phd research topics in agronomy

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45 Research Project Ideas in Agriculture – Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Farming

Explore 45 research project ideas in agriculture for sustainable farming.

Agriculture is a vast and dynamic field that plays a critical role in feeding the world’s population. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food production is also increasing, making agriculture one of the most important sectors for ensuring food security and sustainable development. However, the challenges facing the agriculture industry today are numerous, ranging from climate change, soil degradation, water scarcity, and pest infestation to biodiversity loss and food waste.

To tackle these issues and promote sustainable agriculture, researchers and professionals in the field are continuously exploring new and innovative ways to improve agricultural practices, increase productivity, and reduce environmental impact. In this article, we will present 45 research project ideas in agriculture that can help address some of the most pressing issues facing the industry today.

These research projects cover a wide range of topics, from soil health and crop yields to livestock farming, aquaculture, and food systems, providing a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and innovations in agricultural research.

Whether you are a student, researcher, or professional in the field, these research project ideas can help guide your work and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient agriculture industry.

• Evaluating the effectiveness of natural pest control methods in agriculture.
• Investigating the effects of climate change on crop yields and food security.
• Studying the impact of soil quality on plant growth and crop yields.
• Analyzing the potential of precision agriculture techniques to increase yields and reduce costs.
• Assessing the feasibility of vertical farming as a sustainable solution to food production.
• Investigating the impact of sustainable agriculture practices on soil health and ecosystem services.
• Exploring the potential of agroforestry to improve soil fertility and crop yields.
• Developing strategies to mitigate the effects of drought on crop production.
• Analyzing the impact of irrigation management techniques on crop yields and water use efficiency.
• Studying the potential of biochar as a soil amendment to improve crop productivity.
• Investigating the effects of soil compaction on crop yields and soil health.
• Evaluating the impact of soil erosion on agriculture and ecosystem services.
• Developing integrated pest management strategies for organic agriculture.
• Assessing the potential of cover crops to improve soil health and reduce erosion.
• Studying the effects of biofertilizers on crop yields and soil health.
• Investigating the potential of phytoremediation to mitigate soil pollution in agriculture.
• Developing sustainable practices for livestock farming and manure management.
• Studying the effects of climate change on animal health and productivity.
• Analyzing the impact of animal feeding practices on meat quality and safety.
• Investigating the potential of aquaponics to increase food production and reduce environmental impact.
• Developing strategies to reduce food waste and loss in agriculture.
• Studying the effects of nutrient management practices on crop yields and environmental impact.
• Evaluating the potential of organic agriculture to improve soil health and reduce environmental impact.
• Investigating the effects of land use change on agriculture and biodiversity.
• Developing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.
• Analyzing the impact of agricultural policies on food security and sustainability.
• Studying the potential of precision livestock farming to improve animal welfare and productivity.
• Investigating the impact of agrochemicals on soil health and biodiversity.
• Developing sustainable practices for fisheries and aquaculture.
• Studying the potential of bioremediation to mitigate pollution in aquaculture.
• Investigating the effects of climate change on fisheries and aquaculture.
• Developing strategies to reduce water pollution from agriculture and aquaculture.
• Studying the impact of land use change on water resources and aquatic ecosystems.
• Evaluating the potential of agroecology to promote sustainable agriculture and food systems.
• Investigating the impact of climate-smart agriculture practices on food security and resilience.
• Studying the potential of agrobiodiversity to improve crop productivity and resilience.
• Analyzing the impact of agricultural trade on food security and sustainability.
• Investigating the effects of urbanization on agriculture and food systems.
• Developing strategies to promote gender equity in agriculture and food systems.
• Studying the potential of agroforestry to promote biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Analyzing the impact of food systems on public health and nutrition.
• Investigating the effects of climate change on pollination and crop yields.
• Developing strategies to promote agrotourism and rural development.
• Studying the potential of agroforestry to promote carbon sequestration and mitigate climate change.
• Analyzing the impact of agricultural subsidies on food security and sustainability.

I hope this article would help you to know the new project topics and research ideas in Agricultural.

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Texas A&M University Catalogs

Doctor of philosophy in agronomy.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Agronomy is designed to prepare students for leadership in academia as well as other areas of the food, feed, fiber, bioenergy, shelter, and aesthetic-space plant production system. Students complete discipline specific courses and high impact learning experiences designed to provide the knowledge and skills for leadership positions in academia, industry, local-state-national governmental agencies, and non-government organizations dealing with crop production issues. Graduates are employed by universities, private companies, crop consulting firms, state agricultural experiment stations, cooperative extension service, USDA-ARS, farmer cooperatives, and state departments of agriculture and other related agencies. The expected increase in global population mandates that agriculture become more efficient in producing plant-based products. Graduates in Agronomy are prepared to meet this challenge through their understanding of the basic physiology of crops and manipulation of the production environment to optimize the input:production ratio to meet the challenge of feeding and meeting other basic human agriculture needs.

For more information, please contact a graduate advisor in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences ( http://soilcrop.tamu.edu ).

Steps to Fulfill a Doctoral Program

Program Requirements

• Student's Advisory Committee

Degree Plan

Transfer of credit, research proposal, preliminary examination, preliminary examination format, preliminary examination scheduling.

• Preliminary Examination Grading
• Failure of Preliminary Examination

Retake of Failed Preliminary Examination

Final examination.

• Final Examination Grading

Dissertation

Student’s advisory committee.

After receiving admission to graduate studies and enrolling, the student will consult with the head of their major or administrative department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty) concerning appointment of the chair of the advisory committee. The student’s advisory committee will consist of  no fewer than four members of the graduate faculty  representative of the student’s several fields of study and research, where the chair or co-chair must be from the student’s department (or intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), and  at least one or more of the members must have an appointment to a department other than the student’s major department . The outside member for a student in an interdisciplinary degree program must be from a department different from the chair of the student’s committee.

The chair, in consultation with the student, will select the remainder of the advisory committee. Only graduate faculty members located on Texas A&M University campuses may serve as chair of a student’s advisory committee. Other Texas A&M University graduate faculty members located off-campus may serve as a member or co-chair (but not chair), with a member as the chair.

If the chair of a student’s advisory committee voluntarily leaves the University and the student is near completion of the degree and wants the chair to continue to serve in this role, the student is responsible for securing a current member of the University Graduate Faculty, from the student’s academic program and located near the Texas A&M University campus site, to serve as the co-chair of the committee. The Department Head or Chair of Intercollegiate faculty may request in writing to the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School that a faculty member who is on an approved leave of absence or has voluntarily separated from the university, be allowed to continue to serve in the role of chair of a student’s advisory committee without a co-chair for up to one year. The students should be near completion of the degree. Extensions beyond the one year period can be granted with additional approval of the Dean.

The committee members’ signatures on the degree plan indicate their willingness to accept the responsibility for guiding and directing the entire academic program of the student and for initiating all academic actions concerning the student. Although individual committee members may be replaced by petition for valid reasons, a committee cannot resign  en masse . The chair of the committee, who usually has immediate supervision of the student’s research and dissertation or record of study, has the responsibility for calling all meetings of the committee. The duties of the committee include responsibility for the proposed degree plan, the research proposal, the preliminary examination, the dissertation or record of study and the final examination. In addition, the committee, as a group and as individual members, is responsible for counseling the student on academic matters, and, in the case of academic deficiency, initiating recommendations to the Graduate and Professional School.

The student’s advisory committee will evaluate the student’s previous education and degree objectives. The committee, in consultation with the student, will develop a proposed degree plan and outline a research problem which, when completed, as indicated by the dissertation (or its equivalent for the degree of Doctor of Education or the degree of Doctor of Engineering), will constitute the basic requirements for the degree. The degree plan must be filed with the Graduate and Professional School prior to the deadline imposed by the student’s college and no later than 90 days prior to the preliminary examination.

This proposed degree plan should be submitted through the online Document Processing Submission System located on the website  http://ogsdpss.tamu.edu . A minimum of 64 hours is required on the degree plan for the Doctor of Philosophy for a student who has completed a master’s degree. A student who has completed a DDS/DMD, DVM or a MD at a U.S. institution is also required to complete a minimum of 64 hours. A student who has completed a baccalaureate degree but not a master’s degree will be required to complete a 96-hour degree plan. Completion of a DDS/DMD, DVM or MD degree at a foreign institution requires completion of a minimum of 96 hours for the Doctor of Philosophy. A field of study may be primarily in one department or in a combination of departments. A degree plan must carry a reasonable amount of 691 (research). A maximum of 9 hours of 400-level undergraduate courses may be used toward meeting credit-hour requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy.

Additional coursework may be added by petition to the approved degree plan by the student’s advisory committee if it is deemed necessary to correct deficiencies in the student’s academic preparation. No changes can be made to the degree plan once the student’s Request for Final Examination is approved by the Graduate and Professional School.

Approval to enroll in any professional course (900-level) should be obtained from the head of the department (or Chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable) in which the course will be offered before including such a course on a degree plan.

No credit may be obtained by correspondence study, by extension or for any course of fewer than three weeks duration.

For non-distance degree programs, no more than 50 percent of the non-research credit hours required for the program may be completed through distance education courses.

To receive a graduate degree from Texas A&M University, students must earn one-third or more of the credits through the institution’s own direct instruction. This limitation also applies to joint degree programs. 

Courses for which transfer credits are sought must have been completed with a grade of B or greater and must be approved by the student’s advisory committee and the Graduate and Professional School. These courses must not have been used previously for another degree. Except for officially approved cooperative doctoral programs, credit for thesis or dissertation research or the equivalent is not transferable. Credit for “internship” coursework in any form is not transferable. Courses taken in residence at an accredited U.S. institution or approved international institution with a final grade of B or greater will be considered for transfer credit if, at the time the courses were completed, the courses would be accepted for credit toward a similar degree for a student in degree-seeking status at the host institution. Credit for coursework taken by extension is not transferable. Coursework  in which no formal grades are given or in which grades other than letter grades (A or B) are earned (for example, CR, P, S, U, H, etc.) is not accepted for transfer credit . Credit for coursework submitted for transfer from any college or university must be shown in semester credit hours, or equated to semester credit hours.

Courses used toward a degree at another institution may not be applied for graduate credit. If the course to be transferred was taken prior to the conferral of a degree at the transfer institution, a letter from the registrar at that institution stating that the course was not applied for credit toward the degree must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School.

Grades for courses completed at other institutions are not included in computing the GPA. An official transcript from the university at which transfer courses are taken must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

The general field of research to be used for the dissertation should be agreed on by the student and the advisory committee at their first meeting, as a basis for selecting the proper courses to support the proposed research.

