through a fundamental understanding of soil science and management, gain knowledge and tools to help reverse soil erosion and degradation while sequestering carbon.
Organic Agriculture (Interdisciplinary) – Minor
Study holistic methods for food production that promote and enhance agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity.
Soil Science – Minor
Complement your major with a strong knowledge base in the principles and applications of soil science.
Certificate
Seed Science and Technology
Prepare for positions in the seed industry with a comprehensive overview of seed analysis and a scientific understanding of seed biology.
Get Started Today
Contact the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences
307 University Ave.
Colorado State University
Fort Collins CO 80523-1170
Bldg.: Plant Sciences C127
Fax: (970) 491-5676
CAS_SCS@mail.colostate.edu