JOB REPORT / 19-1013 · 27 TASKS

Soil and Plant Scientists.

Can AI do the work of Soil and Plant Scientists?

Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS

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The parts of your job AI can already do most of:

Research technical requirements or environmental impacts of urban green…
Provide advice regarding the development of regulatory standards…
Study ways to improve agricultural sustainability

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A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Soil and Plant Scientists work. It covers the 27 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.

WHAT WE LOOKED AT

Your job, task by task.

27 of 27 tasks reviewed

We went through all 27 core tasks in this job, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Soil and Plant Scientists actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

TASK 01
Research technical requirements or environmental impacts of urban green spaces, such as green roof installations.
AI DOES
Searches literature, summarizes studies, drafts technical reports, and compiles environmental impact data on green roofs
YOU DO
Apply site-specific knowledge and field expertise to validate findings
TASK 02
Provide advice regarding the development of regulatory standards for land reclamation or soil conservation.
AI DOES
Summarizes existing standards, pulls research literature, and drafts policy language options
YOU DO
Apply site-specific knowledge and professional credibility when advising regulators
TASK 03
Study ways to improve agricultural sustainability, such as the use of new methods of composting.
AI DOES
Searches research databases, summarizes findings, and models composting scenarios
YOU DO
Design field experiments, observe soil conditions firsthand, and apply scientific judgment to real-world results
TASK 04
Conduct research into the use of plant species as green fuels or in the production of green fuels.
AI DOES
Searches research papers, summarizes findings, and drafts literature reviews on plant-based fuel pathways
YOU DO
Design experiments, run field and lab tests, and judge which plant species are worth pursuing
TASK 05
Study soil characteristics to classify soils on the basis of factors such as geographic location, landscape position, or soil properties.
AI DOES
Searches databases, spots patterns in soil data, and helps apply classification frameworks faster
YOU DO
Collect field samples, observe real soil in person, and make final calls on edge cases
TASK 06
Develop environmentally safe methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or pests.
AI DOES
Scans scientific literature, flags promising compounds, and drafts research plans
YOU DO
Design and run field experiments, observe real plant responses, and validate safety in the environment
TASK 07
Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
AI DOES
Searches research literature, summarizes best practices, and drafts conservation guides
YOU DO
Test methods in real fields and earn trust from farmers and forestry partners
TASK 08
Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.
AI DOES
Analyzes soil chemistry data, flags contamination patterns, and summarizes remediation options from research literature
YOU DO
Collect field samples, read the land firsthand, and tailor improvement plans to real local conditions
TASK 09
Develop ways of altering soils to suit different types of plants.
AI DOES
Searches literature, summarizes soil-plant relationships, and suggests amendment strategies
YOU DO
Test real soil samples, observe plant responses in the field, and adapt plans to local conditions
TASK 10
Conduct experiments to develop new or improved varieties of field crops, focusing on characteristics such as yield, quality, disease resistance, nutritional value, or adaptation to specific soils or climates.
AI DOES
Analyzes trial data, finds patterns in crop performance, and suggests promising trait combinations
YOU DO
Design field experiments, observe plants in person, and make judgment calls about real growing conditions
TASK 11
Develop new or improved methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests.
AI DOES
Searches scientific literature, flags patterns in crop disease data, and drafts research proposals
YOU DO
Design and run field experiments, interpret real-world results, and validate what actually works on living plants
TASK 12
Consult with engineers or other technical personnel working on construction projects about the effects of soil problems and possible solutions to these problems.
AI DOES
Summarizes soil research, generates draft reports, and suggests common solutions to soil problems
YOU DO
Bring site experience and professional judgment to live technical discussions with engineers
TASK 13
Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.
AI DOES
Analyzes test data, flags unusual patterns, and summarizes likely causes from research literature
YOU DO
Collect field samples, observe site conditions firsthand, and apply local knowledge to diagnose the real problem
TASK 14
Develop improved measurement techniques, soil conservation methods, soil sampling devices, or related technology.
AI DOES
Searches research papers, suggests design ideas, and helps model soil sampling concepts
YOU DO
Build prototypes, run field trials, and validate new tools with real soil and plants
TASK 15
Plan or supervise waste management programs for composting or farming.
AI DOES
Drafts composting schedules, summarizes best practices, and flags regulatory requirements
YOU DO
Inspect sites, supervise workers, and adjust plans based on what you see and smell in the field
TASK 16
Study insect distribution or habitat and recommend methods to prevent importation or spread of injurious species.
AI DOES
Searches research databases, summarizes pest distribution data, and drafts prevention recommendations
YOU DO
Go into the field, observe insects directly, and judge local conditions no dataset can capture
TASK 17
Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.
AI DOES
Searches research literature, summarizes findings, and helps model soil response scenarios
YOU DO
Collect field samples, design experiments, and judge what management practices fit local conditions
TASK 18
Conduct experiments to investigate the underlying mechanisms of plant growth and response to the environment.
AI DOES
Suggests experimental designs, searches literature, and analyzes data patterns
YOU DO
Design and run the physical experiments, observe plants directly, and interpret unexpected results
TASK 19
Plan or supervise land conservation or reclamation programs for industrial development projects.
AI DOES
Drafts conservation plans, summarizes regulations, analyzes soil and land data, and generates reports
YOU DO
Visit the actual site, negotiate with agencies, and make calls that balance science with real-world constraints
TASK 20
Survey undisturbed or disturbed lands for classification, inventory, mapping, environmental impact assessments, environmental protection planning, conservation planning, or reclamation planning.
AI DOES
Analyzes remote sensing data, flags soil patterns in maps, and helps draft assessment reports
YOU DO
Walk the land, collect samples, and judge what you see and feel in person
TASK 21
Conduct experiments investigating how soil forms, changes, or interacts with land-based ecosystems or living organisms.
AI DOES
Helps design experiments, searches past research, and analyzes soil data patterns
YOU DO
Go into the field, collect samples, run lab tests, and judge what the results really mean
TASK 22
Conduct experiments regarding causes of bee diseases or factors affecting yields of nectar or pollen.
AI DOES
Searches literature, suggests experimental designs, and analyzes result data
YOU DO
Run the physical experiments, observe bees directly, and make judgment calls in the field
TASK 23
Perform chemical analyses of the microorganism content of soils to determine microbial reactions or chemical mineralogical relationships to plant growth.
AI DOES
Reads lab data, finds patterns in microbial chemistry results, and suggests links to plant growth outcomes
YOU DO
Collect samples, run the actual lab tests, and apply field knowledge to interpret what the soil chemistry means for real crops
TASK 24SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Provide information or recommendations to farmers or other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, or avoid or correct problems such as erosion.
AI DOES
Analyzes soil data and suggests treatment options
YOU DO
Know the land and farmer's real priorities
About this analysis
40% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 25SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Conduct research to determine best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, harvesting, storing, processing, or transporting horticultural products.
AI DOES
Analyzes data and suggests optimal methods
YOU DO
Judge what works in your conditions
About this analysis
37% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 26SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
AI DOES
Creates slides, outlines, and visual aids
YOU DO
Connect with your audience authentically
About this analysis
8% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 27SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Identify or classify species of insects or allied forms, such as mites or spiders.
AI DOES
Suggests species matches from photo analysis
YOU DO
Confirm with field expertise and context
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

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AT A GLANCE

Occupation: Soil and Plant Scientists
SOC code: 19-1013
Tasks reviewed: 27 of 27

How we assess

PAY & OUTLOOK

Compare pay by state

Median pay (national): $78,850 · BLS OEWS 2025
Median pay (Colorado): $75,430 · BLS OEWS 2025
Employed (national): 15,730
Employed in Colorado: 460
Job outlook: +5.4% by 2034 · ~1,700 openings/yr

Wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. National figures cover the United States. Job outlook is national.

How does this fit your work?

Earn a certificate in your job

Your job, task by task.

Research technical requirements or environmental impacts of urban green spaces, such as green roof installations.

Provide advice regarding the development of regulatory standards for land reclamation or soil conservation.

Study ways to improve agricultural sustainability, such as the use of new methods of composting.

Conduct research into the use of plant species as green fuels or in the production of green fuels.

Study soil characteristics to classify soils on the basis of factors such as geographic location, landscape position, or soil properties.

Develop environmentally safe methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or pests.

Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.

Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.

Develop ways of altering soils to suit different types of plants.

Conduct experiments to develop new or improved varieties of field crops, focusing on characteristics such as yield, quality, disease resistance, nutritional value, or adaptation to specific soils or climates.

Develop new or improved methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests.

Consult with engineers or other technical personnel working on construction projects about the effects of soil problems and possible solutions to these problems.

Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.

Develop improved measurement techniques, soil conservation methods, soil sampling devices, or related technology.

Plan or supervise waste management programs for composting or farming.

Study insect distribution or habitat and recommend methods to prevent importation or spread of injurious species.

Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.

Conduct experiments to investigate the underlying mechanisms of plant growth and response to the environment.

Plan or supervise land conservation or reclamation programs for industrial development projects.

Survey undisturbed or disturbed lands for classification, inventory, mapping, environmental impact assessments, environmental protection planning, conservation planning, or reclamation planning.

Conduct experiments investigating how soil forms, changes, or interacts with land-based ecosystems or living organisms.

Conduct experiments regarding causes of bee diseases or factors affecting yields of nectar or pollen.

Perform chemical analyses of the microorganism content of soils to determine microbial reactions or chemical mineralogical relationships to plant growth.

Provide information or recommendations to farmers or other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, or avoid or correct problems such as erosion.

Conduct research to determine best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, harvesting, storing, processing, or transporting horticultural products.

Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.

Identify or classify species of insects or allied forms, such as mites or spiders.

Practice AI.Use your judgment.

Practice AI.
Use your judgment.