As soon thereafter as the research project can be outlined in reasonable detail, the dissertation research proposal should be completed. The research proposal should be approved at a meeting of the student’s advisory committee, at which time the feasibility of the proposed research and the adequacy of available facilities should be reviewed. The approved proposal, signed by all members of the student’s advisory committee, the head of the student’s major department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School at least 20 working days prior to the submission of the Request for the Final Examination.

Compliance issues must be addressed if a graduate student is performing research involving human subjects, animals, infectious biohazards and recombinant DNA. A student involved in these types of research should check with the Office of Research Compliance and Biosafety at (979) 458-1467 to address questions about all research compliance responsibilities. Additional information can also be obtained on the website  http:// rcb.tamu.edu .

Examinations

The student’s major department (or chair of the interdisciplinary degree program faculty, if applicable) and their advisory committee may require qualifying, cumulative or other types of examinations at any time deemed desirable. These examinations are entirely at the discretion of the department and the student’s advisory committee.

The preliminary examination is required. The preliminary examination for a doctoral student shall be given no earlier than a date at which the student is within 6 credit hours of completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan (i.e., all coursework on the degree plan except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The student should complete the Preliminary Examination no later than the end of the semester following the completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan.

The objective of preliminary examination is to evaluate whether the student has demonstrated the following qualifications:

a.     a mastery of the subject matter of all fields in the program;

b.     an adequate knowledge of the literature in these fields and an ability to carry out bibliographical research;

c.     an understanding of the research problem and the appropriate methodological approaches.

The format of the preliminary examination shall be determined by the student’s department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) and advisory committee, and communicated to the student in advance of the examination. The exam may consist of a written component, oral component, or combination of written and oral components.

The preliminary exam may be administered by the advisory committee or a departmental committee; herein referred to as the examination committee.

Regardless of exam format, a student will receive an overall preliminary exam result of pass or fail. The department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) will determine how the overall pass or fail result is determined based on the exam structure and internal department procedures. If the exam is administered by the advisory committee, each advisory committee member will provide a pass or fail evaluation decision.

Only one advisory committee substitution is allowed to provide an evaluation decision for a student’s preliminary exam, and it cannot be the committee chair.

If a student is required to take, as a part of the preliminary examination, a written component administered by a department or interdisciplinary degree program, the department or interdisciplinary degree program faculty must:

a.     offer the examination at least once every six months. The departmental or interdisciplinary degree program examination should be announced at least 30 days prior to the scheduled examination date.

b.     assume the responsibility for marking the examination satisfactory or unsatisfactory, or otherwise graded, and in the case of unsatisfactory, stating specifically the reasons for such a mark.

c.     forward the marked examination to the chair of the student’s advisory committee within one week after the examination.

Students are eligible for to schedule the preliminary examination in the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) if they meet the following list of eligibility requirements:

Student is registered at Texas A&M University for a minimum of one semester credit hour in the long semester or summer term during which any component of the preliminary examination is held. If the entire examination is held between semesters, then the student must be registered for the term immediately preceding the examination.

An approved degree plan is on file with the Graduate and Professional School prior to commencing the first component of the examination.

Student’s cumulative GPA is at least 3.000.

Student’s degree plan GPA is at least 3.000.

At the end of the semester in which at least the first component of the exam is given, there are no more than 6 hours of coursework remaining on the degree plan (except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The head of the student’s department (or Chair of the Interdisciplinary Degree Program, if applicable) has the authority to approve a waiver of this criterion.

Preliminary Examination Grading

Credit for the preliminary examination is not transferable in cases where a student changes degree programs after passing a preliminary exam.

If a written component precedes an oral component of the preliminary exam, the chair of the student’s examination committee is responsible for making all written examinations available to all members of the committee. A positive evaluation of the preliminary exam by all members of a student’s examination committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on their preliminary exam.

The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Preliminary Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) within 10 working days of completion of the preliminary examination.

If an approved examination committee member substitution (one only) has been made, their approval must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS. The approval of the designated department approver is also required on the request.

After passing the required preliminary oral and written examinations for a doctoral degree, the student must complete the final examination within four years of the semester in which the preliminary exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a preliminary exam taken and passed during the Fall 2023 semester will expire at the end of the Fall 2027 semester. A preliminary exam taken in the time between the Summer and Fall 2023 semesters will expire at the end of the Summer 2027 semester.

Failure of the Preliminary Examination

First failure.

Upon approval of a student’s examination committee (with no more than one member dissenting), and approval of the Department and Graduate and Professional School, a student who has failed a preliminary examination may be given one re-examination. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5, the student’s department head or designee, intercollegiate faculty, or graduate advisory committee should make a recommendation to the student regarding their scholastic deficiency.

Second Failure

Upon failing the preliminary exam twice in a doctoral program, a student is no longer eligible to continue to pursue the PhD in that program/major. In accordance with Student Rule 12.5.3 and/or 12.5.4, the student will be notified of the action being taken by the department as a result of the second failure of the preliminary examination.

Adequate time must be given to permit a student to address inadequacies emerging from the first preliminary examination. The examination committee must agree upon and communicate to the student, in writing, an adequate time-frame from the first examination (normally six months) to retest, as well as a detailed explanation of the inadequacies emerging from the examination. The student and committee should jointly negotiate a mutually acceptable date for this retest.  When providing feedback on inadequacies, the committee should clearly document expected improvements that the student must be able to exhibit in order to retake the exam.  The examination committee will document and communicate the time-frame and feedback within 10 working days of the exam that was not passed.

Candidates for the doctoral degrees must pass a final examination by deadline dates announced in the  Graduate and Professional School Calendar  each semester. A doctoral student is allowed only one opportunity to take the final examination.

No unabsolved grades of D, F, or U for any course can be listed on the degree plan. The student must be registered for any remaining hours of 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 791 or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog during the semester of the final exam. No student may be given a final examination until they have been admitted to candidacy and their current official cumulative and degree plan GPAs are 3.00 or better.

Refer to the  Admission to Candidacy  section of the graduate catalog for candidacy requirements.

A request to schedule the final examination must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS a minimum of 10 working days in advance of the scheduled date. Any changes to the degree plan must be approved by the Graduate and Professional School prior to the submission of the request for final examination.

The student’s advisory committee will conduct this examination. Only one committee member substitution is allowed with the approval of the Graduate and Professional School. If the substitution is for the sole external member of the advisory committee - with an appointment to a department other than the student's major department - then the substitute must also be external to the student's major department. In extenuating circumstances, with the approval of the Graduate and Professional School, an exception to this requirement may be granted.

The final examination is not to be administered until the dissertation or record of study is available in substantially final form to the student’s advisory committee, and all concerned have had adequate time to review the document. Whereas the final examination may cover the broad field of the candidate’s training, it is presumed that the major portion of the time will be devoted to the dissertation and closely allied topics. Persons other than members of the graduate faculty may, with mutual consent of the candidate and the chair of the advisory committee, be invited to attend a final examination for an advanced degree. A positive vote by all members of the graduate committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on their exam. A department can have a stricter requirement provided there is consistency within all degree programs within a department. Upon completion of the questioning of the candidate, all visitors must excuse themselves from the proceedings.

Final Examination Grading

The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Final Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS) within 10 working days of completion of the final examination. The Graduate and Professional School will be automatically notified via ARCS of any cancellations.

A positive evaluation of the final exam by all members of a student’s advisory committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on their final exam. If an approved committee member substitution (1 only) has been made, their approval must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School via ARCS.

The dissertation,  which must be a candidate's original work demonstrates the ability to perform independent research . Whereas acceptance of the dissertation is based primarily on its scholarly merit, it must also exhibit creditable literary workmanship. Dissertation formatting must be acceptable to the Graduate and Professional School as outlined in the Guidelines for Theses, Dissertations, and Records of Study.

After successful defense and approval by the student’s advisory committee and the head of the student’s major department (or chair of intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), a student must submit the dissertation in electronic format as a single PDF file to https://etd.tamu.edu/ . Additionally, a dissertation approval form with original signatures must be received by the Graduate and Professional School through the Academic Requirements Completion System (ARCS). Both the PDF file and the completed ARCS approval form must be received by the deadline.

Deadline dates for submitting are announced each semester or summer term in the Graduate and Professional School Calendar (see Time Limit statement). These dates also can be accessed via the  Graduate and Professional School website .

Each student who submits a document for review is assessed a one-time thesis/dissertation processing fee through Student Business Services. This processing fee is for the thesis/dissertation services provided. After commencement, dissertations are digitally stored and made available through the Texas A&M Libraries.

A dissertation that is deemed unacceptable by the Graduate and Professional School because of excessive corrections will be returned to the student’s department head or chair of the intercollegiate faculty . The manuscript must be resubmitted as a new document, and the entire review process must begin anew. All original submittal deadlines must be met during the resubmittal process to graduate.

Additional Requirements

Continuous registration, admission to candidacy.

• 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degree

Application for Degree

A student who enters the doctoral degree program with a baccalaureate degree must spend one academic year plus one semester in resident study at Texas A&M University. A student who holds master’s degree when they enter doctoral degree program must spend one academic year in resident study. One academic year may include two adjacent regular semesters or one regular semester and one adjacent 10-week summer semester. The third semester is not required to be adjacent to the one year. Enrollment for each semester must be a minimum of 9 credit hours each to satisfy the residence requirement. A minimum of 1 credit hour must be in a non-distance education delivery mode. Semesters in which the student is enrolled in all distance education coursework will not count toward fulfillment of the residence requirement.

To satisfy the residence requirement, the student must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester or 10-week summer semester in resident study at Texas A&M University for the required period. A student who enters a doctoral degree program with a baccalaureate degree may fulfill residence requirements in excess of one academic year (18 credit hours) by registration during summer sessions or by completion of a less-than-full course load (in this context a full course load is considered 9 credit hours per semester).

Students who are employed full-time while completing their degree may fulfill total residence requirements by completion of less-than-full time course loads each semester. In order to be considered for this, the student is required to submit a Petition for Waivers and Exceptions along with verification of their employment to the Graduate and Professional School. An employee should submit verification of their employment at the time they submit the degree plan. See  Registration .

See  Residence Requirements .

All requirements for doctoral degrees must be completed within a period of ten consecutive calendar years for the degree to be granted. A course will be considered valid until 10 years after the end of the semester in which it is taken. Graduate credit for coursework more than ten calendar years old at the time of the final oral examination may not be used to satisfy degree requirements.

After passing the required preliminary oral and written examinations for a doctoral degree, the student must complete the final examination within four years of the semester in which the preliminary exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a preliminary exam taken and passed during the fall 2019 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A preliminary exam taken in the time between the summer and fall 2019 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester.

A final corrected version of the dissertation or record of study in electronic format as a single PDF file must be cleared by the Graduate and Professional School within one year of the semester in which the final exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a final exam taken and passed during the fall 2022 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A final exam taken in the time between the summer and fall 2022 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester. Failure to do so will result in the degree not being awarded.

