School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Department of Plant Production, Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering

The land is only as good as our ability to work it – acquire the relevant skills at UL

Welcome to the Plant Production, Soil Science, and Agricultural Engineering Department. We offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Soil Science, Plant Production (Agronomy, Horticulture, and Pasture Science), and Plant Protection (Postgraduate).

Soil Science and Plant Production can be taken as a major subject at the undergraduate level in the four-year B Sc. Agric. degree programme. Theoretical and practical modules are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to serve the agricultural sector and rural communities. Students interested in pursuing postgraduate studies may enrol for honours, master’s or doctoral degrees in the respective areas.

The School’s Experimental Farm provides excellent facilities for undergraduate and postgraduate training in both research and commercial production systems. As part of community outreach, these facilities are also used to provide training for smallholder farmers. The Department’s availability of various production units ensures continuous research and training activities throughout the year.

In addition to these resources, the Department has access to jointly established laboratories where students and researchers conduct analyses.

The Department has active collaborative research and training initiatives with the Agriculture Research Council, government departments, universities, institutes, and various international partners, providing postgraduate students with access to a diverse range of expertise and facilities.

The Department conducts research for both staff development and postgraduate education. Improved and sustainable production in small-scale and commercial enterprises, as well as the profitability of various production systems, are among the research activities.

Students, extension agents, and farmers are all involved in the research projects. Current research projects are focused on improving and sustaining crop production practises, conserving natural resources under changing climatic conditions, and nutrient management/recycling in various agro-ecosystems.

The department strives to fulfil the University of Limpopo and Faculty of Science and Agriculture mission through training and mentoring of crop and soil science specialists who are highly professional, efficient, and independent and can embrace change, diversity and integrity.

Registration forms

Recognition of subject / module Form

176.31KB 07-11-2023

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Change of Qualification Form

119.94KB 07-11-2023

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Possible Career Opportunities

Students who study any of the disciplines in the department can choose from a wide range of career options that include Government Departments, Private Firms and Non- Governmental Organizations

Government Departments: Several governments Departments dealing with issues of agricultural and rural development have career opportunities for agronomists, horticulturists, pasture scientists or soil scientists. These include Departments of Agriculture, Land Affairs, etc. Job titles includes Agronomist, Soil Scientist, Horticulturist, Plant breeders, Crop protectionist, Land Reform Advisors, Project Manager, Value Chain Manager, Extension Officer, Environmental Officer, Seed quality Control Officer etc
Private Firms: specialising in the Agribusiness Industry also offer opportunities especially for students who specialise in Agribusiness. Farm management positions also typically require Agronomist and the likes
Non-Governmental Organisations – Job titles include Researchers and Project Assistants or Managers.
Research Institutions – Those who are interested in research and academia can follow a career in Research in various areas of specialization related to agriculture
Institutions of higher learning: Universities, Colleges

Research Focus Areas

Agronomy, Agroforestry, Climate Change, Food Security and Climate Smart Agriculture

Academic Staff

Initials & Surname	Contact Number	Designation
Prof. M.A Bopape	+27 15 268 2387	HOD
Ms. R.T Kupa	+27 15 268 2384/4353	Secretary
Prof. I.T Ramavhoya	+27 15 268 3966	Professor
Prof. M.K Thopola	+27 15 268 2911	Professor
Prof. M.P Mamogobo	+27 15 268 2386	Professor
Dr. G.O Sumbane	+27 15 268 4241	Clinical Coordinator
Dr. T.E Mutshatshi	+27 15 268 4826	Senior Lecturer
Dr. C. Ngoatle	+27 15 268 4652	Clinical Lecturer
Ms. L.E Manamela	+27 15 268 4239	Lecturer
Ms. M.G Mathebula	+27 15 268 4222	Lecturer
M.s L. Muthelo	+27 15 268 3973	Senior Lecturer
Mr. M.O Mbombi	+27 15 268 2385	Senior Lecturer
Mr. T.A Phukubye	+27 15 268 4316	Lecturer
Ms. M.D.T Mohlabe	+27 15 268 4317	Clinical Lecturer
M.s S. Hlahla	+27 15 268 4004	Clinical Lecturer
Ms. M.N Kgatla	+27 15 268 4651	Clinical Lecturer

Support Staff

Initials & Surname	Contact Number	Designation
Prof. M.A Bopape	+27 15 268 2387	HOD
Ms. R.T Kupa	+27 15 268 2384/4353	Secretary
Prof. I.T Ramavhoya	+27 15 268 3966	Professor
Prof. M.K Thopola	+27 15 268 2911	Professor
Prof. M.P Mamogobo	+27 15 268 2386	Professor
Dr. G.O Sumbane	+27 15 268 4241	Clinical Coordinator
Dr. T.E Mutshatshi	+27 15 268 4826	Senior Lecturer
Dr. C. Ngoatle	+27 15 268 4652	Clinical Lecturer
Ms. L.E Manamela	+27 15 268 4239	Lecturer
Ms. M.G Mathebula	+27 15 268 4222	Lecturer
M.s L. Muthelo	+27 15 268 3973	Senior Lecturer
Mr. M.O Mbombi	+27 15 268 2385	Senior Lecturer
Mr. T.A Phukubye	+27 15 268 4316	Lecturer
Ms. M.D.T Mohlabe	+27 15 268 4317	Clinical Lecturer
M.s S. Hlahla	+27 15 268 4004	Clinical Lecturer
Ms. M.N Kgatla	+27 15 268 4651	Clinical Lecturer

Prof. M.P Bopape-Mabapa

Head of Department, Department of Plant Production, Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering

DEPARTMENT CONTACTS

Head of Department

Dr. M.P Bopape-Mabapa
Tel: 015 268 2319
Email: paulina.mabapa@ul.ac.za

Secretary

Ms. N.Y Maboya
Tel: 015268 2599
Email: yvonne.maboya@ul.ac.za