Checking blueberries for disease in Western NC

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.

Featured Video

Protecting Drinking Water in Cambodia

Ph.D. student Elizabeth Gillispie discusses her research related to arsenic contamination of groundwater, which can cause serious human health problems.

Our Research Focus Learn More About Our Programs

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.

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

Farmer in field checking soil

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Driving Innovation More News

Sep 20, 2017

CALS Honors Extraordinary Alumni

CALS alumni, friends, faculty and staff gathered to celebrate more than two dozen extraordinary alumni at the college’s annual Alumni Awards Ceremony.

Read More

Jun 6, 2017

Made in the Shade: Research Focuses on Combining Forestry and Livestock Grazing

Silvopasture – the practice of combining forestry with forage and livestock production – is rare in North America, but the practice could bring both economic and environmental benefits on marginal lands where traditional row cropping hasn’t worked.

Read More

May 2, 2017

Organic Tobacco: Better Ways to Get Off to a Good Start

Interest in organic tobacco farming has been growing in recent years, and at NC State University, researchers are taking the guessing game out of one of the most important steps in production: how best to fertilize seedlings.

Read More