A student in a program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy who has completed all coursework on their degree plan other than 691 (research) are required to be in continuous registration until all requirements for the degree have been completed. See  Continuous Registration Requirements .

To be admitted to candidacy for a doctoral degree, a student must have:

• completed all formal coursework on the degree plan with the exception of any remaining 681, 684, 690 and 691, or 791.
• a 3.0 Graduate GPA and a Degree Plan GPA of at least 3.0 with no grade lower than C in any course on the degree plan,
• passed the preliminary examination (written and oral portions),
• submitted an approved dissertation proposal,
• met the residence requirements. The final examination will not be authorized for any doctoral student who has not been admitted to candidacy.

A student is required to possess a competent command of English. For English language proficiency requirements, see the Admissions section of this catalog. The doctoral (PhD) foreign language requirement at Texas A&M University is a departmental option, to be administered and monitored by the individual departments of academic instruction.

99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees

In Texas, public colleges and universities are funded by the state according to the number of students enrolled. In accordance with legislation passed by the Texas Legislature, the number of hours for which state universities may receive subvention funding at the doctoral rate for any individual is limited to 99 hours. Texas A&M and other universities will not receive subvention for hours in excess of the limit.

Institutions of higher education are allowed to charge the equivalent of non-resident tuition to a resident doctoral student who has enrolled in 100 or more semester credit hours of doctoral coursework.

Doctoral students at Texas A&M have seven years to complete their degree before being charged out-of-state tuition. A doctoral student who, after seven years of study, has accumulated 100 or more doctoral hours will be charged tuition at a rate equivalent to out-of-state tuition. Please note that the tuition increases will apply to Texas residents as well as students from other states and countries who are currently charged tuition at the resident rate. This includes those doctoral students who hold GAT, GANT, and GAR appointments or recipients of competitive fellowships who receive more than $1,000 per semester. Doctoral students who have not accumulated 100 hours after seven years of study are eligible to pay in-state tuition if otherwise eligible.

Doctoral students who exceed the credit limit will receive notification from the Graduate and Professional School during the semester in which they are enrolled and exceeding the limit in their current degree program. The notification will explain that the State of Texas does not provide funding for any additional hours in which a student is enrolled in excess of 99 hours. Texas A&M University will recover the lost funds by requiring students in excess of 99 hours to pay tuition at the non-funded, non-resident rate. This non-funded, non-resident tuition rate status will be updated for the following semester and in all subsequent semesters until receipt of a doctoral degree. Please see the  Tuition Calculator  at the non-resident rate for an example of potential charges.

The following majors are exempt from the 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees and have a limit of 130 doctoral hours:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
• Biomedical Sciences
• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Genetics and Genomics
• Health Services Research
• Medical Sciences
• Microbiology
• Neurosciences (College of Medicine)
• Oral and Craniofacial Biomedical Sciences
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Public Health Sciences
• School Psychology

For information on applying for your degree, please visit the  Graduation  section.

• DISTAL DEPARTMENT

RESEARCH TOPICS

• LEARNING PROGRAMME
• CO-TUTORSHIP AGREEMENTS
• REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
• Ph.D. BOARD
• Ph.D. STUDENTS
• WHO CAN APPLY
• GRANTS & TUITION FEES
• INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES
• CHINA SCOLARSHIP COUNCIL (CSC)
• VISITING Ph.D. STUDENTS
• LIVING IN BOLOGNA & CESENA
• INTERNSHIP ABROAD
• INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH 10% BUDGET
• BIBLIOGRAPHIC RESOURCES & TOOLS
• WORKING WHILE ATTENDING THE Ph.D.
• FUNDING PROGRAMMES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR Ph.D. STUDENTS
• GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PH.D. STUDENTS
• THESIS SUBMISSION FOR REVISION
• THESIS SUBMISSION FOR FINAL DEFENCE
• FINAL DEFENCE
• AFTER THE PHD
• INVEST IN STAAA
• Production and Consumption of Processed Vegetable Foods PhD School
• Sustainable Production and Consumption of Meat, Poultry and Seafood PhD School
• Invia ad un amico

The Ph.D. program Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science and Technology aims to train specialists in accordance with the following ten research topics:

1. Agronomy, Herbaceous Crops, Flowers and Vegetables Systems, Agricultural Genetics and Agricultural Chemistry  (Chairperson: Prof. Giovanni DINELLI)

Management of field crops, horticulture, agricultural genetics, agricultural chemistry and agri-environmental systems with the main purpose of ensuring a specialist qualification for researchers who intend to work in companies in the agricultural sector or in public or private research bodies.

2. International Cooperation and Sustainable Development Policies (Chairperson: Prof. Matteo VITTUARI)

Sustainability of agro-food systems and management of rural areas with particular attention on international cooperation interventions. Research topics are addressed thought the analysis of the economic, social and political dynamics.

3. Microbial Ecology and Plant Pathology (Chairperson: Prof. Claudio RATTI)

Biological, ecological, physiological, phenotypic, genetic and biochemical approaches to characterize probiotic microorganisms (of plants, animals and humans), prebiotic substances and plant pathogens (including measures of control) within a sustainable agriculture.

4. Agricultural and Food Economics and Policy (Chairperson: Prof. Maurizio CANAVARI)

Economic and policy studies related to production of agricultural raw materials (food and non-food), industrial processing, distribution and consumption of food, management of rural areas and environmental resources.

5. Agricultural Entomology (Chairperson: Giovanni BURGIO)

Integrated pest management (IPM); impact of exotic insect pests; biological control (including importation, augmentation, conservation and new associations); habitat and landscape management to enhance functional biodiversity; apidology; use of pollinators as bioindicators; insect eco-toxicology; biology, ecology and rearing of economic insect species; biology and control of arthropods of stored products.

6. Agricultural Engineering (Chairperson: Prof. Luigi RAGNI)

Engineering approaches applied to agriculture and rural systems, aimed at the development of sustainable and smart solutions for farming, food processing, landscape and environmental planning, protection and management. Agricultural and biosystems engineering focuses on analysis, modelling, design, monitoring and planning applied to: i) agricultural water management, irrigation and drainage systems, wastewater reuse, watershed protection; ii) agricultural tractors and implements, soil/fruit-machine interaction, pesticide distribution, food products and processes, worker safety in agri-food industries; iii) farm, livestock and food-processing building design, monitoring and environmental control, rural landscape and green systems.

7. Food Science and Biotechnology (Chairperson: Prof. Santina ROMANI)

Research topics are addressed to all areas included in the agri–food chain with particular reference to food processing, qualitative, technological and functional characterization of ingredients, microbial cultures, foods and beverages, control and improvement of food safety, quality and shelf-life, by using traditional and innovative instrumental and sensory analytical and processing (bio)technologies. Moreover, driven by the global changes of the modern society, topics are focused also on food and food technologies sustainability, bio-economy, (bio)technological recovery and valorization of agri-food wastes and by-products.

8. Animal Science (Chairperson: Prof. Paolo TREVISI)

Breeding and genetics, genomics, feeding and nutrition, farming and processing technologies, systems and practices applied in all main animal value chains for efficient, high-quality, safe and sustainable production of food of animal origin.

9. Tree Production Systems, Fruit, Forest and Ornamental Trees and Grape (Chairperson: Prof. Francesco SPINELLI)

Production systems, forest and ornamental trees with particular reference to genetics, physiology and cultivation of fruit, woody, ornamental tree species and grape.

10. Water-Food-Energy-Sustainable Agriculture Nexus (Chairperson: Prof. Attilio TOSCANO)

Research on the nexus between natural resources (water and soil), energy consumption and production (bioenergy), and food/farming/livestock systems to make agriculture more sustainable, in the context of circular economy.

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PhD Programme

Academic year.

With a range of expertise in applied research in sustainable agriculture, food chain security, agribusiness, agronomy, entrepreneurship, rural enterprise, soil science, equine science and urban regeneration and development, the RAU provides a stimulating environment for individuals wanting to further their academic and professional careers thorough doctoral study.

Course overview

The RAU is committed to environmental, economic and social sustainability, and so all our projects explore issues that will help farmers, horse owners, and rural businesses apply innovative techniques and models to improve output, economic viability, health, and welfare while caring for the environment.

Why study at the RAU?                                

• Excellent job prospects for PhD candidates in both industry and academia
• Integrated structured training on research methodologies, statistics, presentation skills, and academic writing
• Range of on-farm facilities and unique established trial-plot areas to support your work
• Strong research collaborations with the University of Nottingham, Rothamsted Research, and University College Dublin allowing you access to some state-of-the-art laboratory facilities
• Our research degrees are validated by the University of Gloucestershire giving you access to a large and subject-diverse postgraduate network

Current research areas include:

Agronomy and sustainable agriculture         

• Wheat-bean intercropping and sustainable production systems
• Environmental challenges and food security in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Developing sustainable pest control methods

Soil science

• Understanding management influences on soil organic matter
• Nutrient cycling in soil and potential for carbon sequestration

Equine science                                              

• Behavioural probes of brain function in horses
• Evaluating energy balance in competition horses
• Forage hygiene and respiratory health in stabled horses

Urban regeneration                                      

• Smart city modelling
• International competitiveness of Chinese construction firms
• UAE residential valuation systems audit investigation and future pathways

The University is interested in receiving applications from suitably qualified, motivated, and self-financing students wishing to undertake research at either Master of Science by Research (MScR) or Doctoral (PhD) level.

A transcript of the course video can be found here

Course content

Please note  due to visa restrictions, part-time study is not available to international students on a Tier 4 visa.

Research students receive training in formulating research enquiries, critical reading, scientific writing, research methodology, statistics (e.g. Genstat, SPSS, NVivo), and presentation skills. As part of the on-going development programme all post graduate students contribute to internal seminars and present their work at conferences.

There are no formal timetabled sessions for research degrees, which allows students to fulfil other commitments they may have, such as work, family and interests. 

Disclaimer information

The University has established various rules and regulations that you must agree to and follow if you accept an offer to study with us. View our full  disclaimer notice .

Entry requirements

International students will also need to achieve IELTS Academic or equivalent at the appropriate level for your programme of study.  English language requirements for international students .

For students whose first language is not English, the University will accept the International English Language Test (IELTS) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in Writing and no less than 5.5 in all elements.

2024-25 Applicants

For the academic year 2024-2025 the tuition fees for this course are: 

Please note: Part-time students from non-UK countries are currently unable to enrol on research degrees due to visa regulations. 

Tuition fees may be subject to an inflationary increase each year as set out in our Access and Participation Plan 2019/20.

For full details, please visit the  fees and funding webpage .

Apply now for September 2024 or January 2025 entry

If you have the ambition and passion to carry out research at higher degree level, together with the necessary finance to cover tuition fees, research project costs and your own living expenses, please contact Professor Mark Horton.

