From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Agronomy
Agronomy
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.
It is understood that the role of agronomist includes see-
ing whether produce from a field of ’x’ meets the follow-
ing conditions: 1. Land and water access, 2. Commercial-
ization (market), 3. Quality and quantity of inputs, 4. Risk
protection (insurance), 5. Agricultural credit.[citation need-
ed]
Biotechnology
An agronomist field sampling a trial plot of flax.
Agronomy is the science and technology of producing
and using plants for food, fuel, feed, fiber, and reclama-
tion. Agronomy encompasses work in the areas of plant An agronomist mapping a plant genome.
genetics, plant physiology, meteorology, and soil science.
Agronomy is the application of a combination of sciences Agronomists use biotechnology to extend and expedite
like biology, chemistry, economics, ecology, earth sci- the development of desired characteristics listed in the
ence, and genetics. Agronomists today are involved with Plant Breeding section.[2] Biotechnology is often a lab ac-
many issues including producing food, creating healthier tivity requiring field testing of the new crop varieties
food, managing environmental impact of agriculture, that are developed.
and creating energy from plants.[1] Agronomists often In addition to increasing crop yields agronomic
specialize in areas such as crop rotation, irrigation and biotechnology is increasingly being applied for novel us-
drainage, plant breeding, plant physiology, soil classifica- es other than food. For example, oilseed is at present
tion, soil fertility, weed control, insect and pest control. used mainly for margarine and other food oils, but it can
be modified to produce fatty acids for detergents, substi-
tute fuels and petrochemicals.
Plant breeding
Main article: Plant breeding
This area of agronomy involves selective breeding of
Soil science
plants to produce the best crops under various condi- Main article: Agricultural soil science
tions. Plant breeding has increased crop yields and has Agronomists study sustainable ways to make soils more
improved the nutritional value of numerous crops, in- productive and profitable. They classify soils and repro-
cluding corn, soybeans, and wheat. It has also led to the duce them to determine whether they contain sub-
development of new types of plants. For example, a hy- stances vital to plant growth such as compounds of nitro-
brid grain called triticale was produced by crossbreeding gen, phosphorus, and potassium. If a certain soil is defi-
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Agronomy
physiology. They can usually take from four to twelve
years. Many companies will pay an agronomist-in-train-
ing’s way through college if they agree to work for them
when they graduate.
Career outlook
Due to the continued growth of the global popula-
tion—and the consequent expanding need for study of
food crops and agriculture in general—the outlook for
agronomy and agronomists is excellent[citation needed]. Past
agricultural research has created higher yielding crops,
crops with better resistance to pests and plant
pathogens, and more effective fertilizers and pesticides.
Agronomists describing a soil sample in Uganda, Africa. Research is still necessary, however, particularly as in-
sects and diseases continue to adapt to pesticides and as
cient in these substances, fertilizers may provide them. soil fertility and water quality continue to need improve-
Soil science also involves investigation of the movement ment.
of nutrients through the soil, the amount of nutrients ab- Emerging biotechnologies will play an ever larger
sorbed by a plant’s roots, and the development of roots role in agricultural research. Scientists will be needed
and their relation to the soil. to apply these technologies to the creation of new food
products and other advances. Moreover, increasing de-
Soil conservation mand is expected for biofuels and other agricultural
In addition, agronomists develop methods to preserve products used in industrial processes. Agricultural scien-
the soil and to decrease the effects of erosion by wind and tists will be needed to find ways to increase the output of
water. For example, a technique called contour plowing crops used in these products.
may be used to prevent soil erosion and conserve rainfall. Agronomists will also be needed to balance increased
Researchers in agronomy also seek ways to use the soil agricultural output with protection and preservation of
more effectively in solving other problems. Such prob- soil, water, and ecosystems. They increasingly encourage
lems include the disposal of human and animal wastes; the practice of sustainable agriculture by developing and
water pollution; and the build-up in the soil of pesticides. implementing plans to manage pests, crops, soil fertility
No-tilling crops is a technique now used to help prevent and erosion, and animal waste in ways that reduce the
erosion. Planting of soil binding grasses along contours use of harmful chemicals and do little damage to farms
can be tried in steep slopes. For better effect, contour and the natural environment.[4]
drains of depths up to 1 metre may help retain the soil Most agronomists are consultants, researchers, or
and prevent permanent wash off.[citation needed] teachers. Many work for agricultural experiment sta-
tions, federal or state government agencies, industrial
firms, or universities. Agronomists also serve in such in-
Agroecology ternational organizations as the Agency for International
Agroecology is the management of agricultural systems Development, The United States Department of Agricul-
with an emphasis on ecological and environmental per- ture, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the
spectives.[3] This area is closely associated with work in United Nations.[citation needed]
the areas of sustainable agriculture, organic farming, al- Agronomists career options are expanding rapidly
ternative food systems and the development of alterna- with possible ties with golf landscaping including topsoil
tive cropping systems. analysis and drainage conditions. They often work in
conjunction with landscape architects and engineers to
determine the best soil qualities/conditions to suit the
Theoretical modeling site specifications.
Main article: Theoretical production ecology
See also
Agronomy schools • Agroecology
Agronomy programs are offered at colleges, universities, • Agrophysics
and specialized agricultural schools. Agronomy pro- • Food systems
grams often involve classes across a range of depart- • Green Revolution
ments including agriculture, biology, chemistry, and • Vegetable farming
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Agronomy
References 88-206-2413-3, ISBN 88-206-2414-1, ISBN
88-206-2414-X
[1] I’m An Agronomist! • principles of agronomy reddy&reddy
[2] Georgetown International Environmental Law
Review: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/
mi_qa3970/is_200004/ai_n8898629
External links
[3] Agroecology • The American Society of Agronomy (ASA)
[4] Agricultural and Food Scientists • Crop Science Society of America (CSSA)
• Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)
Further reading •
•
European Society for Agronomy
The National Agricultural Library (NAL) –
• The Future World of Agriculture by Wendy B. Comprehensive agricultural library.
Murphy, Watts, 1984. • Information System for Agriculture and Food
• Storia delle scienze agrarie by Antonio Saltini, 4 vols, Research
Bologna 1984-89, ISBN 88-206-2412-5, ISBN
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Categories:
• Agronomy
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