UW-River Falls Accounting Academic Plan

Crop and Soil Science . . .

focuses on the production of food and fiber and understanding the resources used in that production. Students choose to emphasize either crop science or soil science in their academic program. Crop science is the study of plants and their use as crops to produce food for the human population, feed for our animals, and fiber for our
everyday needs. Soil science is the study of soils and their properties. Knowledge of soils enables us to make wise decisions about using soils in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors of society and provides a framework for using our soil resources in an economically and environmentally sound fashion.

Department of Plant and Earth Science
324 Agriculture Science Hall
(715) 425-3345

Undergraduate Catalog

Our Goal

To provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the production of food and fiber.
To provide students with the communications skills needed to interact with agricultural and environmental professionals.
To provide a knowledge of crop production and soil science in a sustainable fashion.

Why major in Crop and Soil Science?

Students major in Crop and Soil Science for many reasons including one or more of the following:

They enjoy working with plants and soils in a predominately outdoor environment.
They like applying science to practical problems.
They enjoy working with farmers, growers, and other professionals locally, nationally, and internationally.
They want to play an integral role in environmental decisions related to soil conservation, crop production, land use, water quality, or waste management.
They want to contribute to the needs of present and future generations by providing healthy food while maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment.
They desire to experience an enjoyable and satisfying quality of life that comes from understanding the growth of plants and being a part of the process that provides the most basic of
human needs—food.

What Do Crop and Soil Scientists Do?

Crop and soil scientists use their natural curiosity and enthusiasm for science to help solve some of the toughest problems facing humanity: producing sufficient and affordable food for an increasing population and doing it in a way that protects and preserves our environment. Crop and soil scientists are also involved in protecting soil and water resources and preventing surface water and groundwater pollution.
Many professional crop and soil scientists work closely with farmers, providing information and recommendations to help solve crop and soil related problems, develop nutrient management and soil conservation plans, and design integrated pest management strategies. In all cases crop and soil scientists strive to make agriculture efficient, environmentally sound, profitable, and sustainable for future generations.

Faculty and Facilities

There are six faculty in the crop and soil science program within the plant and earth science department who teach core courses and advise students in the major. Courses directly supporting the major are taught by faculty in environmental science, geology, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering, animal science, and biology. Modern and well-equipped laboratories, computer facilities, and two laboratory farms round out an excellent setting for students studying in crop and soil science.

Bachelor of Science Degree. Crop and Soil Science Major, Soil Option.
Academic Advising Plan.

Semester 1 (Fall)

CHEM 121 General Chemistry I ~ 5
ENGL 100 Academic Reading and Writing ~ 3
MATH 146 College Algebra ~ 3
P ED 108 Health and Fitness for Life ~ 1
General Education HF course ~ 3
Total semester credits ~ 15

Semester 5 (Fall)

AGEC 230 Agricultural Economics I ~ 3
CROP 266 Corn and Soybean Production ~ 3
SOIL 325 Hydric Soils and Wetlands ~ 3
American Cultural Diversity University course ~ 3
General Education MD course ~ 3
Total semester credits ~ 15

Semester 2 (Spring)

CHEM 122 General Chemistry II ~ 5
CROP 161 Introduction to Plant Science ~ 3
GEOL 101/102 Introductory Geology and Lab ~ 4
General Education SB course ~ 3
Total semester credits ~ 15

Semester 6 (Spring)

ENGL 367 Technical Writing ~ 3
ESM 360 Applied Hydrology and Water Quality ~ 4
Directed elective course ~ 4
Elective course ~ 3
Physical education activity course ~ .5
Total semester credits ~ 14.5

Semester 3 (Fall)

AGEN 150 Agricultural Engineering Technology 3
BIOL 150 General Biology ~ 3
ESM 105 Introduction to Environmental Studies 3
SCTA 116 Business and Professional Communication ~ 3
SOIL 210 Introductory Soil Science ~ 3
Total semester credits ~ 15

Semester 7 (Fall)

SOIL 350 Pedology ~ 4
SOIL 440 Soil and Water Conservation ~ 4
Directed elective course ~ 4
Elective course ~ 3
Total semester credits ~ 15

Semester 4 (Spring)

CROP 263 Forage Crop Production ~ 3
ENGL 200 Investigating Ideas: Reading, Writing,
and the Disciplines ~ 3
SOIL 311 Soil Fertility ~ 4
Directed elective course ~ 3
General Education Global Perspectives course ~ 3
Physical education activity course ~ .5
Total semester credits ~ 16.5

Semester 8 (Spring)

GEOL 327 Geomorphology ~ 4
SOIL 460 Soil Physics ~ 3
SOIL/CROP 485 Seminar ~ 1
Directed elective course ~ 3
Elective course ~ 3
Total Semester credits ~ 14

Summary of Degree Requirements

General Education ~ 38 cr.
University Requirements ~ 6 cr.
Foundation Courses in Agriculture ~ 12 cr.
Major Required Courses ~ 15 cr.
Option Required Courses ~ 27 cr.
Directed Electives ~ 10-14 cr.
Credits to Degree ~ 120 cr.

This academic plan is an example of how students might choose to fulfill program requirements within a period of four years. After consulting with their advisers, students may make other course choices which would meet the program requirements and be more suitable for them.

PDF version

Updated December 2005