Research

Global crop and soil science innovation starts here.

A Complete Innovation Ecosystem

We conduct cutting-edge research to improve food security and enhance agricultural systems. We discover new approaches to protect soil and water resources from degradation associated with agricultural and urban land uses.

Our research is conducted in well-equipped labs, greenhouses, and the NC State Phytotron for controlled environmental work. And we have access to an excellent field station system with a variety of environments and soils ranging from the mountains to the Piedmont, to the coastal plains and blacklands of Eastern North Carolina.

Our Crop-Soil collaborative studies are addressing some of the most pressing issues our world faces today.

Fueling the Future: Elephant Grass as Potential Biofuel Material

A team of NC State scientists, including faculty members in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, are exploring the potential of miscanthus, a common perennial grass that may hold uncommon promise for research, agriculture and industry.

Our Research Focus Learn More About Our Programs

A combine harvesting North Carolina soybeans

Feeding a Growing World Population

Our crop production research identifies the most effective and cost-efficient resources while maximizing production and environmental protection.

Addressing Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture

We measure greenhouse gas emissions and develop high-tech solutions — including assessment of the role of organic farming — to reduce them.

A sunken fishing boat on waterway near Supply, NC

Protecting our Water and Environment

We develop management strategies that protect soil and water resources from degradation associated with agricultural and urban land uses.

When the world needs innovation in crop and soil sciences, they work with us.

Programs and Commodities

Research Programs

Crop and Soil Sciences research includes programs that range from water and air quality to agricultural production and management. From forage and grassland management to integrated pest management. We are also working with budding scientists participating in 4-H programs across the state.

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Research for Commodities

Our crop commodities research incorporates the use of molecular, cellular, and quantitative genetic techniques in focus areas that include plant improvement, systems agriculture, weed management and modeling, just to name a few. We work closely with our stakeholders to provide research that yields results.

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Our Impact

NC State students enjoying fresh vegetables grown on campus

Feeding the Future, One Mind at a Time

In 2005, the Agroecology Education Farm started with a vision from Drs. Michelle Schroeder-Moreno, David Orr, and Mike Linker to create a space for students and community to learn about sustainable agriculture. The farm is at Lake Wheeler Field Station near the Historic Yates Mill Park.

The farm began producing for NC State University Dining in 2013, bringing food and agroecology education into the dining halls. Following its land-grant mission, the Agroecology Education Farm provides hands-on education in sustainable agriculture and a place where students and community can learn from each other.

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Driving Innovation More News

Jun 12, 2019

CCRP Research Involves 11 NC State Faculty

Eleven NC State faculty members — 10 of them in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are taking part in the $30 million interdisciplinary Collaborative Crop Resilience Project.

Apr 29, 2019

Patterson and Ristaino Receive Awards for International Impact

Congratulation to CALS faculty members Bob Patterson and Jean Ristaino, who were honored recently at NC State’s annual Global Engagement Exposition.

Feb 25, 2019

Full-Time Student. And Parent. And Extension Employee. And…

National statistics show that “non-traditional” is increasingly the norm for students across the United States – in just one example, 75 percent of graduate students also work at least 30 hours a week. Over the next few months, we’re highlighting some of our own amazing multi-taskers across CALS.