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100 French Hall Degree: Bachelor of Science Contact: Deborah J. Picking Office: 206 French Phone: 545-2249 Head of Department: Professor William J. Bramlage. Professors Autio, Barker, Bhowmik, Boyle, Craker, Greene, Herbert, Marcotrigiano, Veneman; Associate Professors Bernatzky, Corey, Cox, Han, Lockwood, Simkins, Torello; Assistant Professors Carter, Ebdon, Mangan, Xing; Adjunct Professors Bewick, Bonanno, Demoranville, Konjoian, Lavigne, Peterson, Tease, Tiner; Lecturer Picking. The Field Plant and Soil Sciences is the academic home to faculty, staff, and students interested in environmentally conscious and socially responsible management of plant and soil systems. This includes managed crop production and the interface of managed and natural systems within urban and suburban settings, focusing on plant, soil, and water resource management. Research, teaching, and outreach programs emphasize the study of and technology transfer related to growth of food and ornamental crops, protection of soil and water resources, improvement of plants, development of new crops, management of harvested materials, remediation of pollution in soil and water, and use of urban and agricultural by-products. The Major In addition to completing core courses in math, science, and computer literacy, students majoring in Plant and Soil Sciences must select an option (Business Management or Science) and declare a concentration in a specific field of study, permitting customization of the major to suit individual interests and career goals. Business Management Option This option emphasizes the managerial, marketing, and economic aspects of a career in plant and soil sciences. Course work may be supplemented with a summer internship or Cooperative Education experience, providing students with an awareness of the realities of the marketplace and the competitive economic system. Science Option This option prepares student for careers in research and development, graduate school study, or other work in the scientific aspects of the field. In addition to taking courses that help integrate scientific theory with practical skills, students are encouraged to gain additional insights into the field by participating with faculty in laboratory and field research projects. Areas of Concentration General Studies provides students with the most diverse sampling of courses in Plant and Soil Sciences. This concentration is suited to students who do not wish to focus their studies on a single commodity area or discipline. Students select courses from a variety of subjects, giving them a broad-based background in plant and soil sciences. This breadth of training makes students competitive for a variety of employment opportunities, especially those requiring knowledge in a number of areas. Floriculture prepares students for careers in private industry, state and federal agencies, and public gardens and conservatories. The curriculum focuses on the production, marketing, and utilization of bedding plants, herbaceous perennials, flowering potted plants, cut flowers, and foliage plants. Students are taught plant identification, greenhouse management, production and scheduling of floricultural crops, and integrated pest management. The curriculum provides up-to-date information on relevant topics such as recycling of waste products, reducing groundwater pollution, conserving energy in greenhouses, and using environmentally safe and economically feasible methods of pest control. Students gain hands-on experience in growing plants in the department's greenhouses. Fruit Production focuses on the commercial production of apples, with stone fruits, small fruits, and berries also studied. Our orchard serves as a living laboratory where students learn pruning, variety identification, and general management practices. Our faculty have a history of leadership in pomological studies of growth regulators in fruit production and in controlled-atmosphere storage of fruit. Ornamental Horticulture prepares students for careers in the production and care of landscape plants. Students study woody plant production, tree and shrub identification, and plant propagation. Cultural practices and environmental effects on woody plant growth and health are also covered in detail. Career opportunities in landscape plant production, planting, and maintenance have grown in recent years as land development has made us recognize the importance of urban forestry and landscaping for our health and enjoyment in an increasingly urbanized society. Soil Science examines the role of soil in the environment, focusing on physical, biological, chemical, and morphological properties. Courses focus on the need for productive soils in plant growth, prevention of soil degradation, bioremediation, pollution transport processes, waste treatment, wetland issues, and control of water pollution by soilborne contaminants. With an emphasis on protecting valuable resources, students study soil chemistry, plant nutrition, soil physics, soil microbiology, soil and water conservation, soil classification, and the interaction of these areas while emphasizing the protection of our valuable resources. Turf Management is concerned with the production and maintenance of grassed areas, such as home lawns, parks, and golf courses. This concentration integrates scientific theory and practical experience, covering such topics as grass and seed identification, turfgrass culture, physiology, pest control, and equipment maintenance. Students receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for excellent career opportunities in turf management. Job placement of turf graduates approaches 100 percent. Vegetable Crops concentrates on the production, harvest, storage, and marketing of vegetables. The University's location in the Pioneer Valley, a major vegetable production area, affords students access to local farms for first-hand views of modern cultural practices. Current industry concerns, including strengthening the market for locally produced vegetables and the impact of imported produce, are also studied. In addition to conventional vegetable production, students can also take courses in alternative crops and cultural methods. Sustainable Agriculture involves the study of the production of food, fiber, and other plant commodities through ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially conscious approaches. Focus is placed on the cultural requirements and physiological responses of crops, soil productivity, prevention of soil degradation, land use, and maintenance of water and food quality. Diverse topics including sustainable crop production, pesticide alternatives, vegetable crop production, organic farming, and integrated pest management are taught. Requirements, regardless of specialization, are as follows: BIOL 103 Plant Biology or equivalent PLSOIL 397P Introduction to Plant Physiology or BIOL 510 Plant Physiology MATH and STATIS (6 credits) CMPSCI 105 or 121 Restricted Electives Dictated by the area of concentration selected; including at least one CHEM course. Thirty Departmental Credits to Include: 105 Soils 380 Junior Year Writing At least 6 credits of 500 level or higher Restrictions No more than six credits may be Independent Study, Senior Honors, Internships, or similar courses. Independent study credits may not be used to satisfy 500-level credit requirement. Career Opportunities The Bachelor of Science degree in Plant and Soil Sciences qualifies graduates for a wide variety of careers. Graduates are employed as golf course superintendents, environmental consultants, soil scientists, growers of ornamental and edible crops, horticultural managers, hazardous waste landfill operators, state regulatory officials, wetland scientists, grounds supervisors, teachers, sales representatives, floricultural specialists, research technicians, and Peace Corp volunteers. A significant number of graduates continue for advanced degrees which provide additional opportunities in research, teaching, consulting, and public service in their chosen areas of specialization. The Minor All students planning to minor in Plant and Soil Sciences must have completed BIOL 103 or equivalent, CHEM 102 or 111, and PLSOIL 105 or equivalent. In addition, a student must successfully complete 15 credits in Plant and Soil Sciences with at least three credits at the 500 level and at the most one 100-level course. Students interested in minoring should plan their courses with a PLSOIL faculty adviser, prior to commencement of the program. An appropriate adviser can be selected through the Departmental Undergraduate Affairs Office. Certain course selections within the minor in Plant and Soil Sciences are suggested to accommodate students specifically interested in Floriculture, Ornamental Horticulture, Fruit and Vegetable Crops, Turf Management, or Soils. | |
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