College of Agriculture and Forestry

Department establishment information:

The foundation of the Department of Soil Sciences and Water Resources in our college dates back to 1969 when one of the six departments that had one specialization was plant production within the College of Agriculture and Forestry affiliated with the University of Mosul. In 1970, the department turned into the soil branch of the Department of Agriculture. In 1972, the Department of Soil Sciences was formed, along with the rest of the departments, as an integrated unit that awarded a bachelor’s degree in soil sciences.

Postgraduate studies in the department began in 1977/1978 when students accepted graduate studies to be granted a master’s degree. The department started getting students to award a doctorate in 1992. 2002, its name was changed to the Department of Soil Sciences and Water Resources. There are six specializations to obtain a doctorate (soil physics, soil chemistry and minerals, soil fertility, plant nutrition, soil survey and management, soil evolution, and soil microbiology).

Department Mission:

The Department of Soil Sciences and Water Resources contributes to conducting various studies on the country’s soils, the quality of surface and groundwater, and estimating their suitability for irrigation, especially in the dirt of the northern regions, to increase soil productivity, maintenance, and improvement, through:

– To prepare specialized cadres in soil sciences for the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

– To conduct applied research in soil fertility, fertilization, irrigation, standards, survey, and soil classification.

– To contribute to the extension courses for farmers and guides in the northern region and prepare specialized courses in the soil.

– Participation of the department in agricultural and scientific conferences and project evaluation.

– Contribute to scientific symposia inside and outside the department

Department goals:

The department aims to:

1- To provide graduates for postgraduate studies with practical and theoretical skills in soil and water sciences.

2- To build a good relationship with other departments, colleges, research centers, and the Ministry of Agriculture.

3- To build a good relationship with local and international institutes and organizations to exchange experiences.