Applicants are required to contact Admissions ([email protected])  prior to submitting an application to discuss their proposed research project. Please complete and return the Research Proposal form.

Research applicants should submit their initial enquiry at least 12 weeks prior to the date they are intending to start their study .

If your proposed research has been agreed and you are invited to submit a formal application please, ensure you complete this:

Home/UK applicants : at least one month prior to the start date of the programme

EU/Overseas applicants : at least three months prior to the start date of the programme as a student visa is required

Course options

Come to a postgraduate open day, visa advice for international students, applying to the rau for postgraduate courses, international students.

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Home > Agronomy and Horticulture > Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Agronomy and Horticulture, Department of

Department of agronomy and horticulture: dissertations, theses, and student research.

Establishment of Wildflower Islands to Enhance Roadside Health, Ecological Value, and Aesthetics , Jackson Ebbers

Triticale as a Source of Resistance to Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus and Triticum Mosaic Virus , Marcos Winicius Goncalves de Souza

Using Annual Forages to Replace Declining Cool-Season Grass Pasture Availability , Jonathon Matthew Jenkins

Public Horticulture: Process and Design of the Lincoln Botanical Garden , Brad Kindler

In-field Optimization of Soil Water Parameters for Irrigation Scheduling , Ishani Lal

Evaluating a recision Sprayer for Detecting Weeds and Spraying Herbicides in Real Time (Spot Spray) for Weed Management in Corn and Soybean , Adam Ertic Leise

Identifying Genes Linked to Variation in Metabolic and Whole Plant Phenotypes using Data from Genome Resequencing, Transcriptomics, and Metabolic Profiling of a Field-Grown Maize Diversity Panel , Ramesh Kanna Mathivanan

Assessing Even Flat-Fan Nozzles for Spot Spray Herbicide Applications , Thiago H. Vitti

Unraveling the Tapestry of Indigenous Maize in North America: A Case Study of Pawnee Ancestral Maize , Kahheetah Barnoskie

Optimizing Crop Productivity and Fertility Practices in Intermediate Wheatgrass , Roberta Bianchin Rebesquini

Evaluating Drill Interseeded Cover Crop Establishment and Nitrogen Impact in Irrigated Corn , Victor de Sousa Ferreira

Impact of Nitrogen Availability on the Accumulation of Vegetative Lipids in Sorghum , Leticia Felicio Pasqualino

The Development and Evolution of the Soil Health Nutrient Tool (AKA Haney Test) after Ten Years of Implementation in a Commercial Agricultural Laboratory , Lance Michael Gunderson

Method Developments to Identify Loci and Selection Patterns Associated with Genotype by Environment Interactions in Soybean , Mary M. Happ

Genomic Selection for Yield and Seed Composition Stability in an Applied Soybean Breeding Program , Benjamin Harms

Management of Atrazine, Glyphosate, and ALS-Inhibiting Herbicide-Resistant Palmer Amaranth ( Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) in Herbicide-Resistant and Food Garde White Field Corn , Ramandeep Kaur

Plasticity of Sorghum Biomass and Inflorescence Traits in Response to Nitrogen Application , Kyle M. Linders

High Throughput Phenotyping: Field Based Triticale Breeding and Educational Resource Impact , Catherine Kay Mick

Vulnerabilities of Greater Prairie Chicken and Tier 1 At-risk Species in Nebraska Caused by Grassland Transition to Woody Dominance , Robert Peterson

Experimentation on Nebraska Farms for Sustaining Soil Health Management , Fernanda Souza Krupek

Evaluating Planting Green and Herbicides for Integrated Weed Management and Their Effect on Soil Properties in Corn and Soybean in Nebraska , Trey Stephens

Improving Yield and Profit in Smallholder Oil Palm Fields through Better Agronomy , Hendra Sugianto

Evaluation of Vegetative Indices to Determine Canopy Ground Cover for Winter Survival and Hybrid Necrosis in Winter Wheat , Micheal Young

Challenges and Strategies in Weed and Herbicide Management for Industrial Hemp , Milos Zaric

Characterization and Selection of Hop Cultivars Adapted to Nebraska , Kristina Alas

Water Quality, Carrier Volume and Droplet Size Effects on Herbicide Efficacy and Drift Potential , Barbara Houston

Optimization of Nozzle, Application Height, and Speed for UASS Pesticide Applications , Trenton Houston

Deciphering the Genetic Architecture of Key Female Floral Traits for Hybrid Wheat Seed Production , Juan Jimenez

Evaluating Traits Influencing Hybrid Wheat Seed Production Using a Double Haploid Population Derived from Freeman x Camelot , Emre Karahan

RECOMBINATION HOTSPOTS IN SOYBEAN [GLYCINE MAX (L.) MERR.] , Samantha J. McConaughy

MYCORRHIZAE IN MAIZE ( Zea mays L.) CROPPING SYSTEMS RESPOND DIFFERENTLY TO NITROGEN FERTILIZATION UNDER INCREASING CROP ROTATIONAL DIVERSITY , Morgan McPherson

Exploration of Genes Controlling Grain Yield Heterosis in Hybrid Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) Utilizing 3ʹ RNA Sequencing , Nichole Miller

Regional Plant Community Differences in the Nebraska Sandhills , Travis Millikan

Nitrification Inhibitor, Nitrogen Source, and Herbicide Effects on Soil Nitrogen Transformations and Corn Yield , William Neels

Addressing Challenges of Dryland Production of Sunflowers and Corn in the Semi-Arid High Plains of Nebraska , Zhan Orazov

Cattle Diet Selection During the Growing Season on Upland Sandhills Rangelands , Alejandro Orozco-Lopez

Winter Cover Crop Impacts on Weed Dynamics in Eastern and Central Nebraska , Elizabeth Ann Oys

CHARACTERIZATION OF SALT AND DROUGHT TOLERANCE IN SUNFLOWER (Helianthus annuus L.) , Sevgi Saylak

Dicamba tank mixtures and formulations and their effects on sensitive crops during cleanout procedures , Vinicius Velho

The Effect of Anionic Surfactants on Herbicide Mixtures and Solutions , Ely Anderson

Does Integrating Crops with Livestock Production Impact Soil Properties and Crop Production? , Lindsey Anderson

Effects of Micro-rates of 2,4-D and Dicamba on Lettuce and Pumpkin in Nebraska , Xinzheng Chen

Exploration of the Sludge Biodiesel Pathway , Zachary Christman

Techniques to Improve the Volume, Texture and Nutritional Quality of Gluten-free Bread , Zachary Christman

Using Thermal Imaging to Measure Water Stress in Creeping Bentgrass Putting Greens , Joe Foral Jr.

The influence of adjuvants on physical properties, droplet-size, and efficacy of glufosinate and dicamba plus glyphosate solutions , Estefania Gomiero Polli

Quantifying the Combined Effect of Abiotic Factors on the Decomposition of Organic Matter in Semiarid Grassland Soils , Elnazsadat Hosseiniaghdam

Livestock Grazing Impacts on Crop and Soil Responses for Two Cropping Systems , Alyssa Kuhn

American Burying Beetle, Plant Richness, and Soil Property Responses to Collapse of Juniperus virginiana Woodlands with Fire , Alison Ludwig

Evaluating Evapotranspiration and Management of Glyphosate-Resistant Palmer amaranth ( Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) , Jasmine Mausbach

Management of Glyphosate-Resistant Palmer amaranth ( Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) in Dicamba/Glyphosate-Resistant Soybean , Shawn McDonald

MAIZE NITROGEN MANAGEMENT USING REACTIVE SENSOR AND PROACTIVE MAIZE-N MODEL VIA FERTIGATION , Mohammed A. Naser

Formation of B Horizons in Engineered Putting Green Soils , Glen Obear

PRODUCTION, EVALUATION, AND SELECTION OF ELITE QUALITY PROTEIN POPCORN (QPP) HYBRIDS , Leandra Parsons

A Method for Visualizing Water Flow through Modified Root Zones , Dallas M. Williams

Phenotypic Plasticity of Diverse Sorghum Varieties in Response to Nitrogen Deficit Stress , Mackenzie Zwiener

Reaction of Tepary Beans to Eight Virulent Races of the Rust Pathogen that Overcomes All Known Common Bean Rust Resistance Genes , Santos Barrera Lemus, Prabin Tamang, Carlos A. Urrea, and Marcial A. Pastor-Corrales

Herbicide injury from dicamba and 2,4-D: How much is too much in lettuce? , Xinzheng Chen, Amit J. Jhala, Stevan Z. Knezevic, and Samuel E. Wortman

Evaluating Opportunities for Integrated Crop Livestock Systems in Eastern Nebraska , Elizabeth Kay Christenson

A Review of Technologies for Malt Flour and Sourdough from Brewery Spent Grain , Zachary Christman

Growing Torula Yeast ( Candida utilis ) for Food Grade Fatty Acids , Zachary Christman

Nutritional Strategies for Nurses in a Fast Paced Occupation , Zachary Christman

Wastewater Treatment Fatty Acids for Biodiesel Production , Zachary Christman

CRITICAL PERIOD OF PALMER AMARANTH REMOVAL AND EFFECTS OF LATE SEASON HERBICIDE APPLICATIONS ON PALMER AMARANTH SEED PRODUCTION , Jose de Sanctis

Fungicide Resistance: Surveillance, Risk Assessment and Evolution in Two Soil-Borne Pathogens , Nikita Gambhir

Weed Control Efficacy of Bio-Based Sprayable Mulch Films in Specialty Crop Systems , Eliott Gloeb

Influence of burning and grazing management practices on subirrigated Sandhill meadow hay production , Tara M. Harms

Spring Meadow Management Practices: What’s a Rancher to do? , Tara M. Harms, Jerry D. Volesky, and Mitchell B. Stephenson

Evaluating the Impact of Grafting on Local Tomato Production in Nebraska , Raihanah Hassim

Evaluating the Impact of Grafting on Local Tomato Production in Nebraska , Raihanah Hassim, Samuel E. Wortman, Ashley A. Thompson, and Stacy A. Adams

Soybean Response to Water: Trait Identification and Prediction , Shawn Jenkins

Reducing Mowing Requirements in Home Lawn and Golf Course Turfgrass , Mark A. Keck

IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL LAND USE ON STREAM NITRATE, PHOSPHORUS, AND SEDIMENT CONCENTRATIONS AT THE WATERSHED AND FIELD SCALE , Brittany A. Kirsch

Extreme Fire as a Management Tool to Combat Regime Shifts in the Range of the Endangered American Burying Beetle , Alison K. Ludwig, Daniel R. Uden, and Dirac Twidwell

Buffalograss Diversity Assessment , Collin Marshall

Effects of Char on Nitrogen Management in Agricultural Soils of Semi-arid Western Nebraska , Dinesh Panday

