Somewhat Resilient

Last Update: 4/23/2026

Your role’s AI Resilience Score is

46.6%

Median Score

Meaningful human contribution

Med

Long-term employer demand

Med

Sustained economic opportunity

Med

Our confidence in this score:
Medium-high

Contributing sources

AI Resilience Report forSoil and Plant Scientists

Soil and Plant Scientists are somewhat less resilient to AI impacts than most occupations, according to our analysis of 6 sources.

The career of a Soil and Plant Scientist is labeled as "Somewhat Resilient" because while AI tools are increasingly used to automate data collection and analysis, human expertise is still crucial for planning experiments and making final decisions. AI can handle routine tasks like measuring soil conditions, but scientists need to interpret these results and customize solutions for each unique farm environment.

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This role is somewhat resilient

The career of a Soil and Plant Scientist is labeled as "Somewhat Resilient" because while AI tools are increasingly used to automate data collection and analysis, human expertise is still crucial for planning experiments and making final decisions. AI can handle routine tasks like measuring soil conditions, but scientists need to interpret these results and customize solutions for each unique farm environment.

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Analysis of Current AI Resilience

Soil and Plant Scientists

Updated Quarterly • Last Update: 2/17/2026

Analysis
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State of Automation

How is AI changing Soil and Plant Scientists jobs?

Today, soil and plant scientists often use data tools and smart sensors to help with their work. For example, drones, satellites, and soil sensors automatically collect information on soil moisture, nutrients, and crop health [1] [2]. AI computer programs then analyze these data to highlight problems (like poor soil or water quality) and suggest ways to fix them [1] [1].

In plant breeding, scientists use AI and gene databases to predict which seed traits will work best [1]. This helps researchers pick promising varieties before doing lab or field experiments. Overall, many routine tasks (like measuring soil or predicting crop yield) are being augmented by AI tools, but humans still plan experiments and make final decisions.

The high-tech tools help scientists work faster, but they still need people to guide research and check results [1] [2].

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AI Adoption

How fast is AI adoption growing for Soil and Plant Scientists?

Whether farmers and researchers use AI depends on costs and practical challenges. New AI equipment can be expensive and needs reliable internet, which is harder on small or remote farms [1]. Also, every farm is different, so AI tools must be customized for local soil and climate – that takes extra effort [1].

On the positive side, smart farming tech can save labor and increase yields by using water or fertilizer more efficiently [2]. Many experts say that when AI works well, it helps produce healthier crops and more food with less waste. Because of these benefits, adoption is growing slowly over time.

In the future, young scientists and farmers can learn to use AI as a helpful assistant, while still applying their own judgment and creativity in the fields [2] [1].

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More Career Info

Career: Soil and Plant Scientists

They study soil and plants to understand how to grow crops better and keep the environment healthy.

Employment & Wage Data

Median Wage

$71,410

Jobs (2024)

20,700

Growth (2024-34)

+5.4%

Annual Openings

1,700

Education

Bachelor's degree

Experience

None

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034

Task-Level AI Resilience Scores

AI-generated estimates of task resilience over the next 3 years

1

90% ResilienceCore Task

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

2

90% ResilienceSupplemental

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

3

88% ResilienceCore Task

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 c...

4

88% ResilienceCore Task

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

5

88% ResilienceSupplemental

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

6

85% ResilienceCore Task

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

7

85% ResilienceCore Task

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

Tasks are ranked by their AI resilience, with the most resilient tasks shown first. Core tasks are essential functions of this occupation, while supplemental tasks provide additional context.

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