Soil and Plant Scientists

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 26 (96%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 1 (4%)

• Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• 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.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• 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.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Conduct experiments to investigate the underlying mechanisms of plant growth and response to the environment.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Develop new or improved methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Provide advice regarding the development of regulatory standards for land reclamation or soil conservation.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Study soil characteristics to classify soils on the basis of factors such as geographic location, landscape position, or soil properties.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Develop improved measurement techniques, soil conservation methods, soil sampling devices, or related technology.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Conduct research to determine best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, harvesting, storing, processing, or transporting horticultural products.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Develop environmentally safe methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or pests.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Study ways to improve agricultural sustainability, such as the use of new methods of composting.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Consult with engineers or other technical personnel working on construction projects about the effects of soil problems and possible solutions to these problems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Perform chemical analyses of the microorganism content of soils to determine microbial reactions or chemical mineralogical relationships to plant growth.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Develop ways of altering soils to suit different types of plants.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Conduct experiments investigating how soil forms, changes, or interacts with land-based ecosystems or living organisms.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Survey undisturbed or disturbed lands for classification, inventory, mapping, environmental impact assessments, environmental protection planning, conservation planning, or reclamation planning.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Plan or supervise waste management programs for composting or farming.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Research technical requirements or environmental impacts of urban green spaces, such as green roof installations.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Identify or classify species of insects or allied forms, such as mites or spiders.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Study insect distribution or habitat and recommend methods to prevent importation or spread of injurious species.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Plan or supervise land conservation or reclamation programs for industrial development projects.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Conduct research into the use of plant species as green fuels or in the production of green fuels.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Conduct experiments regarding causes of bee diseases or factors affecting yields of nectar or pollen.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task