Control of Volunteer Corn in Enlist Corn and Economics of Herbicide Programs for Weed Control in Conventional and Multiple Herbicide-Resistant Soybean Across Nebraska , Adam M. Striegel

Influence of Cover Crop Management Practices on Rainfed Corn Production in Semi-Arid Western Nebraska , Alexandre Tonon Rosa

Effects of Tank Contamination and Impact of Drift-Reducing Agents on Weed Control in Response to Dicamba Applications , Milos Zaric

Effect of Soil-Applied Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase Inhibitor Herbicides on Soybean Seedling Disease , Nicholas J. Arneson

Challenges and Opportunities for Weed Control in Nebraska Popcorn , Ethann R. Barnes

Expression of Multi-Domain Lytic Peptide Genes in Transgenic Plants for Disease Resistance , George Biliarski

Understanding Nitrogen Limitation In Soybean , Nicolas Cafaro La Menza

Herbicide Drift Influence on Amaranthus spp. Herbicide Resistance Evolution , Bruno Canella Vieira

Integrated management of Phytophthora stem and root rot of soybean and the effect of soil-applied herbicides on seedling disease incidence , Vinicius Castelli Garnica

Biomethane Production from Distillery Wastewater , Zachary Christman

Improving the Distribution and Use of Biogas by Conversion to Methanol , Zachary Christman

Introduction to Sorghum Paper Production , Zachary Christman

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT WATER AND NITROGEN REGIMENS ON YIELD OF WINTER WHEAT PRODUCED IN NEBRASKA , Joseph Emory Davis

Investigating Parental Effects on End-Use Quality in Hard Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Hybrids , Anthony Delaney

Dual Biological Control: Characterization of Fungi and Bacteria to Control Granary Weevil and Fungal Pathogens of Stored Grain , Gülçin Ercan

Genome-wide Association Studies in Maize and Sorghum , Preston Hurst

ESTABLISHMENT OF PERENNIAL LEGUMES WITH AN ANNUAL WARM-SEASON GRASS AS A COMPANION CROP , Martina N. La Vallie

New Approaches to Use Genomics, Field Traits, and High-throughput Phenotyping for Gene Discovery in Maize ( Zea mays ) , Zhikai Liang

CANAVALIA AND DOLICHOS EXTRACTS FOR SUSTAINABLE PEST BIOCONTROL AND PLANT NUTRITION IMPROVEMENT IN EL SALVADOR , Carlos Martinez

Evaluation of Stabilized Fertilizer and Crop Canopy Sensors as Next-Generation Nitrogen Management Technologies in Irrigated Corn , Leonardo Mendes Bastos

A Survey of Soil Properties Affecting Vegetation Establishment Along Nebraska Highways , Shad D. Mills

Rust and Viral Mosaic Diseases in Biofuel Switchgrass , Anthony A. Muhle

DNA BARCODING OF PRATYLENCHUS FROM AGROECOSYSTEMS IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS OF NORTH AMERICA , Mehmet Ozbayrak

Use of Annual Forage Mixtures in Crop/Livestock Production Systems in Nebraska , Nathan Paul Pflueger

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• Agronomy, Ph.D.

The mission of the Department of Agronomy is to generate, integrate, and apply knowledge about crop plants that are grown for food, feed, and the general benefit of humankind. We find and disseminate answers to problems and discover opportunities concerning efficiency and sustainability of production, improvements in quality, and methods for safe and environmentally-sound practices.

An education in agronomy prepares graduates for professional careers in research, teaching, and extension at academic and government institutions, and for research and technical careers in industry in areas such as biotechnology, agroecology, cropping systems ecology and ecosystem modeling, crop management and protection, plant breeding, biochemistry, genetics, and genomics.

The UW–Madison Department of Agronomy is one of the most highly ranked and regarded departments in the nation. We are committed to integrated research, development, teaching, and outreach to address issues of food scarcity, food quality and nutrition, environmental impact, and sustainability.

The department maintains or has access to excellent facilities for research, including fully equipped laboratories, growth chambers and greenhouses, and complete field facilities at nearby agricultural research stations and throughout the state. Students have access to highly controlled plant growth facilities at the university's Biotron and to special analytical services provided by the campus Biotechnology Center. The Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center opened in 2017 and houses a cutting edge transgenic plant laboratory and 26,000 square feet of highly controlled greenhouse space and other lab facilities. 

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

Candidates for graduate study should have a bachelor's degree in agriculture or in the biological, chemical, or physical sciences.  Contact the department or visit the website for details. Students considering graduate study in Agronomy should make inquiries to the department several months before the desired enrollment date. In addition to the online application, the department requires a statement of purpose, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation with two from academic sources.

Candidates for department research and teaching assistantships can be accepted twice a year, at summer/fall and spring admissions.

Agronomy admissions FAQs.

The following courses are entrance requirements to pursue a Ph.D. in the Department of Agronomy. Applicants are required to have taken the following coursework. At the department’s discretion, students may be admitted with deficiencies. These deficiencies are expected to be completed within the first semester of study.

• 1 year general chemistry with labs
• 1 semester organic chemistry with labs
• 1 semester physics
• 1 semester calculus
• 1 semester statistics
• 4 semesters of biology distributed among three of the following four areas: biochemistry; genetics; plant morphology, anatomy or physiology; and taxonomy, evolution, or ecology.

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

The vast majority of our graduate students are awarded research assistantships to fund their education. These RA appointments come with tuition remission and a monthly stipend for living expenses. These assistantships come directly from the mentoring faculty; as a result, space in our graduate program is extremely limited. We do not support lab rotations. More details can be found  here . 

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Major requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

MODE OF INSTRUCTION

Mode of Instruction Definitions

Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.

Evening/Weekend: ​Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.  Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.

Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.

Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.  Contact the program for more specific information.

Online: These programs are offered 100% online.  Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

Required Courses

Prerequisite Courses 

These classes can be taken in your undergraduate or master’s career. If you begin the program as a master's student and then transition into the PhD program, credits taken as a master's student will count toward the PhD program. At the department’s discretion, you may be admitted with deficiencies. These deficiencies are expected to be completed within the first semester of study. The Agronomy Department requires two full-time semesters in residence for a Ph.D. Your certification committee can petition the Graduate Studies Committee for a deviation from the residence requirement under unique circumstances.

Graduate School Policies

The  Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures  provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Major-Specific Policies

Prior coursework, graduate work from other institutions.

For well-prepared advanced students, the program may accept up to 12 credits of prior graduate coursework from other institutions toward the minimum graduate degree credit and minimum graduate coursework (50%) requirement. The minimum graduate residence credit requirement can be satisfied only with courses taken as a graduate student at UW–Madison.

UW–Madison Undergraduate

For well-prepared advanced students, the program may decide to accept up to 7 credits numbered 300 or above completed at UW–Madison toward fulfillment of minimum degree and minor credit requirements. This work would not be allowed to count toward the 50% graduate coursework minimum unless taken at the 700 level or above.

UW–Madison University Special

The program may decide to accept up to 12 University Special student credits as fulfillment of the minimum graduate residence, graduate degree, or minor credit requirements on occasion as an exception (on a case-by-case basis). UW–Madison coursework taken as a University Special student would not be allowed to count toward the 50% graduate coursework minimum unless taken at the 700 level or above.

If students were admitted on probation and they satisfy the conditions outlined at the time of admission, probationary status will be removed automatically. Once their studies have begun, students are expected to make satisfactory progress toward their degree.

Students must be in good academic standing with the Graduate School, their program, and their advisor. The Graduate School regularly reviews the record of any student who received grades of BC, C, D, F, or I in courses numbered 300 or above, or grades of U in research and thesis. This review could result in academic probation with a hold on future enrollment, and the student may be suspended from graduate studies.

The Graduate School may also put students on probation for incompletes not cleared within one term. All incomplete grades must be resolved before a degree is granted.

ADVISOR / COMMITTEE

Credits per term allowed.

The Graduate School considers full-time enrollment to be 8–15 credits taken at 300 or above, excluding pass/fail and audit, during the fall and spring semesters, and 4–12 credits during the summer term. If students elect not to enroll as full-time students as defined by the Graduate School, they are responsible for knowing about possible obligations that may require full-time status. Such obligations may include visa eligibility, fellowships, assistantships, financial aid, external funding agencies, and program satisfactory progress requirements.

Dissertators take exactly 3 credits per semester. 

Time Constraints

Doctoral degree students who have been absent for ten or more consecutive years lose all credits that they have earned before their absence. Individual programs may count the coursework students completed prior to their absence for meeting program requirements; that coursework may not count toward Graduate School credit requirements.

A candidate for a doctoral degree who fails to take the final oral examination and deposit the dissertation within five years after passing the preliminary examination may be require to take another preliminary examination and to be admitted to candidacy a second time.

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting  
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Dean of Students Office (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
• Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
• Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
• Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
• Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
• Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences: Grievance Policy  

In the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), any student who feels unfairly treated by a member of the CALS faculty or staff has the right to complain about the treatment and to receive a prompt hearing. Some complaints may arise from misunderstandings or communication breakdowns and be easily resolved; others may require formal action. Complaints may concern any matter of perceived unfairness.

To ensure a prompt and fair hearing of any complaint, and to protect the rights of both the person complaining and the person at whom the complaint is directed, the following procedures are used in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Any student, undergraduate or graduate, may use these procedures, except employees whose complaints are covered under other campus policies.

• The student should first talk with the person at whom the complaint is directed. Most issues can be settled at this level. Others may be resolved by established departmental procedures.
• If the complaint involves an academic department in CALS the student should proceed in accordance with item 3 below.
• If the grievance involves a unit in CALS that is not an academic department, the student should proceed in accordance with item 4 below.
• If informal mediation fails, the student can submit the grievance in writing to the grievance advisor within 10 working days of the date the student is informed of the failure of the mediation attempt by the grievance advisor. The grievance advisor will provide a copy to the person at whom the grievance is directed.
• The grievance advisor will refer the complaint to a department committee that will obtain a written response from the person at whom the complaint is directed, providing a copy to the student. Either party may request a hearing before the committee. The grievance advisor will provide both parties a written decision within 20 working days from the date of receipt of the written complaint.
• If the grievance involves the department chairperson, the grievance advisor or a member of the grievance committee, these persons may not participate in the review.
• If not satisfied with departmental action, either party has 10 working days from the date of notification of the departmental committee action to file a written appeal to the CALS Equity and Diversity Committee. A subcommittee of this committee will make a preliminary judgement as to whether the case merits further investigation and review. If the subcommittee unanimously determines that the case does not merit further investigation and review, its decision is final. If one or more members of the subcommittee determine that the case does merit further investigation and review, the subcommittee will investigate and seek to resolve the dispute through mediation. If this mediation attempt fails, the subcommittee will bring the case to the full committee. The committee may seek additional information from the parties or hold a hearing. The committee will present a written recommendation to the dean who will provide a final decision within 20 working days of receipt of the committee recommendation.
• If the alleged unfair treatment occurs in a CALS unit that is not an academic department, the student should, within 120 calendar days of the alleged incident, take his/her grievance directly to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. The dean will attempt to resolve the problem informally within 10 working days of receiving the complaint. If this mediation attempt does not succeed the student may file a written complaint with the dean who will refer it to the CALS Equity and Diversity Committee. The committee will seek a written response from the person at whom the complaint is directed, subsequently following other steps delineated in item 3d above.

