What Does a Soil and Plant Specialist Do?
Soil and plant specialists work to ensure that every harvest cycle is a fruitful one. Soil specialists research the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical make up of soils to determine its effectiveness in aiding plant growth. Through this research, they develop strategies for farmers to use in order to maximize plant growth and ensure a plentiful harvest. These strategies may employ fertilizer use, tillage practices, and crop rotation. Soil specialists also recommend periods of “resting” time for soil where fields that were previously used are allowed to lay unplanted for a period of time so that the soil may recover some of its nutrients. Soil scientists combat erosion, and many work with environmental scientists to prevent the overuse of land. Plant specialists are responsible for developing methods of keeping plants and crops thriving. Like soil specialists, they suggest methods of planting that may help farmers produce a bountiful outcome, such as keeping certain specie
