Sustainable Plant Systems

Sustainable Plant Systems involve providing the world with plants for food, pleasure and recreation, and environmental improvement. As the population continues to expand, there is an increasing need to limit our reliance on imports while preventing further damage to the environment. Students completing this program earn the degree Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Students have the opportunity to specialize in the following areas:

*Agroecology*	Focuses on understanding and applying ecological principles in crop production to integrate natural biological cycles and controls, make efficient use of resources, enhance environmental quality, and increase biodiversity.
*Agronomy*	Agronomy is the application of biological, chemical and physical principles to crops and cropping systems to increase their efficiency in converting light and supplemental resources into food, feed and fiber products. Students learn to effectively regulate crop productivity through management decisions as they study the interrelationships among physical and biological factors.
*HORTICULTURE*	Horticulture is the application of scientific principles to grow vegetables, fruits ornamental plants, and landscape design, as well as business principles to sell the commodities. Horticulture professionals must know many different kinds of plants and their basic characteristics: scientific and common names and how they grow, develop, reproduce and adapt to different environments. Using this knowledge they create growing conditions specific for a plant to have optimal growth and yield and reduce potential problems such as pests and diseases.
Plant Biosciences	Plant Biosciences is a broad study of plant biology including plant form and function, diversity, reproduction, evolution, and uses of plants. The Plant Bioscience specialization opens doors to a diverse array of career pathways including business, research in both governmental and private sectors, teaching and agricultural extension. The Plant Bioscience specialization is ideal for students wishing to pursue careers in the plant biotechnology, pharmaceutical, energy, and chemical industries, in food and seed companies, in botanical gardens, museums, and herbaria, or who plan to pursue graduate study in the field of plant biology and related plant science disciplines.
*Turfgrass Science*	Turfgrass Science is an integrated program that studies the grasses used to enhance our environment. Turf reduces glare, noise, air pollution, heat buildup and visual pollution; provides recreational benefits to outdoor sporting events such as golf, football, baseball and soccer; and creates an aesthetically attractive surrounding for homes, buildings and cities. Students learn to manage and maintain turf as they gain knowledge in plant biology, soil and turfgrass science.

Possible Career Options

*Agroecology*	Environmental Consultant	Extension Educator
	Food Policy or Food Systems	Sales Representative Manager
	Researcher
*Agronomy*	Breeding and Genetics Researcher	Producer/Farm Manager
	County Extension Agent	Crop Consultant
	Feed Sales Agronomist	Fertilizer Sales Manager
	Molecular Biologist	Plant Geneticist
	Seed Sales Representative	Vineyard or Orchard Owner
*Horticulture*	Florist	Garden Center Manager
	Greenhouse Manager	Horticulture Extension Educator
	Landscape Designer	Horticulturist
	Plant Breeder	Hardscape Install Design Specialist
	Interiorscaper
*Plant Biosciences*	Agronomist or Horticulturalist	Curator
	Educator	Researcher
	Sales Representative/Manager	Technician
*Turfgrass Science*	Athletic Field Manager	Turf Industry Sales Manager
	Design Associate	Educator
	Plant Breeder	Golf Course Superintendant
	Lawn Care Specialist	Marketing Manager
	Product Developer	Sod Producer

Curriculum Requirements

*Agroecology*	Students will take classes in plant biology, horticulture, agronomy, crop production, agroecological management, soil science, plant pathology, integrated pest management, and many elective options to pursue particular interest areas.
*Agronomy*	Students will take classes in plant biology, crop production, grain crops and forages, soil science, plant pathology, and entomology.
*Horticulture*	Students will take classes in biology, greenhouse and nursery management, fruit and vegetable production, and pest management.
*Horticulture*
*Plant Biosciences*	Students will study biology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, soil science, agronomy, horticulture, crop production, plant genetics, evolution, ecology, plant physiology, soil science, and many elective options to explore areas of scientific interest.
*Turfgrass Science*	Students will study biology, chemistry, and physics as they relate to turf as well as the scientific principles and technical applications behind developing turf for different situations.

After Graduation

	EMPLOYED	GRAD SCHOOL	AVERAGE SALARY
Agroecology	N/A	N/A	N/A
*Agronomy*	90%	10%	$55,000
*Horticulture*	90%	10%	$40,207
*Plant Biosciences*	50%	50%	34,000
*Turfgrass Science*	100%	0%	$37,500

* Numbers are based on responses from graduates at six months post-graduation date.

Getting Involved

	Crops and Soils Club The Crops and Soils Club provides social, educational, and leadership experiences for students interested in the fields of crops, soils, conservation, turf, and other related areas. This club serves as a fundraising organization for the Soils Judging and Weeds Teams. Members are also given the opportunity to meet and network with various industry professionals.
	Landscape and Floriculture Forum (LAFF) The Landscape and Floriculture Forum (LAFF) is open to any OSU student interested in landscaping, floriculture, or who has a general interest in plants. LAFF serves as a means for students to build community by interacting with faculty, staff, and other students. Members volunteer in gardens on campus, explore conservatories, go on hikes, and participate in other activities that help them engage with their appreciation for plants.
	Pi Alpha Xi (PAX) Pi Alpha Xi is a national honor society for undergraduate and graduate students in floriculture, ornamental horticulture, and landscape horticulture. Their purpose is to promote fellowship between students, educators, and the professional horticultural community who share in the belief of enrichment of human life through plants.
	Turfgrass Club The Turfgrass Club provides students interested in a career in turfgrass management the opportunity to interact professionally and socially with other students as well as industry and academic professionals. The club engages in a variety of activities and community service projects, traveling to the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America, Sports Turf Managers Association, and The Ohio Turfgrass Foundation Conferences.