Take advantage of the Graduate School's  professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

The agronomy department does not require but encourages all students to complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP). As you begin your Graduate School career, an Individual Development Plan (IDP) is an essential tool to help you:

(1) Assess your current skills and strengths

(2) Make a plan for developing skills that will help you meet your academic and professional goals

(3) Communicate with your advisors and mentors about your evolving goals and related skills.

For graduate students in the natural sciences and engineering, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) online tool provides a comprehensive set of materials and exercises that will guide you through the process of self-assessment, career exploration, goal-setting, and implementation of your plan. Set up a free account to create and monitor your IDP at myidp.sciencecareers.org .

The UW–Madison IDP template , which includes instructions and examples, is flexible and appropriate for all disciplines.

• Articulates research problems, potentials, and limits with respect to theory, knowledge, or practice within the field of study.
• Formulates ideas, concepts, designs, and/or techniques beyond the current boundaries of knowledge within the field of study.
• Creates research, scholarship, or performance that makes a substantive contribution.
• Demonstrates breadth within their learning experiences.
• Advances contributions of the field of study to society.
• Communicates complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner.
• Fosters ethical and professional conduct.

Administration

Program faculty and their areas of study.

• Requirements
• Professional Development
• Learning Outcomes

Contact Information

Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences College of Agricultural & Life Sciences Agronomy, Ph.D. http://www.pasdept.wisc.edu

Caitlin Collies, Graduate Coordinator [email protected] 608-262-1390 369 Moore Hall, 1575 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706

Bill Tracy, Director of Graduate Studies [email protected] 608-354-4524 365 Moore Hall, 1575 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706

Graduate Program Handbook View Here

Graduate School grad.wisc.edu

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PhD in Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science and Technology

• Admission Board
• Training and research

Application deadline: Dec 14, 2022 at 11:59 PM (Expired)

2nd NRRP Call for Applications - Further PhD positions

• Call for applications
• PhD Programme Table
• Evaluation sub-criteria

Enrolment: From Feb 06, 2023 to Feb 16, 2023 - On www.studenti.unibo.it, PhD candidates awarding NRRP positions should use NRRP forms only

Doctoral programme start date: Mar 01, 2023

Application deadline: Aug 02, 2022 at 11:59 PM (Expired)

NRRP Call for Applications

Enrolment: From Sep 26, 2022 to Oct 05, 2022 - On www.studenti.unibo.it download NRRP forms only

Doctoral programme start date: Nov 01, 2022

Application deadline: Jun 09, 2022 at 11:59 PM (Expired)

Call for Applications

Positions: More information in the PhD Programme Table

Enrolment: From Aug 04, 2022 to Aug 29, 2022

• Agronomy, Herbaceous Crops, Flowers and Vegetables Systems, Agricultural Genetics and Agricultural Chemistry
• International Cooperation and Sustainable Development Policies
• Microbial Ecology and Plant Pathology
• Agricultural and Food Economics and Policy
• Agricultural Entomology
• Agricultural Engineering
• Food Science and Biotechnology
• Animal Science
• Tree Production Systems, Fruit, Forest and Ornamental Trees and Grape
• Water-Food-Energy-Sustainable Agriculture Nexus

Call for Application, NRRP Call and NRRP Call - Further PhD Positions Appointed by RD 830/2022 Prot. n. 0127511 of 30/05/2022 Confirmed by RD 1103/2022 Prot. n. 0162873 of 17/07/2022 Confirmed by RD 952/2022 Prot. n. 0357333 of 02/12/2022

* The following shall take part in the work of the Examination Board as expert members for positions linked to specific research topics, in the NRRP Call:

• Massimiliano Petracci - Easy Lock
• Giuseppina Paola Parpinello - Consorzio Bestack
• Gabriele Baroni - Finapp
• Massimiliano Petracci - CLAI - Cooperativa Lavoratori Agricoli Imolesi
• Attilio Toscano - Cooperativa Edile Appennino SC
• Raffaella Zucaro - Consorzio di bonifica Canale Emiliano Romagnolo
• Brunella Morandi - Jingold SpA
• Andrea Cuneo - Germina Srl
• Vaimer Ballotta - Olitalia Srl
• Dall’Olio Enrico - Agribioenergia Società Cooperativa Agricola
• Luca Ferrari - CNH Industrial Italia SPA
• Stefano Meleti - CNH Industrial Italia SPA
• Juliet Ansell - Zespri International Ltd
• Irene Rapone - Eni SpA
• Vafa Kazdal - Ada University

Thanks to its organization into 10 research topics, the STAAA PhD course provides the doctoral students with an in-depth knowledge and appropriate skills in the different branches of the agri-food sector. The goal is to prepare high profile experts able to carry out research, knowledge-transfer and management activities at the University, and in other public bodies or private companies. The educational path consists in a common program, aimed at providing the fundamental research enablers to every student to acquire an in-depth knowledge related to scientific communication, organization and functioning of the research. PhD students are trained with the basic knowledge for the planning and implementation of the individual research project, and the elaboration of the research results. During the 2nd year, the activities are focused on the development of individual research activities, while during the 3rd year students are advised to concentrate on the preparation of dissertation.

Doctoral students can carry out research activities at the different levels (farm, greenhouse, lab) as required by the specific topic chosen for their dissertation. The main instruments available for their researches, divided according to the different main scientific disciplines of the PhD course, include: 1) Analytical chemistry: HPLC, LC-MS, GC, GC-MS, UV-VIS, IR and mass spectrometers, gel electrophoresis, TG-DTA, isotopic mass 13C/15N, FTIR, ICP-OES; 2) Food analysis: texture analyzer, calorimeters, pilot plant for the high pressure homogenization, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR); 3) “-omics” studies: Real time PCR, DNA sequencers, PCR thermo-cyclers, microarray scanner, Abi-Prism 3100, Rotor Gene – 6000, Genomyx LR e SC, ultra-centrifuges, Nanodrop, DDGE-PCR; 4) Entomology, Plant pathology and Microbiology: laminar hoods, fermentation tools, autoclaves, incubators, optical and electronic microscopes; 5) Agricultural engineering: tools for the investigation of the interaction between the soil and agricultural machineries, pesticide dispensers, tools for the study of the physical-mechanic features of agricultural products, devices for the control of agricultural machineries; 6) Crop physiology: ion selective electrodes, micro-osmometer, chlorophyll meter, suction lisimeters, light scanner, devices for the measurement of 14C radio-isotopes, phloem sensors, gas exchange analyzers; 7) Cartography: building and landscape design software, survey and remote sensing devices.

The Ph.D. in Agricultural, Environmental, Food Science and Technology requires the compulsory attendance at courses and seminars, which are common to the doctoral students of the 10 research topics, in order to provide a consistent and homogeneous knowledge basis. The courses/seminars (in English language) include:

1. Bibliographic services to support research (4 hours) 

2. Philosophy and methodology of scientific research (10 hours) 

3. - Writing a scientific paper in agricultural sciences (4 hours)

4. How to present a paper in a scientific conference in agricultural sciences (4 hours)

5. Setting up a research protocol (4 hours)

6. Statistical methods applied to agriculture with modern computer applications (25 hours)

7. Advanced statistics (10 hours)

8. Research financing and project design in agricultural sciences (20 hours)

9. Intellectual property rights, enterprise creation, and business plan (20 hours)

10. Academic Writing Course (20 hours)

11. Cycle of seminar held by visiting professors within Department of Excellence programme.

In addition, specific seminars (15 hours) are organized within each research topic. During the three-year period of the PhD course, the doctoral students with scholarship are required to spend an internship abroad (not less than 3 months, usually 6 months) toward qualified university or research centres, in order to facilitate the exchange and the integration of young researchers in the international scientific community. The course timetable can be viewed on the PhD programme web-page: https://phd.unibo.it/agricultural-environmental-food-sci-technology/en/career/teaching

The Ph.D. Programme in STAAA promotes the internationalization by agreements with research institutions for obtaining a double degree and/or the joint supervision and among them actives ones are: i) Framework Agreement among six partner EU universities founding the European Bioeconomy University; i) Framework Agreement between the University of Bologna and the National Chiao Tung University - NCTU (Taiwan); ii) ii) Bilateral-agreement: OUTGOING - International and European Law, Academy of Economy Studies of Moldavia (L. Sangiovanni, 33° cycle), Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (E. Appolloni, 35° cycle) and University of Granada (F. Barbieri, 35° cycle); INCOMING - Universidade do Porto (C. do Vale Correira), Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Sokendai (M. Altaf Satti) and University of Strasbourg (R. Helfer). The STAAA PhD programme also successfully participates to international funding programmes which allowed the activation of 2 additional positions in the 36th cycle (Program H2020-Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions-Innovative Training Networks) and 1 in the coming cycle (Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships - JCR Program). The STAAA Ph.D. programme also works actively to increase the recruitment of foreign students, through the information support, the link with institutions/universities from other countries and the cooperation with funding agencies providing scholarships to foreign students. Currently, a total of 28 foreign Ph.D. students are enrolled in the STAAA PhD Programme (25%) and most of them are financially supported by international mobility programs (e.g., China Scholarship Council). PhD students holding a scholarship are obliged to spend a period of research and training of at least three months in foreign universities or research centres. They also participate in research projects of international importance, follow courses in English, and participate in international conferences and schools.

The research products of PhD students in the 5 year period starting from the final doctoral defence will be evaluated on the basis of University of Bologna criteria (https://cris.unibo.it/): articles published on ISI/SCOPUS scientific journals, full paper and abstracts published in symposium proceedings, book and book chapters and patents. In order to be admitted to the final dissertation, it is mandatory that the PhD students demonstrate that at least one scientific paper was accepted or published on SCOPUS/WoS Thomson Reuters (ISI) indexed journals. The paper must be coherent with thematic research of their dissertation as well as with research activities carried out during the three-year period of the PhD course. The admission to the second and third year of the PhD course is be based on a collective evaluation (Doctoral Council assisted by the tutors of each PhD student). The criteria for admission to the following year will include: a) the frequency and rating of the planned common teaching activities; b) the acquired skills in relation to the specific field of research; c) the ability to acquire the proper methodological scientific approach and to plan and carry out research activities on their own.

