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Who is a Soil and Plant Scientist?
“Soil is not just a substance, soil is the soul.” ― Amit Kalantri, Wealth of Words
A Soil and Plant Scientist is a professional who works in the agricultural field researching and studying different soil compositions. He or she is responsible for observing or checking the soil and how that soil is affecting plant life, national food supply, and crops. In simple words, Soil and Plant Scientist conducts research on soil, crops, and other agricultural-related things.
A career as Soil and Plant Scientist requires one to solve modern-day challenges by studying the physical and chemical properties of soil. He or she manages the soil for crop production, forest, and biofuel products by carrying out surveys and measuring the soil, estimating the available nutrient and water levels.

Quick Facts for Soil and Plant Scientist
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Industry
Agriculture
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Average Salary in India
₹135000
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Suitable for
Male, Female, Others
A career as Soil and Plant Scientist is not gender-specific. Men, women, and others can opt for this career. It is one of the most sought-after careers where a person's gender does not matter therefore any gender can choose a career as a Soil and Plant Scientist.
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Any special needs
Yes
A career as Soil and Plant Scientist is suitable for everyone including those with physical disabilities. He or she must have a strong desire to prove their talent and skills to the world in all conditions. For a better and more productive work style, it is preferable to be physically healthy. There is not a strict requirement that you must be physically fit to work as an ecologist, though.
Table of Contents for Soil and Plant Scientist
What is the role of Soil and Plant Scientist?
A Soil and Plant Scientist studies soil properties, origin, and distribution to enhance crop production. They conduct in-depth research, ensuring soil fertility and recommending suitable plants for optimal yield. The scientist investigates how soils and crops react to different methods, contributing to innovative agricultural practices for improved production quality.
Study and Research
A career as Soil and Plant Scientist requires doing much research about soils and plants. The role of Soil and Plant Scientist is to study soil management systems and manage them. He or she studies soil development, stability, sustainability, and moisture ideas and techniques.
Field work and Documentation
The role of Soil and Plant Scientist is to collect various soil samples from different environments or fields. He or she develops the maps of soil types and distribution and documents everything researched and analyzed.
Analysis
The role of Soil and Plant Scientist is to do an in-depth analysis of soils affected by various waste applications such as residential waste, non-hazardous materials, nutrient degradation, loss of soil structure, compaction, or others.
Awareness
The role of Soil and Plant Scientist is to provide information to the farmers about the soil and plant conditions on which they are working. He or she recommends to the farmers the best possible methods to use the land, by promoting the growth of plants or crops.
Experiments
A Soil and Plant Scientist conducts the experiments by investigating and observing closely each and every step to know how the soil forms, changes, or interacts. He or she finds ways to improve agricultural sustainability.
Types of a Soil and Plant Scientist
In this section, we will discuss the various Soil and Plant Scientist career options or the types of Soil and Plant Scientist.
An Ecologist is a professional who studies living beings like animals and plants. He or she is responsible for conserving living beings and managing them. An Ecologist uses his or her expertise to solve environmental problems by investigating.
Agricultural Scientist is a professional who analyses various food production and farming methods and finds solutions to improve the methods of growing food by increasing soil fertility. He or she develops scientific methods by planning strategies for agriculture scientific initiatives.
Conservationist is a professional who is responsible for protecting the earth's natural habitat. He or she protects and preserves natural habitats such as forests, rangelands, parks, and other areas. To improve the fertility of the soil or land he or she ensures that the landowners follow the government regularised standards. A Conservationist study educates and strategizes, and protects nature.
An Environmental Scientist is a professional responsible for studying the relationship between organisms and the environment. He or she protects and preserves the environment. To protect the environment an Environmental Scientist tests, researches, and analyses the various tools and methods.
What is the workplace/work environment of Soil and Plant Scientist like?
Soil and Plant Scientists work in offices, labs, and fields, often traveling to collect diverse soil samples. They spend the majority of their time outdoors conducting research and experiments. Work hours vary based on ongoing research, occasionally requiring long hours, typically during the day shift.
Does Soil and Plant Scientist require travelling?
Likely
The individuals who opt for a career as Soil and Plant Scientist do not require much travelling. But sometimes he or she needs to travel to the site to collect the samples or any other related things.
Time Pressure
Not Likely
Individuals who opt for a career as Soil and Plant Scientist may not have time pressure, however, but sometimes he or she may have time pressure.
How to become a Soil and Plant Scientist?
