The Plant and Soil Science program allows students to expand their
knowledge of science and apply it to plant production, landscape design,
and environmental issues related to plants and soils. Our program provides
a unique, interdisciplinary opportunity to study plant/soil ecosystems
that are managed for food, feed, or fiber production, for landscape purposes,
or for recycling/waste utilization, areas that are very important from
societal and environmental perspectives. Our faculty represent the disciplines
of agronomy, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, and soil science.
A Look at Our Program
The Plant and Soil Science program integrates classroom and field experiencesand
incorporates relevant environmental, social, and economic issues into the
curriculum. It is flexible, allowing you to pursue your interest in plant
production, landscape design, and environmental issues related to plants
and soils, while preparing for career opportunities and graduate studies.
Faculty help students develop individualized courses of study to match
their interests and career goals. The following are areas of concentration
within the program:
Agroecology/Sustainable Agriculture Realizing that food and a
healthy environment are necessities of life, this option focuses on studying
ecologically sound agricultural practices from an ecosystem perspective.
This holistic approach seeks to develop in students an understanding of
the complex nature of managing agroecosystems that are environmentally
sound, economically viable, and socially responsible. Science is integrated
with small business management. A goal of this concentration is to develop
a knowledge base and skills to critically analyze and address issues related
to sustainable agriculture.
Landscape Design The design of landscapes to serve both human
and ecosystem functions is important to sustaining environmental health
and the quality of human life. Students selecting this option are prepared
for a professional career as a landscape designer or for graduate studies
in landscape architecture. This concentration emphasizes the theory and
techniques of landscape design and their application to private, commercial,
or public design problems.
Horticulture The green" industry, which includes the production
of plants used for ornamental and landscape purposes, is expanding rapidly
across the United States. This concentration provides students with the
knowledge and skills needed for challenging careers in this industry and
in the production of fruits and vegetables. Students integrate science,
business, and the liberal arts to prepare for professional opportunities
and for graduate studies.
Environmental Soil Science There is a growing awareness that
soil processes determine the fate of most pollutants. Students will learn
how the soil affects the transport and remediation of environmental contaminants
in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. Integrated with plant, water,
and geological sciences, this concentration prepares students for careers
in environmental consulting, regulatory agencies, and graduate studies.
What You Will Study
All students must complete the basic distribution requirements for a
Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
In addition, Plant and Soil Science majors are required to complete these
core courses:
Principles of Plant Science
Insect Pest Management
Introductory Soil Science
Soil Fertility and Management
Plant Physiology
Plant Pathology
General Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Majors must also select at least six advanced-level Plant and Soil Science
courses, for example:
Biological Control of Insect Pests
Weed/Crop Ecology
Landscape Design I, II
Woody Landscape Plants
Commercial Plant Propagation
Garden Flowers and Indoor Plants
Turfgrasses
Small Fruit Crops
Tree Fruit Crops
Vegetable Crops
Forage Crops
Pasture Production and Management
Soil Erosion and Conservation
Soil Classification and Land Use
Chemistry of Soil and Water
Soil Physics
Options and Opportunities
The Plant and Soil Science faculty have received recognition for their
quality teaching and for their expertise in horticulture, soil science,
sustainable agriculture, and integrated pest management, including biological
control of pests. They are actively involved not only in teaching but in
research that is targeted at solving agricultural and environmental problems.
Students are encouraged to become involved in on-going research projects
or to develop independent learning experiences with the guidance of a faculty
member. Students have access to university laboratories and greenhouse
facilities on campus and to the UVM
Horticultural Research Center, a 97-acre site located approximately
six miles from campus. In addition, through faculty contacts and interaction
with landscape design firms, state and federal agencies, nurseries and
garden centers, environmental consulting firms, and the agricultural community,
opportunities exist for off-campus internships, which provide valuable
work experience and insights into professional careers.
Looking to the Future
Graduates with a Plant and Soil Science degree have pursued careers
as soil conservationists, environmental consultants, agricultural consultants,
landscape designers, managers of nurseries and greenhouses, researchers,
and educators. Graduates have started their own businesses and are associated
with private or public companies, agencies, or organizations.
Our Faculty at a Glance
The Plant and Soil Science faculty are known for their dedication to
student education and have been recognized for the high quality of their
teaching. We value interaction with students and consider it very important
to the student s overall educational experience.
John Aleong, Ph.D.
Iowa State University
Research Professor, Statistics
Lorraine P. Berkett,
Ph.D.
Pennsylvania State University
Extension Professor, Integrated Pest Management
Sidney Bosworth,
Ph.D.
University of Kentucky
Extension Associate Professor, Agronomy
Michael Brownbridge,
Ph.D.
University of Newcastle, Tyne
Research Associate Professor, Entomology
M. Elena Garcia, Ph.D.
University of Arkansas
Extension Assistant Professor, Pomology
Alan R. Gotlieb,
Ph.D.
University of Wisconsin
Chair, Extension Professor, Plant Pathology
Wendy Sue Harper,
Ph.D.
University of Vermont
Lecturer and Research Assistant Professor, Soil Science
William E. Jokela,
Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Extension Associate Professor, Soil Science
Frederick R. Magdoff,
Ph.D.
Cornell University
Professor, Soil Science
William M. Murphy,
Ph.D.
University of Wisconsin
Professor, Agronomy
Bruce L. Parker,
Ph.D.
Cornell University
Professor, Entomology
Leonard P. Perry,
Ph.D.
Cornell University
Extension Professor, Horticulture
Donald S. Ross, Ph.D.
University of Vermont
Research Assistant Professor and Lecturer, Soil Science
Margaret Skinner,
Ph.D.
University of Vermont
Research Assistant Professor, Entomology
Mark C. Starrett,
Ph.D.
North Carolina State University
Assistant Professor, Horticulture
Milton (Buddy) E. Tignor, Ph.D.
University of Florida
Assistant Professor, Horticulture |