Massimiliano Petracci

Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-Alimentari

Piazza Goidanich 60 Cesena (FC)

[email protected]

+39 0547 382348

We have 65 Agriculture PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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Agriculture PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Agriculture stands at the forefront of addressing global challenges such as food security, environmental sustainability, and resource management. Embarking on a PhD in Agriculture immerses candidates in specialised, high-impact research projects tailored to their academic interests and the pressing needs of the agricultural sector. These advanced degrees are deeply focused, allowing researchers to explore specific aspects of agriculture with the aim of contributing novel insights and solutions. From sustainable farming practices and crop improvement to agrotechnology and agricultural policy, PhD students investigate targeted questions within a narrow scope, pushing the boundaries of existing knowledge.

Why complete a PhD in Agriculture?

A core advantage of pursuing a PhD in Agriculture is the opportunity to make a tangible difference through focused research. PhD candidates stand at the cutting-edge of agricultural science, addressing specific challenges through rigorous investigation and experimentation. This level of specialisation enables researchers to not only advance their expertise but also contribute new techniques, knowledge, or policies that can significantly impact agricultural practice and theory. Individuals are guided by experts in the field, gaining unparalleled access to resources, tools, and collaborations with professionals and institutions dedicated to agricultural advancement.

In terms of employment, PhD in Agriculture prepares graduates for prominent roles where in-depth knowledge and specific research skills are crucial. Career opportunities are vast and varied, ranging from academic and teaching positions where disseminating findings and nurturing future generations of scientists takes precedence, to leading roles in research and development within industry or government settings, influencing the adoption of innovative practices and policies. The specialisation afforded by a PhD is particularly valued in tackling the complex problems facing agriculture today, enabling graduates to achieve leadership positions in efforts directed towards sustainability, food security, and global health.

Sustainable approaches to improve cotton productivity

Phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Join a world-leading, joint PhD program with a generous scholarship

Funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Australia PhD Programme

An Australian PhD usually takes 3 years of independent study towards an original thesis. Unlike most countries, this will usually be assessed as a piece of written work, without an oral ‘viva voce’ exam. However, some universities may arrange an online viva.

Invasive snails as vectors of pathogens and parasites

Data driven decision models for forest biosecurity, managing fruit fly in papua new guinea treaty villages, plant disease diagnostics in tissue culture, the centre for rural economy percy phd award: phd studentship to research farm tenancies in the north east of england, molecular basis and ecological significance of saccharomyces wine yeast interactions with microbes, plants and insects, funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

PhD in Sustainability

Self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

PhD student (f/m/d) in the field of Root Anatomy

Two phd scholarships in plant molecular biology and horticultural tree genomics, gene editing to improve salt tolerance in legumes - phd, design and development of a mechatronics-based modular mushroom farming system, competition funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Unravelling seasonal dynamics of arthropod predator-prey networks by genomic approach in flower strip mediated rice agroecosystems

Supply chain digitalisation: building a sustainable supply chain.

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Thesis, Msc, PhD Research Topics in Agronomy

If you are carrying out postgraduate research in agronomy and are looking for research topic ideas we hope this article helps with some pointers.

As a field of study that covers the application of science and technology to the improvement and management of food crops, one can come up with diverse agronomy research topics for Masters (Msc) and Phd work.

Check out some new, relevant agronomy research ideas, out of hundreds or even thousands of agronomy thesis and research topics in our research database .

Many of these thesis, research topics in agronomy are focused on Africa and African countries as case study.

Effect Of Vine Lengthon Growth, Yield And Nutrient Concentration of Sweet Yellow Passion Fruits (Passiflora Edulis Var. Flavicarpa) In Embu County, Kenya : Sweet yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa) is widely gaining adoption in Kenya, emerging as an important high market value horticultural crop. However, its current yields are low due to poor agronomic practices among other reasons. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of vine length on growth, yield and nutrient concentration of sweet yellow passion fruits in Embu County and evaluating orchard management practices for sweet yellow passion fruits by farmers, with a special focus on canopy management.

Tillage, Crop Residue And Inorganic Nitrogen Effects On Crop Yields, Soil Carbon And Nitrogen In Kirimari Ward In Embu County, Kenya : Integration of crop residues, inorganic N and appropriate tillage system is an important strategy for improving soil fertility, enhancing crop yields and reducing food insecurity. Such integration under zero tillage systems could enhance soil structural development and nutrient management hence mitigating against soil impoverishment through nitrogen and carbon losses.

The Effects Of Erosion Control Practices, Management, Weather And Soil Properties On Corn Yields On Soils Of Southwestern Iowa : In many areas of the United States, soil erosion has become a serious agricultural problem and the State of Iowa is no exception. People attribute this to several causes but increased production of row crops is the principal cause.

Socio –Economic Aspects Of Sheep Preding For Productive Families In Blue Nile State-Sudan (Case Study: Blue Nile State) : This study was aimed to evaluate the performance of sheep owned by productive families sheep in Blue Nile State between 2013 to 2016. During this period designed questionnaire to cover (50 )of the animal breeders in two villages (Alazzaza and Wad ElFaki) to evaluate (Education, Animal type, Housing, Nutrition, Concentrates, Care of animal, Nutrition responsibility , Monthly expenditure, Health status of receiving , General condition, Mothers mortality, Newborns mortality, Ewe parity rate , Abortion rate, Milk production, Project benefit, Economic benefit from the project …

Effect Of Microdosing Fertilizer On Growth And Forage Yield Of Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L) : A field experiment was conducted in winter season 2017/2018, at the experimental farm of the College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology (SUST), at Shambat, to study the effect of microdosing fertilization at two different application times on forage barley. A spilt plot arrangement on completely block randomized design (RCBD) was used with three replicates.

Effect Of Selected Soybean Accessions On Germination And Attachement Of Striga Hermonthica On Maize : Production of maize in Western Kenya is adversely affected by Striga hermonthica, a hemiparastic weed that produces numerous seeds that remain dormant in the soil for even more than 20years. These characteristics coupled with continuous cereal cropping have contributed to the high level of Striga seeds in the soil and the accompanying maize yield losses

Effects Of Irrigation And Nitrogen Fertilizer Levels On Water And Nitrogen Use Efficiency And Yield Of Drought Tolerant Hybrid Maize (Zea Mays L.) In Embu County, Kenya : Food grain shortage in Kenya is attributed to low rainfall and poor distribution in maize growing areas particularly as well as low soil fertility associated mainly with nitrogen deficiency. Use of irrigation water and nitrogen fertilizer is likely to solve this food security challenge. This study was conducted over two seasons covering 2012 and 2013 with the aim of establishing optimal irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer rates for drought tolerant hybrid maize (Zea mays L.)

Effect Of Integrating Chicken Manure And Nitrogen Fertilizer On Nutrient Uptake, Growth And Yield Of Hybrid Maize (Zea Mays L.) In Malawi : The use of mineral and organic fertilizer to produce maize in Malawi is essential to ensure high yields, due to a decline in soil fertility. Smallholder farmers however, apply sub-optimalamounts of inorganic fertilizers to produce maize due to high prices. The objective of the  study was to evaluate effect of integrating chicken manure and mineral fertilizer on nitrogen uptake, growth and yield of hybrid maize in Malawi as a low cost measure.

Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) Yield And Quality Response To Nitrogen, Phosphorus And Potassium Fertilizer Rates In Rwanda : Potato is a strategic commodity with the potential to improve food and nutrition security and to generate income in Rwanda. Despite its potential, potato intensification remains low, translating into low yield. The low yield is occasioned mainly by the decline in soil fertility. In addition, farmers adapt a blanket fertilizer recommendation rate which is not sensitive to the actual crop needs.

Evaluation Of Fodder Production And Nutritional Qualities Of Some Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor (L.) Moench) Genotypes Under Rain-fed And Irrigation In North Kordofon State : Field experiments were conducted for two successive rainy seasons (2014/15 and 2015/16) and for two successive irrigated winter seasons (2014/15 and 2015/16) in sandy soil at experimental Farm, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Kordofan, Elobeid. The aim of this study was to evaluate 10 forage Sorghum genotypes under rain-fed and to investigate the effect of these 10 genotypes and watering interval (7 and 10 days) under irrigation on growth, yield and quality of forage sorghum.

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• Frontiers in Agronomy
• Field Water Management
• Research Topics

Emerging Talents in Agronomy: Irrigation

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Here we present the ‘Emerging Talents in Agronomy: Irrigation' article collection, a project dedicated to celebrating the talent of student researchers and postdocs who are at the start of their careers in the first 5 years following their PhD. The research presented here highlights the quality and diversity ...

Keywords : #Collectionseries, Agronomy, Emerging Talents, Irrigation

Important Note : All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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PhD in Agronomy

PhD in Agronomy

• Program Goal

To contribute to the national food and nutrition security and sustained domestic production for enhancing industrialization in the country through training of professionals that would bring about increased efficiency and skill for quality food and the creation of enabling environment that supports the commercialization of agriculture.

  2.Program Objective

The major objectives of opening PhD level training in Agronomy are to:

• Produce highly qualified graduates with the knowledge, attitude and skills necessary for promoting agronomic crops production.
• Generate and/or adopt appropriate technologies through client oriented, demand driven and problem solving research activities in the areas of agronomic crops, production and processing.
• Produce highly qualified graduates with the knowledge, attitude and skills in Agronomy who can work independently in research, teaching and consultancy at national and international level
• Actively involve in the dissemination of appropriate technologies to ultimate users through the college’s well cherished community outreach programs, workshops, net working and consultancy/advisory services.

  3.Professional Profile

• The training in Agronomy at PhD level will produce professionals that are:
• Highly qualified in terms of their profession for both practical and scientific aspects of Agronomy 
• Subject matter experts on production, management, processing, marketing and value addition of food, beverage and feed crops
• Primary resourceful persons to serve for consultation on investment in Agronomy and policy issue pertaining to their specific field.
• Agronomic researchers who are capable of planning and conducting of research to bring about changes yield and quality.

 4.Graduate Profile

Students who complete their PhD study in the field of Agronomy will be equipped with the knowledge and practical skills that will enable them to work competently within three broad job sectors:

• Increase production (food, feed, fuels, fiber and pharmaceutical plants) by using improved technology packages (improved seeds, soil, and weed and pest management recommendations), while conserving the natural resource base and improving environmental quality;
• Analyze short and long-term climatic data bases, run simulation models, validate results, and recommend site and season specific crop management practices;
• Conduct research in the scientific and practical aspects of soil, crop, soil-water-plant relations, and management practices;
• Develop new cropping systems which are resilient to changed climate conditions;
• Plan, develop, lead and manage agronomic projects;
• Plan, conduct, monitor, and evaluate agronomic trainings;
• Increase water productivity through improved water management;
• Work in team and involve interdisciplinary approaches;
• Contribute to post-production value addition. 

