Agronomy is the science and technology of producing and using plants for food, fuel,
fibre, and land reclamation.
Agronomy encompasses work in the areas of plant genetics, plant physiology, meteorology,
and soil science.
Agronomy is the application of a combination of sciences like biology, chemistry, economics,
ecology, earth science, and genetics.
Agronomists today are involved with many issues including producing food, creating healthier
food, managing environmental impact of agriculture, and extracting energy from plants.
Agronomists often specialize in areas such as crop rotation, irrigation and drainage,
plant breeding, plant physiology, soil classification, soil fertility, weed control, and insect and
pest control.
Plant breeding
This area of agronomy involves selective breeding of plants to produce the best crops under
various conditions.
Plant breeding has increased crop yields and has improved the nutritional value of numerous
crops, including corn, soybeans, and wheat.
It has also led to the development of new types of plants.
For example, a hybrid grain called triticale was produced by crossbreeding rye and wheat.
Triticale contains more usable protein than does either rye or wheat.
Agronomy has also been instrumental in fruit and vegetable production research.
Biotechnology
Agronomists use biotechnology to extend and expedite the development of desired characteristic.
Biotechnology is often a lab activity requiring field testing of the new crop varieties that
are developed.
In addition to increasing crop yields agronomic biotechnology is increasingly being applied
for novel uses other than food.
For example, oilseed is at present used mainly for margarine and other food oils, but it
can be modified to produce fatty acids for detergents, substitute fuels and petrochemicals.
Soil science
Agronomists study sustainable ways to make soils more productive and profitable.
They classify soils and analyze them to determine whether they contain nutrients vital to plant
growth.
Common macronutrients analyzed include compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium,
magnesium, and sulfur.
Soil is also assessed for several micronutrients, like zinc and boron.
The percentage of organic matter, soil pH, and nutrient holding capacity are tested in
a regional laboratory.
Agronomists will interpret these lab reports and make recommendations to balance soil nutrients
for optimal plant growth.
Soil conservation In addition, agronomists develop methods to
preserve the soil and to decrease the effects of erosion by wind and water.
For example, a technique called contour plowing may be used to prevent soil erosion and conserve
rainfall.
Researchers in agronomy also seek ways to use the soil more effectively in solving other
problems.
Such problems include the disposal of human and animal wastes; water pollution; and also
the build-up in the soil of pesticides.
No-tilling crops is a technique now used to help prevent erosion.
Planting of soil binding grasses along contours can be tried in steep slopes.
For better effect, contour drains of depths up to 1 metre may help retain the soil and
prevent permanent wash off.
Agroecology Agroecology is the management of agricultural
systems with an emphasis on ecological and environmental perspectives.
This area is closely associated with work in the areas of sustainable agriculture, organic
farming, alternative food systems and the development of alternative cropping systems.
Theoretical modeling
Agronomy schools Agronomy programs are offered at colleges,
universities, and specialized agricultural schools.
Agronomy programs often involve classes across a range of departments including agriculture,
biology, chemistry, and physiology.
They can usually take from four to twelve years.
Many companies will pay an agronomist-in-training's way through college if they agree to work
for them when they graduate.
See also Agricultural engineering
Agroecology Agrophysics
Food systems Green Revolution
Vegetable farming References
Bibliography Wendy B. Murphy, The Future World of Agriculture,
Watts, 1984.
Antonio Saltini, Storia delle scienze agrarie, 4 vols, Bologna 1984-89, ISBN 88-206-2412-5,
ISBN 88-206-2413-3, ISBN 88-206-2414-1, ISBN 88-206-2415-X
External links The American Society of Agronomy
Crop Science Society of America Soil Science Society of America
European Society for Agronomy The National Agricultural Library – Comprehensive
agricultural library.
Information System for Agriculture and Food Research
Agronomy Q.& A. project on stackexchange.
Agronomy | News | Tips | Recommendations | pests and diseases in agriculture