AGRONOMY
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Discussion on Agronomy
Agronomy is a branch of agricultural science that deals with the cropping systems, soils, water, crop and nutrients management, agrometerology and agroecology in where crops grow for human and non-human foods. Agronomists work to develop methods that will improve the use of soil and increase the production of food and fiber crops. They conduct research in crop rotation, irrigation and drainage, plant breeding, soil classification, soil fertility, weed control and other areas. Agronomy involves many disciplines of agriculture and natural sciences.
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.
Biotechnology
Agronomists use biotechnology to extend and expedite the development of desired characteristics listed in the Plant Breeding section. 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.
Soil Science
Agronomists study sustainable ways to make soils more productive and profitable. They classify soils and reproduce them to determine whether they contain substances vital to plant growth such as compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. If a certain soil is deficient in these substances, fertilizers may provide them. Soil science also involves investigation of the movement of nutrients through the soil, the amount of nutrients absorbed by a plant's roots, and the development of roots and their relation to the soil.
Soil conservation
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.
Furthermore, agrometeorology, soil and tillage, crop rotation, sustainable agriculture, organic farming, intensive agriculture, alternative farming, cropping systems, integrated farming, irrigation and water management, weed management, soil fertility management, water conservation etc. covers different working areas for the field of agronomy.
(source: adapted text from Wikipedia)
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.
Biotechnology
Agronomists use biotechnology to extend and expedite the development of desired characteristics listed in the Plant Breeding section. 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.
Soil Science
Agronomists study sustainable ways to make soils more productive and profitable. They classify soils and reproduce them to determine whether they contain substances vital to plant growth such as compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. If a certain soil is deficient in these substances, fertilizers may provide them. Soil science also involves investigation of the movement of nutrients through the soil, the amount of nutrients absorbed by a plant's roots, and the development of roots and their relation to the soil.
Soil conservation
- 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.
Furthermore, agrometeorology, soil and tillage, crop rotation, sustainable agriculture, organic farming, intensive agriculture, alternative farming, cropping systems, integrated farming, irrigation and water management, weed management, soil fertility management, water conservation etc. covers different working areas for the field of agronomy.
(source: adapted text from Wikipedia)