The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences has made significant research contributions that have added to its reputation for excellence. Departmental scientists have developed many new varieties of wheat, barley, peas, and lentils that bring large economic returns to the state. Management systems responsible for large reductions in erosion and runoff in the rainfed agricultural regions of the state have also been developed. The department is a national leader in research on sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, turfgrass science, water quality, soil conservation, crop modeling, germplasm enhancement, and intergrated pest management. TA Appointments Teaching assistants support the instructional program of the department by helping with laboratory preparations, conducting laboratory or discussion sections, grading exams, supervising student projects, and offering occasional lectures.
Research assistants conduct experiments under the direction of their advisor.
Most graduate students appointments are half-time and students on formal appointment receive stipends on an annual basis. Appointments are continued for a minimum of two years for M.S. students and three years for Ph.D. students, assuming satisfactory performance and the maintenance of at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Resident tuition is also waived for students on state-funded assistantships. Students funded by grants receive an extra stipend to cover the costs of tuition. Conducting original research is an important component of graduate student education.