Research in Soil and Crop Sciences
The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Texas A&M is a leader in agronomy, plant breeding, and soil and water science research. Our faculty work on the university’s main campus in College Station and at 13 Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension centers. This statewide reach lets us bring new discoveries and real-world solutions directly to Texas producers and communities.
Our work also has a global impact, improving lives everywhere. We’re advancing food production, helping agriculture adapt to extreme weather, and strengthening soil security for generations to come.
Soil and Crop Sciences Research Disciplines
- Agronomy
- Plant Breeding
- Soil and Water Science
Agronomy
Agronomy integrates the science of crop production and land management, applying research in genetics, physiology, and soil-plant interactions to make agricultural systems more efficient and sustainable. Our work spans crop agronomics, forages and rangeland, digital agriculture, crop physiology, weed science, and turfgrass, from optimizing planting, fertility, and pest management in row crops to using sensors and data analytics for precision decision-making. Together, these efforts improve crop performance, support livestock and land stewardship, and strengthen productivity across farms, rangelands, and managed landscapes.
Agronomy focus areas:
- Crop agronomics
- Crop physiology
- Digital agriculture
- Forages and rangeland
- Turfgrass
- Weed science
Plant Breeding
Plant Breeding develops improved crop varieties through genetics and selective breeding, enhancing yield, quality, and resilience for crops important to Texas and beyond. Our programs span corn, cotton, wheat, rice, sorghum and other small grains, turfgrass, forages, and specialty and emerging crops such as peanuts, sugarcane, and hemp. Across these crops, breeders target disease and pest resistance, drought and stress tolerance, grain and fiber quality, and nutritional value, delivering varieties that perform in diverse growing conditions and support productive, sustainable agriculture.
Plant Breeding focus areas:
- Corn
- Cotton
- Forages
- Other crops
- Rice
- Sorghum
- Turfgrass
- Wheat and other small grains
Soil and Water Science
Soil Science explores the physical, chemical, biological, and mineral properties of soil to advance sustainable land use, water management, and agricultural productivity. Our research spans soil chemistry and fertility, soil physics, soil microbiology, pedology, mineralogy, and water resources, examining everything from nutrient dynamics and microbial communities to soil formation, structure, and soil-water interactions. Together, this work supports healthier soils, efficient water use, and resilient landscapes.
Soil and Water Science focus areas
- Mineralogy
- Pedology
- Soil chemistry and fertility
- Soil microbiology
- Soil physics
- Water resources
Recent Publications
Discover recent scholarly publications by our research experts on the Scholars@TAMU website. Whether you’re exploring current research, seeking collaboration or looking for evidence-based insights, these publications demonstrate our contributions to soil and crop sciences.
No publications found for this department.
Student Research Opportunities
Students in our department gain hands-on research experience in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory. Undergraduates can get involved by contacting a faculty member whose work interests them or by asking their academic advisor. Graduate students join active research programs in agronomy, plant breeding, and soil and water science, developing their own projects under faculty mentorship. With research taking place across campus and at centers throughout Texas, students tackle real challenges facing producers and communities.
Every Texas climate, every Texas crop
With a presence at all 13 of Texas A&M AgriLife’s Research and Extension centers across Texas, our department faculty’s expertise spans one of the most diverse agricultural states in the nation.
Our strong collaborative relationships across the state and throughout the nation create a broad range of research opportunities for faculty and students.