What is a scientist who specializes in soil and crops called?

A scientist who specializes in soil and crops is called an agronomist.

Agronomists study how plants grow and how soil, water, climate, nutrients, pests, and farming methods affect crop production. Their work can involve field experiments, laboratory analysis, soil testing, plant breeding, irrigation, fertilizer recommendations, and sustainable land management.

Agronomy is an interdisciplinary agricultural science. It draws on soil science, plant biology, ecology, chemistry, meteorology, and agricultural economics. An agronomist may help farmers improve yields, reduce erosion, manage nutrients, or choose crops suited to local conditions.

The term is sometimes confused with farmer, botanist, or soil scientist. A farmer produces crops, while a botanist studies plants more broadly. A soil scientist focuses primarily on soil properties and classification; an agronomist usually connects soil knowledge with practical crop production. The word comes from the Greek roots for field and management.