The Soil Science and Plant Nutrition is located in the headquarters of the Institute of Agriculture .

Research in the field of physical, chemical and biological characteristics of agricultural soils concentrates on soil fertility and the evaluation of soil quality. It represents the part soil science and research of the Institute. Research focuses in detail on the analysis, characterisation and maintenance of soil changes processes and the maintenance and restoration of natural soil functions. Descriptive soil science (soil mapping, soil systematic) is also a task of this department.

In respect of use of fertilizers it is our goal to regain their image of an irreplaceable source of essential plant nutrients and to separate them strictly from pesticides. Within the general policy of the agricultural development our intention is towards increase of efficiency and minimising avoidable losses instead of severe reduction of chemical inputs.

Our main goals are:

- Maintenance of ecologically sound and economically acceptable nutrient cycles,
- To avoid pollution of water bodies and atmosphere through nutrient losses from agricultural production and
- Careful handling of limited resources

The Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition currently performs the following activities:

- physical and chemical soil analyses
- analyses of soil pollutants (heavy metals)
- mineral fertilizers analyses
- preparation of soil maps in GIS