Entomology, Soils, and Plant Sciences

^{Agronomists take an integrated approach to genetics, crop management practices, soil quality and properties, and weather to utilize plants for food, fuel, feed, and fiber. Agronomic scientists manage plant resources and the environment in which they grow, using science and technology to achieve the most efficient operation of agronomic crop production systems.}

^{Entomologists study insects, the dominant animal life form on earth and a critical part of the ecosystems that support human life. We depend on insects for food production, natural pest control, and waste decomposition. Insect pests affect millions of people worldwide with diseases and cause billions of dollars in yearly losses to crops, stored products, forests, and buildings.}

^{Plant pathologists study microorganisms that cause plant diseases--primarily fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Plant pathologists also investigate outbreaks of new diseases that threaten agriculture and our urban and natural ecosystems--such as Asian soybean rust, rapid blight on turfgrass, and sudden oak death. Scientific discoveries about plant pathogens and the diseases they cause help prevent losses to crops grown for agriculture (including field, forage, fruit, and vegetable crops) as well as plants grown in landscapes, on sports fields, and in forests (such as  turfgrasses, ornamental plants, and trees).}

^{Soil scientists study of the earth’s skin, which includes its (micro)biology, (bio)chemistry, soil physical and fertility properties, soil formation, and soil classification. Fundamental knowledge of soil science is imperative not only in agriculture, but also in natural resources management, environmental policy, and civil/environmental engineering}