The Field of Soil and Crop Sciences occupies a modern and diversified agronomic research facility. An air-conditioned, eleven-story research tower and adjoining wings incorporate fully equipped laboratory, teaching, office, and supporting spaces. Growth chambers and greenhouses are on the campus, and there are three main field stations near Ithaca. Some members of the field are staff members at the Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health or the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, both of which are on campus. Many of the faculty members have research programs concerning international agricultural and environmental issues in tropical and subtropical regions. A limited number of students can do most or all of their research overseas. Field Crop Science covers a wide spectrum, from field-scale applied projects to cell physiology and biotechnology. Studies seek to improve crop productivity and quality, both nationally and internationally, and to identify physiological factors that could be improved through plant breeding or genetic engineering. Soil Science focuses on the processes and properties of the soil environment. It emphasizes improving the suitability of soil for crop growth while preserving its value as a natural resource by using ecologically sound approaches.
The Soil Science Concentration focuses on the processes and properties of the soil environment. It emphasizes improving the suitability of soil for crop growth while preserving its value as a natural resource by using ecologically sound approaches. Soil Science, Soil Biology and Microbial Ecology Effects of agricultural management practices on soil ecology and soil microbial processes. Particular research topics include: the development of soil health diagnostics, the impact of soil microbial diversity and community composition on agroecological function, and the use of environmental genomics to identify and characterize novel microorganisms in soils. Soil and Water Management Managing water quality and quantity in rural communities, comparing private and public options. Analytical Soil Chemistry Predictive tests for trace elements in soils, trace element uptake by grasses and forage legumes treated with sludge, biogeochemical behavior of cadmium and zinc in natural landscapes and soils Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Assessment of nitrogen and phosphorus cycle processes in agricultural soils with respect to enhancing plant nutrient uptake. Specific research topics include: improve fertilizer N recovery by crops, the functions and dynamics of soil organic matter, appropriate practices for management of soil organic matter, on-farm nutrient management and improving profitability and competitiveness of New York farms while protecting the environment. Soil Biogeochemistry Analysis of nutrient and carbon turnover in soils with regard to fluxes within soils and across ecosystem boundaries to aquatic ecosystems. Research topics include: carbon sequestration in the context of climate change and black carbon dynamics, using synchrotron-based NEXAFS and FTIR for the micro- and nano-scale observation of biogeochemical cycles in soils. Soil Physics/Environmental Biophysics Development of soil physical tests to determine soil quality, examination of natural porous media, transport theories, the effect of microorganisms (in particular, bacteria and protozoa) on the transport properties of soils and aquifer materials, the exchange of cations on clays and soils, the interplay between exchange and transport of electrolytes in natural porous media, and the influence of exchangeable cations on the interaction forces between soil colloids.