 5.Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to PhD in Agronomy program must have M.Sc degree in Agronomy, Irrigation agronomy, Forage Agronomy, Crop sciences, Horticulture, Plant breeding, Plant protection, Seed science, Weed science, climatology, Agricultural economics, Soil science, or related agricultural sciences supported with a research thesis. MSc or PhD holders from other related fields would be admitted with bridging courses to bring the candidate to minimum level of proficiency in Agronomy. All graduate students must have adequate background in Agronomy, plant physiology, agricultural statistics (biometry), plant protection, genetics and plant breeding. All applicants should have to develop a concept note of their PhD research and should present sponsorship evidences and must produce two recommendation letters from academic referees. In addition, applicants should fulfill admission requirements set by the university.

      5.1 Administration of Graduate Standards in the Department

•  Graduate Committee Appointment – The Graduate Committee is appointed by the department head each academic year and is composed of staff actively engaged in advising graduate students. The Graduate Committee chairperson will serve as liaison with the Graduate School. Final decisions on acceptance/rejection of applicants and award of departmental assistantships are made by the department head.
•  Graduate Committee Duties – During review of the applicants for admission, the Graduate Committee should ensure that established criteria are met. This includes assurance that a suitable advisor is available for any potential graduate student.
•  Admission Appeals – Appeals of admission are made to the Graduate Committee chairperson.

5.2 Advisory Committee

•  Appointing advisory committee – Members of the Advisory Committee may be suggested by the student and approved by the major advisor. Committee members should be selected for their background in the area of specialization and their potential contributions as consultants or active participators in the student’s research. The committee should consist of a minimum of three or a maximum of five staff members, including at least one from outside the student’s major department or outside of JU. Membership on advisory committees is a major responsibility that teaching staff should not enter into unless they are prepared to make a commitment to fulfill the responsibilities of a committee member. These responsibilities include careful review of the research proposal with suggestions for improvement, providing technical expertise that complement the skills of the major advisor such that the student has at his/her disposal a wide array of technical skills required to complete a current research problem in Agronomy and a willingness to teach such techniques to the student, thesis/dissertation review to ensure that the research is completed and presented in a manner that facilitates publication, a keen eye to the possibility of ethical breaches, and fair-minded participation on the student’s oral and written examinations.
•  Changing committee memberships- Changes in a student’s committee will be granted only upon approval of all committee members, new and old. A form will be available at the Graduate School for change in committee composition.

    5.3 Approving Dissertations

The focus of a plan of PhD degree is an original research project, culminating in a dissertation. The research project is supervised, and the dissertation is evaluated and approved by a committee of three teaching staff members, chaired by the student’s major advisor.

Research proposal–  The proposal is expected to be specific and detailed, including the following components:

•  Introduction a statement as to why the work is important.
• Review of literature this should be sufficiently detailed to show that the student is familiar with the current state of the literature in the specific area.
• Objectives one or more short factual statements indicating the nature of the study.  
• Procedures described in sufficient detail for the committee to assess whether or not they are suitable for attaining the stated objectives.

This proposal need not be lengthy, but should clearly define what the student plans to do. The proposal may change as the results of preliminary experiments are learned. Radical changes to the proposed research should be discussed in subsequent committee meetings. Once the student, with the counsel and guidance of the advisor, has selected a thesis problem, a proposal as outlined above will be prepared for review and approval by the Advisory Committee. 

A dissertation that contributes knowledge of importance sufficient to warrant its publication will be offered by the PhD candidate. Once a student has become familiar with the resources and ongoing research within the department, the student and major advisor select an area of research and then proceed to develop a specific proposal. The research proposal must be approved by the student’s major advisor, and then submitted to the Advisory Committee for final review and approval. 

Dissertation submission-  All theses/ dissertations must be submitted electronically and in hard copies checked by the department Graduate committee. Four hard copies of the final copy of the thesis/ dissertation are generally prepared. 

• The PhD degree examination requires submission of dissertation by the candidate, based on the results of his/her research.
• At least three months before the dissertation is submitted, the candidate shall, through his/her advisor, give notice of his/her intention to submit the thesis. He/She shall do this in writing to the Chairperson, Postgraduate Studies Committee, submitting at the same time, the proposed title and general scope of the work. 
• Every dissertation for the PhD degree must be accompanied by declaration by neither the candidate stating that it is the candidate’s own original work and that it has neither been submitted nor concurrently being submitted in any other institution. The dissertation for examination must be submitted in four copies, one for the library, one for the department, one for the major adviser, and one for the student.
• The dissertation shall contain a statement of copyright by the author. 
• Every dissertation submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy must be satisfactory with respect to its format and Literary presentation.
•  The dissertation must contain an abstract of not more than 350 words, and this shall concisely indicate the problem investigated, the procedures and research methods employed, the general results and new contributions made, and the major conclusions reached. 
• A PhD candidate may also submit in support of his/her dissertation any relevant publications of which he/she is the sole or joint author. In case of joint authorship, he/she will be required to state his/her own contribution to the publication.

  6.Examinations and degree award 

The examination process shall comprise two parts, namely (1) Examination of thesis, and (2) Oral Examination. 

• For every PhD candidate, Postgraduate Studies Committee shall appoint, on recommendation of the relevant Department Graduate Committee, at least three qualified examiners of whom one shall be external to Jimma University. 
• The Internal examiners shall be required to submit their report about the thesis within a maximum period of one month and external examiners a maximum of two months from the date of receipt. If reports are not received within two months for internal examiners and three months for external examiners, new examiners shall be appointed. Mailing time and other constrains will however be taken into account before new examiners are appointed.
• Each examiner shall summarize his/her report about the dissertation with a definite recommendation for one of the following action. 
• The thesis submitted is of an acceptable standard, and that the candidate is allowed to sit for a viva voice examination before incorporating comments and typographical errors suggested by examiners.
• The Thesis be rejected but may be re-submitted after a further period of research and/or study ranging from 6-9 month.
• The thesis is rejected outright.
• A thesis recommended by examiners for re-writing and re-examination after one re-submission and re-examination will be rejected. 
• Candidates allowed to sit for Viva Voce shall be examined to ascertain that: 
• The dissertation presented is the original work of the candidate. 
• The broader subject in which the study is based is fully grasped by the candidate; and.
• The weaknesses in the dissertation (if any) can be adequately clarified by the candidate.

  The Viva Voce examination panel 

• At the end of viva voce examination which shall normally not exceed three hours, the panel members shall sign an examination results form, giving specific recommendation for one of the following actions:
• The PhD degree is awarded to the candidate subject to making minor corrections and revisions in the thesis as detailed in the viva voce proceeding and in the thesis by examiners. 
• The PhD degree not to be awarded due to failure by the candidate to defend the thesis successfully. The candidate is allowed to re-write and resubmit the thesis for re-examination.
• Candidate fails outright (reasons detailed in viva voce proceedings). 
• The Chairperson of the viva voce panel shall submit to Postgraduate Studies committee the recommendation of the panel and a comprehensive report approved by the oral panelists detailing all the questions addressed to the candidate and the answers given to those questions. 
• The candidate shall be required to submit four corrected hard bound copies and one soft copy of the thesis within two months after viva voce, upon submission and error free certificate will be issued by the Postgraduate Studies Committee. Failure to submit the corrected copies within two months without compelling reasons will mean discontinuation from studies.
• The Final decision on the award of the PhD degree shall be made by Postgraduate Studies Committee.

7.     

Assessment and Evaluation Methods

Teaching and learning methods are based on the competence based education approach. The instructors will look for the optimal combination of methods in order for students to acquire the necessary competencies. This can include class room lectures, group discussions, field and laboratory practical activities, field visits, project assignments/term papers, seminar/presentations, self-study etc. 

Course assessment –  Course assessment consists of continuous and final assessment; the students will be assessed using a variety of assessment methods, ranging from presentations, theory tests, practical reports, reflection reports, and case studies. The combination of methods will assess whether the students gained the competencies required in the labor market. Grading of students’ performances will be through the scaling system and student’s academic standing in each course is graded as A, B, and C according to his/her performance while all non-credited courses will be evaluated as satisfactory/unsatisfactory.

Thesis assessment –  Research work, compiled into thesis at the end, will be supervised by an advisor and co-advisor. Progress in research and thesis work will be evaluated at the end of each semester. At the end of his/her study, the student must defend his/her thesis in an oral examination administered by appointed thesis defense examination committee. The open thesis defense shall be held at JUCAVM in the presence of well reputed external and examiners in the field of the research undertaken.

Program Evaluation-  The curriculum and the PhD program in particular shall be critically evaluated and refined at regular intervals with the active involvement of the major stakeholders vis-à-vis alumni, students, employers, staff, Higher Education Relevance and Quality Agency (HERQA) and the different segments of the society at large.

 8. Graduation Requirements

The student must obtain at least a “B” grade in all courses. A publication of one article or a paper accepted for publication in peer reviewed journals shall be a requirement before defense. The prospective graduate must fully satisfy the academic rules and regulations of the University set for graduation.

 9.Duration of the Study

The PhD training in Agronomy is a four years study that consists of course work and thesis research. The minimum residential requirement for the PhD program shall be two years. However, the maximum period within which the student will have to finish his or her study with no justifiable reasons will not be more than five years from the date of admission. The date on which the thesis is submitted shall be taken as the date for the purpose of calculating the maximum time limit prescribed. However, for reasons beyond the capacity of the student, an extension of an additional specified time can be allowed by approval of the academic commission. All requests for extension should be received in written through the PG school three months in advance of the last date from submission of thesis.

  10. Degree Naming

·           

Doctor of Philosophy in Agronomy

Amharic version፡  በ አግሮኖሚ የዶክትሬት ዲግሪ

 11. Quality Assurance and Program Evaluation

Quality assurance entails the systematic, structured and continuous attention given to the maintenance and improvement of the quality of the program. It is a measure of the value of what we do and the system of benchmarks that we use to make sure those standards are maintained and improved where possible on a continuous basis. Quality assurance aims to meet and keep to accepted standards of excellence, and is essential to maintain the reputation of the institution in general and the department in particular.

Generally, quality is assured through various mechanisms including having well qualified teaching staff in terms of the mix of qualifications and experience. In addition, the quality of teaching can be assured through making available suitable reference books and text books, teaching materials, laboratory manuals, better laboratory facilities, access to internet and computer services. The department will employ appropriate teaching, learning and assessment methods to ensure effective implementation of its programs. 

The college also has internal quality audit team, which monitors the standards of the exams. Open thesis defense is examined by examination board composed of an external examiner, internal examiner and chair person appointed by the graduate program council. Regular evaluation takes place to evaluate the quality of the course content and the teaching staff and to see what needs to be revised or improved. Involved in this evaluation are students and teaching staff. In the near future alumni and stakeholders from the labor market will participate as well.

1.     

Required Courses by Semester

Year-I sem-I

Year-I sem-II

Year-II sem-I