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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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Faculty Spotlight

Yan Jin Soil Physics

Dr. Jin investigates mass transport and transformation in soil and other environmental systems as well as colloidal processes at various interfaces. 

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Latest News

  • Intense research is underway on natural “probiotic” soil treatments containing living microorganisms.

    Why can't we be friends?

    April 06, 2021 | Written by Tracey Bryant
    Just as the beneficial bacteria living in yogurt and sauerkraut are good for your gut, tiny organisms living in the soil help plants — by getting them nutrients, protecting them from drought, and fending off disease.

  • How to sanitize and plan your spring landscape

    April 02, 2021 | Written by Jill Pollok, Plant Diagnostician
    The weather is finally warming up enough for us to leave our hibernation and enjoy the sunshine! While you are enjoying these first few days of warmth, look around your yard and garden and start thinking about spring sanitation.

  • Backyard carbon

    March 29, 2021 | Written by Lauren Bradford
    To witness the carbon cycle in action, many homeowners need look no further than their own backyards. Researchers quantify carbon emissions from lawns and lawn maintenance in cities.
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Additional Links

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