UFS Department of Soil Crop and Climate Sciences

The Department of Soil, Crop, and Climate Sciences at the University of the Free State is engaged in teaching and learning, academic research and the provision of community services in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. Through the applied nature of our work, the department aims to advance the agricultural sector in South Africa and beyond in a sustainable manner while protecting natural resources. The Department has a rich history and made significant contributions in this field in the past.

Soil Science is the study of soil as a natural resource. Through research programs and participation with farming communities, information is provided on the origin, classification, geographical distribution and utilisation of soil, the promotion of sustainable production of plants to supply in the food and fibre requirements, and measures to combat deterioration of the environment to ensure healthy living environments.
Crop production deals with the sustainable cultivation of plants for food, fuel, feed and fibre under both rain fed and irrigated conditions. Agronomists and horticulturists study the soil and climatic requirements of crops and trees respectively, as well as production aspects such as planting time, propagation and cultivation techniques, cultivar choice, plant nutrition, weed and pest control, and the effect of environmental stresses on plant physiology and yields.
Agrometeorology investigates the effect of weather and climate on crops, trees, grasslands and livestock production systems. With climate change increasingly becoming the key driver shaping agricultural systems, air, water and heat transfers as related to biomass development are studied in agricultural environments, including the socioeconomic consequences for farmers and other decision makers. Agrometeorological services, such as early warnings, irrigation scheduling, micro climate manipulation and weather forecasts, are developed to cope with a changing and increasingly variable climate.

Undergraduate Programmes

BC530102 Bachelor of Agriculture majoring in Crop Production Management
BC530172 Bachelor of Agriculture majoring in Irrigation Management
BC540012 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture majoring in Agrometeorology
BC540013 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture majoring in Agronomy
BC540044 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture majoring in Soil Science

Admission requirements: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

• Admission Point 32
• Mathematics 60% WITH TWO of the following subjects:
• Physical Sciences 60%
• Life Sciences 60%
• Agricultural Sciences 60%

Admission requirements: Bachelor of Agriculture

• Admission Point 30
• Mathematics 40% OR
• Mathematical Literacy 80% (IF Admission point is 31 and above)
Faculty Booklet
Apply Online
Faculty Rule Book

Closing Date

30 September

Postgraduate Programmes

BC560072 Bachelor of Agriculture Honours majoring in Irrigation Management
BC560012 Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture majoring in Agrometeorology
BC560013  Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture majoring in Agronomy
BC560044 Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture majoring in Soil Science

Admission requirements: Selection with a minimum requirement of 60% in related subjects

Apply Online

Closing Date

30 October

Master’s Degree

BC580172 Master of Agriculture majoring in Irrigation Management
BC580012 Master of Science in Agriculture majoring in Agrometeorology
BC580013 Master of Science in Agriculture majoring in Agronomy
BC580044 Master of Science in Agriculture majoring in Soil Science
BC480012 Master of Science majoring in Agrometeorology

Master of Science, with a specialisation in climate change (structured Master available from 2023)

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Career Opportunities

These disciplines offer a wide variety of career opportunities, such as:

• farmers cooperatives,
• development agencies,
• production units,
• research institutions,
• government institutions,
• feed manufacturers, and
• private consultants.

Programme Director (Academic Enquiries)
Dr Elmarie van der Watt
E:  vdwatte@ufs.ac.za
T:  +27 51 401 2713

General Enquiries
Debré Terblanche
E: terblanchede@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 2212
Head of Department
Prof Angelinus Franke
E:  frankeac@ufs.ac.za
T:  +27 51 401 2212
UFS Department of Soil Crop and Climate Sciences