Jobs / Science and research / 19-1013.00
Soil and Plant Scientists
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
- US jobs
- 15,730
- Median wage
- $78,850 a year
- Job family
- Science and research
Can agents do the work of soil and plant scientists?
We read the evidence for the whole job family, Science and research: Some tasks (no change in 12 months)
Agents complete 20% or more of the tasks (or projects) on a direct benchmark.
Evidence: CORE-Bench, declared solved.
0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.
- 19%Research agricultural processes or practicesNot measured
- 16%Develop operational or technical procedures or standardsNot measured
- 12%Research issues related to earth sciencesNot measured
- 11%Advise others on environmental sustainability or green practicesNot measured
- 8%Research biological or ecological phenomenaNot measured
- 7%Develop plans for managing or preserving natural resourcesNot measured
- 6%Present research or technical informationNot measured
- 4%Develop sustainable organizational or business policies or practicesNot measured
Benchmarks for the job family
These cover work in science and research, not always this occupation's tasks.
Direct evidence
Work benchmarks mapped primary to this family. They set the step when they report how many tasks agents complete.
- 95.5%Claude Code + Claude Opus 4.5 (after manual regrading) · 3 Dec 2025Solved
Also relevant
These benchmarks cover part of this family's work, or have no result yet. They do not set its step.
- 64.8%Claude Code + Opus 5.5 (max) · 6 Oct 2026Strong
Typical tasks
From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.
- Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
- Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
- Provide information or recommendations to farmers or other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, or avoid or correct problems such as erosion.
- Conduct experiments to develop new or improved varieties of field crops, focusing on characteristics such as yield, quality, disease resistance, nutritional value, or adaptation to specific soils or climates.
- Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.
- Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.
- Conduct experiments to investigate the underlying mechanisms of plant growth and response to the environment.
- Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.
- Develop new or improved methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests.
- Provide advice regarding the development of regulatory standards for land reclamation or soil conservation.
- Study soil characteristics to classify soils on the basis of factors such as geographic location, landscape position, or soil properties.
- Develop improved measurement techniques, soil conservation methods, soil sampling devices, or related technology.
Other job titles for this occupation (49)
Agronomist · Arboriculture Researcher · Crop Nutrition Scientist · Forage Physiologist · Horticulture Specialist · Plant Physiologist · Plant Research Geneticist · Research Scientist · Research Soil Scientist · Scientist · Agricultural Specialist · Agriculturist · Apiculturist · Arboreal Scientist · Arboriculturist · Arborist · Biological Science Technician (Biological Science Tech) · Botanist · Corn Breeder · Cotton Breeder · Crop Protection Research Agronomist · Entomologist · Field Agronomist · Field Research Agronomist · Field Technology Development Agronomist · Floriculturist · Growth Specialist · Horticultural Specialist · Horticulturist · Hybrid Corn Breeder · Microbiology Soil Scientist · Plant Anatomist · Plant Breeder · Plant Breeder Scientist · Plant Pathologist · Plant Scientist · Pomologist · Postdoctoral Associate (Postdoc Associate) · Precision Agronomist · Research Agronomist · Research Physiologist · Scientist Propagator · Soil Expert · Soil Fertility Extension Specialist · Soil Specialist · Soil Technician (Soil Tech) · Technical Agronomist · Viticulturist · Wholesale Agronomist