Steps to become a Soil and Plant Scientist
Discovering how to become a Soil and Plant Scientist in India involves a systematic approach, combining formal education, practical experience, and specialised skills. This guide outlines the essential steps, from enrolling in relevant academic programmes to seeking internships and initiating a rewarding career in contributing to sustainable agriculture and environmental practices in the Indian context.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Soil and Plant Scientist?
Communication Skills: For a Soil and Plant Scientist communication skills are most important as he or she needs to communicate with various people in order to explain what exactly the problem is and must be able to communicate effectively all the solutions that he or she provides to concerned people.
Research Skills: A career as Soil and Plant Scientist requires one to be an expert in doing research or doing an in-depth analysis of various kinds of soil and plants. It is one of the most important skills that a Soil and Plant Scientist must have.
Mapping Skills: A career as Soil and Plant Scientist must have mapping skills. It is most important for him or her as he or she visits fields and to locate themselves in the vast fields he or she must have mapping skills.
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Soil and Plant Scientist?
We have mentioned below some of the Soil and Plant Scientist certifications that students can opt for to have a career as Soil and Plant Scientist.
Internship Availability
Internships are crucial for applying and refining learned skills, enhancing expertise, and adding weight to resumes. They aid in career selection and are advantageous during course enrollment, as employers often value internship experience when hiring. Numerous prestigious companies offer internships, benefiting students or recent graduates in the industry.
Soil and Plant Scientist Jobs and Salaries
Junior Soil and Plant Scientist
- Average Salary 70000
Job Description
A career as Junior Soil and Plant Scientist is responsible for conducting in-depth studies on the soil. He or she needs to improve agricultural productivity by understanding the physical, chemical, and biological composition. A Junior Soil and Plant Scientist does a lot of research and study and documents it.
Salary Description
The Soil and Plant Scientist salary in India may vary depending on various job factors such as location, experience, skills, and employer or company. The estimated annual average salary of a Senior Soil and Plant Scientist is Rs 70000 per annum.
Senior Soil and Plant Scientist
- Average Salary 200000
Job Description
A career as Senior Soil and Plant Scientist is responsible for modifying the crop genetic structure by using biotechnology or nanotechnology. He or she is required to do an in-depth analysis of soils that are affected and provide information to the farmers and landowners on the best possible methods for promoting the growth of plants.
Salary Description
The Soil and Plant Scientist salary in India may vary depending on various job factors such as location, experience, skills, and employer or company. The estimated annual average salary of a Senior Soil and Plant Scientist is Rs 200000 per annum.
What is the job outlook for Soil and Plant Scientist?
Soil and Plant Scientist vacancy or jobs can be found usually in Laboratories, Fields, offices, and others. The overall job outlook for Soil and Plant Scientist careers has been growing rapidly and positively since 2004. The Soil and Plant Scientist vacancy career options are increasing day by day by 43.96 percent nationwide, with an average growth of 2.75 per cent per year. It is expected to grow by 5,050 new jobs filled by 2029.
Frequently Asked Questions for Soil and Plant Scientist
Que. Is Soil and Plant Scientist a good career?
Ans.Yes, Soil and Plant Scientist is a promising career for candidates who are interested in improving agriculture and crops and soil uses. It is a rewarding career.
Que. What is Soil and Plant Scientist and its meaning?
Ans.Soil and Plant Scientist conducts experiments, research, and investigates the soil and plants and tries to improve their growth. He or she tries to solve modern-day challenges of the physical and chemical properties of soil.
Que. What are the types of Soil and plant scientists?
Ans.The types of Soil and plant scientists are Soil scientists, Soil pathologists, professors, Soil Pedologist, ecologists, Environmental Scientists, hydrologists Scientific, Laboratory technicians, and Soil Conservation technicians.
Que. What is the qualification of soil scientist?
Ans.The qualification of soil scientist is a degree in agriculture and soil. Candidates can opt for B.Sc in Agriculture, B.Sc in Agricultural Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, and M.Sc in Agricultural Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry.
Que. What is the salary of soil and plant scientist in India?
Ans.The salary of soil and plant scientists in India can vary, but on average, it ranges from ₹4 to ₹8 lakhs per annum, depending on factors like experience, location, and the employer.
Que. Who is the famous Indian soil scientist?
Ans.Dr. Rattan Lal is a renowned Indian soil scientist and recipient of the World Food Prize for his significant contributions to soil science and sustainable land management practices.
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