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DEPARTMENT OF PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES


We have excellent teaching, research, and outreach programs in the areas of plant biology (cellular, genetics, genomics, microbial, molecular and physiology), agronomy (including pathology, soil management and weed science), horticulture (sustainable landscapes, fruits and vegetables), landscape architecture and environmental soil sciences (biogeochemistry, hydrology and plant-soil interactions). We have a distinguished faculty, known nationally and internationally for their research and outreach, and within UD for their excellence in teaching, advising and mentoring students.

Our Undergraduate Programs

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Landscape Architecture

The major is perfect for those interested in learning ways to address solutions to environmental, natural resources and sustainable challenges at local, regional and global levels. 
 

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Plant Science

From the most recent advances in plant molecular biology to the latest methods for growing healthy plants, students incorporate these practices as they grow their knowledge of the plant kingdom.

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Sustainable Food Systems

Students learn innovative approaches to key food system challenges — from agriculture and production, processing, retail consumption, and waste.  


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Our graduate programs

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Plant Science or Soil Science

Our plant science program involves course work in plant molecular biology, plant breeding, plant pathology, plant tissue culture, horticulture, crop science, plant anatomy and/or plant physiology. Soil science thesis research includes soil chemistry, soil fertility and management, soil physics, soil microbiology and biochemistry, soil and water quality and environmental microbiology.

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Water Science and Policy

Protecting and preserving our water resources requires that we take a “big picture” approach that addresses where water comes from, where it goes, how it travels, how it is used by living things, what’s in it, and how to remediate problems and develop policies to protect water.


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Microbiology Graduate Program

When you join the Microbiology Graduate Program at UD, you will join a vibrant community of microbiologists with faculty in 14 departments across campus, including Biology, Marine Science and Policy, Geology, Plant and Soil Sciences, Civil and Environmental Engineering. 

 

 

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What's New?

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Blue Hens learn hands-on vegetable production: youtube.com/watch?v=LFor3V4_JPk

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Faculty Spotlight

Jules Bruck Landscape Architecture

Dr. Bruck teaches courses in creativity, design process, field sketching and planting design. Her current research focuses on coastal resilience, green infrastructure and public perception of sustainable landscape practices, such as designing for ecosystem services.

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Latest news

  • How engineering principals support plant science

    Ag-inspired engineering

    December 08, 2021 | Written by Maddy Lauria
    Two UD professors from two different colleges have found common ground between corn and bridges that will allow them to better understand the structural stability upon which both objects rely.

  • Judging the soil

    December 07, 2021 | Written by Dante LaPenta
    Soil judging is a hands-on experience for students to visualize and apply classroom knowledge in a field environment. In only its second year of competition, a UD team of undergraduates finished strong in the 2021 Northeast Regional Soil Judging Contest against other universities, earning a spot in April’s national competition in Ohio.

  • Nanticoke-inspired park

    November 30, 2021 | Written by Adam Thomas
    Visitors to Laurel, Delaware, will find a new playground in Tidewater Park showcasing some of the history and folklore of the Nanticoke Indian Tribe thanks to a joint project from the University of Delaware, Delaware Sea Grant (DESG) and the Town of Laurel.
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Academic Departments

Additional Links

531 South College Avenue Newark, DE 19716 (302) 831-2501