Research

Global crop and soil science innovation starts here.

A Complete Innovation Ecosystem

Fueling the Future

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.

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.

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

Older white woman standing in a cotton field

Oct 14, 2020

Research Station 70+ Year Partnership Leads to New Endowment

Today’s NC State weed research stems from a nearly 70-year partnership with the Sorrell-Wilkerson family, a partnership that culminated in an endowment from the Sorrell family that will permanently keep property where the research has taken place under the university’s guardianship.

Oct 13, 2020

Extending a Helping Hand

Across North Carolina, NC State Extension stands in the gap between high tech and high touch for the state’s citizens. Providing services to all 100 counties in “normal” times takes the tireless efforts of hundreds of NC State Extension workers. […]

Oct 12, 2020

From Sunrise to Startups, Grad Students Plan Futures

CALS graduate students keep an eye on farming’s horizon. In labs and fields, they’re working to solve today’s problems and preparing to take on tomorrow’s challenges.