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Soil Science Minor

Do You Want to Develop the Science, Practices, and Technology to Feed the World While Minimizing the Environmental Impact of Agriculture? 

The Soil Science minor is offered to students desiring to complement their major with a strong knowledge base in the principles and applications of soil science. The purpose of the minor is to combine the fundamental sub-disciplines of soil science to provide non-majors the essential elements of soil science.

Soils are the most amazing habitats for life on earth. In each handful of soil, there are thousands of different types of microbes and a whole soil food web. These organisms interact within the soil to decompose plant materials and cycle nutrients that are critical to life. Humans depend on soils for food production, clear water, and as the foundation for our living world. In recent years, new technologies have opened up this exciting frontier of science.

Visit the CSU Course Catalog to learn more about coursework and requirements.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

  • Skills and knowledge to solve problems in precision agriculture and biotechnology
  • How to utilize advanced information technology to drive decision making in crop production, soil and environmental management, and to develop new technologies
  • Gain a deep understanding of the diversity of agriculture around the world, and graduate with the knowledge and skills to address global food production challenges
  • Understand new technologies that enable unprecedented abilities to develop varieties of crops that are more nutritious, resilient to climate change and disease resistant to enable sustainable agriculture
  • Functions of soil organisms and their interactions with each other and the soil physical and chemical environment
  • Techniques to help restore our soils and prevent further degradation

Where You’ll Find Us

Teaching at ARDEC.

Agricultural Research and Development Center

Work directly with crops and livestock at this research and teaching complex — one of nine around the state.

Learn More about ARDEC

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Nutrien Agricultural Sciences Building

CSU’s new home for Colorado agriculture, student aspirations and agricultural innovation for global impact.

Learn more about the Nutrien Building

Interest
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Related Interests

  • Agriculture
  • Agronomy
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Science
  • Natural Resources
  • Soil and Crop Management
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Related Careers

  • Education
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Environmental or Crop Consulting
  • Government Agencies and Non-Profits Organizations
  • Soil Scientist
  • State and National Park Services Seed, Chemical, or Fertilizer Companies
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Department Advisor

Chris Amerman

For more information, contact Chris Amerman, Undergraduate Advisor for the Soil and Crop Sciences department.