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Department of Soil Science, Plant Nutrition and Genetics

The Department of Soil Science, Plant Nutrition and Genetics is responsible for teaching activities within the undergraduate academic study programs of Organic Agriculture and the master’s academic study programs of Soil, Plant and Genetics, specifically for modules within the jurisdiction of the Department. The primary goal of these study programs is the education of graduated and master agricultural engineers who possess modern theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as the competencies necessary for the effective application of standards in organic agricultural production, as well as in other scientific fields such as pedology, plant physiology, chemistry and biochemistry, microbiology, agrochemistry, genetics, plant breeding, and seed science.

The Department of Soil Science, Plant Nutrition and Genetics represents a significant teaching and scientific collective focused on the study of soil fertility, plant nutrition, and modern genetic principles in agriculture. Teachers and associates of the Department actively participate in teaching across multiple study programs of the Faculty of Agriculture, at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral academic levels, providing students with modern theoretical and practical knowledge in the fields of agrochemistry, pedology, plant physiology, microbiology, genetics, and plant breeding.

The primary mission of the Department is reflected in the education of highly qualified professionals capable of meeting the challenges of sustainable and modern agricultural production while preserving natural resources and improving the quality of crop production. Special emphasis is placed on understanding soil properties and fertility, the rational application of mineral and organic fertilizers, and the application of genetic knowledge in the selection and improvement of plant species.

Scientific research represents one of the foundations of the Department’s activities, and its members actively participate in domestic and international projects in the fields of soil protection and improvement, plant nutrition, biotechnology, and genetic research. Through cooperation with scientific institutions and the economy, the Department contributes to the development of innovative solutions in the field of agriculture aimed at increasing yields, preserving the environment, and developing sustainable production systems.

1956
years of the Department's
establishment
18
department members
3
Scientific and professional journals
1100
graduated students of all
levels of study

Department Activities

Scientific research represents one of the key pillars of the Department’s activities, in which all teachers and associates are actively involved. Research is conducted within the Laboratory for Testing Soils, Fertilizers, and Plant Material, as well as through the departments of agrochemistry, microbiology, pedology, plant material testing, genetic testing, and agricultural seed science. The scientific results of the Department are confirmed through numerous publications in domestic and international journals, participation in scientific conferences, and successful cooperation with the economic sector and institutions in the fields of agriculture and environmental protection. Special attention is directed toward the practical application of scientific achievements, aimed at developing and improving modern technologies in agricultural production, preserving natural resources, and sustainable environmental management.

Following modern scientific trends, the Department directs its development toward the fields of biotechnology, molecular genetics, soil microbiology, and sustainable plant production systems. Accordingly, the teaching and research process is continuously improved by introducing modern methods and approaches at all levels of study, with an emphasis on the application of biotechnological techniques, genetic analyses, and contemporary concepts in the fields of soil fertility and plant nutrition.

As part of the Department’s scientific research activities, analyses of the presence of genetically modified soybeans and corn are also conducted, exclusively for scientific and research purposes, in accordance with applicable legal regulations, ethical principles, and the highest standards of scientific work.

The Department takes special pride in the fact that it is the founder of the Alumni Club of Former Students of Organic Agriculture and Field and Vegetable Crops, which further encourages the connection between former and current students, the academic community, and the economy. In addition to teaching and scientific activities, members of the Department actively participate in numerous socially responsible projects, including the celebration of World Environment Day, as well as educational programs intended for preschool and elementary school children, with the aim of developing awareness of the importance of the plant world, nature conservation, and environmental protection.

The Department also achieves special recognition through its exceptionally active participation in international scientific and development projects, standing out as a leading team by their number. Cooperation with numerous universities, institutes, and research centers worldwide contributes to the exchange of knowledge, the development of innovations, and the application of the most modern scientific achievements in agricultural practice.

Department Members

Learn more about our team.

The Department of Soil Science, Plant Nutrition and Genetics represents a meeting point of tradition, knowledge, and modern science. In a time of great challenges for agriculture and society as a whole, our mission is to contribute to sustainable development and a more secure future of food production through education, research, and cooperation. The strength of our Department is reflected above all in the people, in the team of teachers, associates, and researchers of various scientific orientations, who are connected by a shared commitment to knowledge, scientific truth, and continuous progress. It is precisely this multidisciplinarity that allows us to observe soil, plants, and genetics as a unique and connected system in which natural resources, modern technologies, and scientific achievements intertwine in the service of the agriculture of the future. We are proud of the generations of students we have educated, as well as the results we achieve in scientific research and cooperation with industry and institutions at home and abroad. Nevertheless, the greatest value of our Department lies not only in what we have achieved so far, but in our ability to constantly learn, create, and build new ideas together. I believe that knowledge, cooperation, and mutual trust are the foundation of all progress. Therefore, our Department will remain open in the future to new challenges, innovations, and people who wish to contribute to the development of science and agriculture through their work. Knowledge is power: Scientia potentia est.
Dr. Borislav Banjac, Full Professor, Head of the Department of Soil Science, Plant Nutrition and Genetics

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