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Department of Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science

Welcome to the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science.

We are a multidisciplinary department with the size and breadth to address today’s complex scientific issues, while retaining the student-centered focus, an SDSU Plant Science hallmark. All of our programs feature a carefully designed balance of theoretical principles and hands-on experience to produce a well-rounded graduate who is prepared for the 21st century workplace. As a result, our graduates are in high demand and frequently have jobs before graduation.

We offer educational opportunities that span a range of careers in the plant sciences such as agronomy, crop production, entomology, genetics, genomics, horticulture, plant breeding, plant pathology, precision agriculture, pest management, soil science and weed science. We also offer graduate degrees in Plant Science and Biological Sciences.

If your interests are in the production of specialty crops, local food production or ornamentals, then SDSU is the place to be. Our Local Foods Education Center will provide you with hands-on experience in sustainable food production. The Local Foods Education Center is based on a foundation of student learning, ecosystem sustainability and consumer access to a safe and stable food supply.

Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science is also proud of a strong tradition of research and Extension. Our research has led to increased agricultural productivity, a better understanding of plant diseases and new plant varieties. Our Extension activities have translated research advances into useful public knowledge. We continue to develop and disseminate knowledge on topics as varied as the impacts of tillage on soil carbon levels, the genomic basis of grape quality, to crop seeding rates for optimized yields.

Department of Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science News

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Exterior, nighttime photo of the Raven Precision Agriculture Center.

Raven Precision Agriculture Center design claims award

The design of one of the newest buildings on the South Dakota State University campus — the Raven Precision Agriculture Center — has been recognized by the South Dakota chapter of the American Institute of Architects. ...
Sunish Sehgal shown in a wheat field.

Sunish Sehgal honored by Wheat Quality Council two years in a row

Sunish Sehgal, associate professor and SDSU winter wheat breeder, was honored by the Wheat Quality Council with the 2023 Millers Choice Best of Show Award for the second consecutive year. The honor annually recognizes the wheat breeder of the variety that is most well-liked by U.S.

Cover crops contribute to soil health, study shows

Worldwide, farmers are being challenged with a variety of issues, including growing populations, a changing climate and soil degradation, among many others.