Thomas G. Chastain, Ph.D.
Head Advisor and Agronomist
Department of Crop and Soil Science
3005A Agriculture and Life Sciences
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon 97331-7306
Phone 541-737-5730
Email: 
Undergraduate programs in the Department of Crop and Soil Science are designed to serve students with interests in a wide range of scientific and natural resource oriented fields. You may find that a major in Crop and Soil Science will start you on the way to a satisfying career.
The department is equipped with first-class teaching and laboratory facilities. Our undergraduate study room is a focal point for student life in the department and has computers for student use. We maintain an open-door policy for our students and we are available for individualized student advising, assistance with scholarships and internships, and career counseling. Our graduates are in high demand and have been trained in a compelling and relevant curriculum.
Agricultural and Life Sciences Building (Chastain photo)
Here are the department's two program options:
Crop Management Option. The discipline of crop science provides the knowledge and understanding for technologies that contribute directly to improvements in production and quality of food, feed, fiber, seed, and energy crops for the world. Plant improvement is a key element in the effort to feed the world's ever-growing population as crop plants play an important role in the future of sustainable food and energy production. Agronomists are crop and soil scientists who work to improve crops and agricultural productivity while effectively managing pests and weeds. Organic farming uses crop rotation, traditional plant breeding, and other strategies to maintain economic crop yields, manage pests, and preserve environmental quality.
Students in crop and soil science explore important contemporary issues including water quality and management, organic crop production, erosion and sedimentation, growing crops for biofuel production, land-use and reclamation, genetic modification of crops, and sustainability.
Career Opportunities
agricultural production manager • agronomist • biotechnologist • crop consultant • farm manager • field technician and advisor • organic food producer • plant breeder • weed scientist • and many more!
Soil Resource Management Option. The study of soil as a science provides the basic understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of this important natural resource. Why is soil important? Soil is the fundamental substrate for life on terrestrial landscapes. Soil plays a vital role in sustaining human welfare and assuring future agricultural productivity and environmental stability. An understanding of global and local ecology depends on an awareness of the soil and its properties. Global information and mapping systems are essential tools for characterizing the landscape and its constituent soils.
Students in crop and soil science explore important contemporary issues including water quality and management, organic crop production, erosion and sedimentation, growing crops for biofuel production, land-use and reclamation, genetic modification of crops, and soil quality and sustainability.
Career Opportunities
conservation planner • hydrologist • land-use manager • natural resource conservation advisor • soil biologist • soil conservationist • soil scientist • watershed manager • and many more!
Links
Thomas G. Chastain, Ph.D.
Head Advisor and Agronomist
Department of Crop and Soil Science
3005A Agriculture and Life Sciences
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon 97331-7306
Phone 541-737-5730
Email:
