Science & ResearchO*NET: 19-1013.00
Will AI Replace Soil and Plant Scientists?
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
37out of 100
Low Risk
AI Risk Score
37/100
Risk Level
Low
Job Zone
5/5
Advanced
Total Tasks Analyzed
19
🤖 What AI Can Do
- ▸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.
- ▸Study soil characteristics to classify soils on the basis of factors such as geographic location, landscape position, or soil properties.
- ▸Develop improved measurement techniques, soil conservation methods, soil sampling devices, or related technology.
- ▸Conduct research to determine best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, harvesting, storing, processing, or transporting horticultural products.
- ▸Develop ways of altering soils to suit different types of plants.
👤 What Requires Humans
- ▸Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
- ▸Consult with engineers or other technical personnel working on construction projects about the effects of soil problems and possible solutions to these problems.
Task Breakdown
🤖AI Can Automate (5)
- 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.
- Study soil characteristics to classify soils on the basis of factors such as geographic location, landscape position, or soil properties.
- Develop improved measurement techniques, soil conservation methods, soil sampling devices, or related technology.
- Conduct research to determine best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, harvesting, storing, processing, or transporting horticultural products.
- Develop ways of altering soils to suit different types of plants.
👤Requires Humans (2)
- Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
- Consult with engineers or other technical personnel working on construction projects about the effects of soil problems and possible solutions to these problems.
⚡AI-Assisted (12)
- Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
- 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.
- Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.
- 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.
- Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.
- Develop new or improved methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests.
- Provide advice regarding the development of regulatory standards for land reclamation or soil conservation.
Key Skills Analysis
Reading ComprehensionAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 4.00/5.00
Speaking
Importance: 4.00/5.00
Science
Importance: 4.00/5.00
Critical ThinkingAI-Resistant
Importance: 4.00/5.00
Active LearningAI-Resistant
Importance: 4.00/5.00
Active Listening
Importance: 3.88/5.00
WritingAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.88/5.00
Complex Problem SolvingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.88/5.00
Judgment and Decision MakingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.75/5.00
Systems AnalysisAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.50/5.00
Systems Evaluation
Importance: 3.50/5.00
MathematicsAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.25/5.00
Learning Strategies
Importance: 3.25/5.00
Monitoring
Importance: 3.25/5.00
InstructingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.12/5.00
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Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our analysis, Soil and Plant Scientists have a low risk of AI replacement with a score of 37/100. This role requires significant human skills like creativity, empathy, and complex decision-making that AI cannot easily replicate.
Last updated: 2026-03-28· Data from O*NET 30.2 & Frey/Osborne automation research