Agronomy is the science of utilizing plants for food, fuel, feed, and fiber. To do this effectively and in a sustainable manner, agronomy encompasses work in the areas of plant genetics, plant physiology, meteorology, and soil science. [1] Agronomy is the application of a combination of sciences like biology, chemistry, ecology, earth science, and genetics. Agronomists today are involved with many issues including producing food, creating healthier food, managing environmental impacts, and creating energy from plants. Agronomists (called Agrologists in Canada are scientists who specialize in Agronomy, which is the science of utilizing plants for food fuel feed and [2] Agronomists often specialize in areas such as crop rotation, irrigation and drainage, plant breeding, soil classification, soil fertility, weed control, insect and pest control and other areas. Irrigation is an artificial application of water to the soil usually for assisting in growing crops Drainage is the natural or artificial removal of surface and sub-surface water from a given area Plant breeding is the art and science of changing the genetics of plants for the benefit of humankind Soil classification deals with the systematic categorization of Soils based on distinguishing characteristics as well as criteria that dictate choices in use Soil fertility is the characteristic of soil that supports abundant plant life Weed control is the botanical component of Pest control, stopping weeds from reaching a mature stage of growth when they could be harmful to Domesticated Plants Insects ( Class Insecta) are a major group of Arthropods and the most diverse group of Animals on the Earth with over a million described Pest control refers to the regulation or management of a Species defined as a pest, usually because it is perceived to be detrimental to a person's Health
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Plant Breeding
This area of high demand in Agronomy involves selective breeding of plants to produce the best crops under various conditions. This article focuses on selective breeding in domesticated animals Plant breeding has increased crop yields and has improved the nutritional value of several crops, including corn, soybeans, and wheat. Plant breeding is the art and science of changing the genetics of plants for the benefit of humankind Maize (ˈmeɪz ( Zea mays L. ssp mays) known as corn in some countries is a cereal grain domesticated in Mesoamerica Wheat ( Triticum spp is a worldwide cultivated grass from the Levant area of the Middle East. It also has led to the development of new types of plants. For example, a hybrid grain called triticale was produced by crossbreeding rye and wheat. In Biology, hybrid has two meanings The first meaning is the result of interbreeding between two animals or plants of different taxa. Triticale (× Triticosecale) is a hybrid of Wheat ( Triti cum) and Rye ( Se' cale) first bred Rye ( Secale cereale) is a grass grown extensively as a grain and forage crop Triticale contains more usable protein than does either rye or wheat. Proteins are large Organic compounds made of Amino acids arranged in a linear chain and joined together by Peptide bonds between the Carboxyl Agronomy has also been instrumental in fruit and vegetable production research. The term fruit has different meanings dependent on context and the term is not synonymous in Food preparation and Biology. The term " vegetable " generally means the edible parts of Plants The definition of the word is traditional rather than Scientific, however Also, it is understood that the role of Agronomist includes seeing whether produce from a field satisfies the following conditions: 1. Land and water access, 2. Commencialisation (market), 3. Quality and Quantity of inputs, 4. Risk protection (insurance), 5. Agricultural credit.
Biotechnology
Agronomists use biotechnology to extend and expedite the development of desired characteristics listed in the Plant Breeding section. Biotechnology is Technology based on Biology, especially when used in Agriculture, Food science, and Medicine. [3] Biotechnology is is often a lab activity requiring field testing of the new crop varieties that are developed.
In addition to increasing crop yields, reducing crop vulnerability to environmental stresses, improving health and taste of foods, and reducing the need for field applied chemicals, 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. [4]
Soil Science
Agronomists study sustainable ways to make soils more productive. Agricultural soil science is a branch of Soil science that deals with the study of edaphic conditions as they relate to the production of food and fiber Soil, often typeset as SOiL, is a four piece rock band from Chicago Illinois United States founded by Shaun Glass Tom Schofield Tim King and Adam Zadel They classify soils and reproduce them to determine whether they contain substances vital to plant growth. Such nutritional substances include compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen (ˈnaɪtɹəʤɪn is a Chemical element that has the symbol N and Atomic number 7 and Atomic weight 14 Phosphorus, (ˈfɒsfərəs is the Chemical element that has the symbol P and Atomic number 15 Potassium (pəˈtæsiəm is a Chemical element. It has the symbol K (kalium from qalīy Atomic number 19 and Atomic mass 39 If a certain soil is deficient in these substances, fertilizers may provide them. Agronomists investigate the movement of nutrients through the soil, and the amount of nutrients absorbed by a plant's roots. Agronomists also examine the development of the roots and their relation to the soil.
Soil Conservation
In addition, agronomists develop methods to preserve the soil and to decrease the effects of erosion by wind and water. Erosion is the carrying away or displacement of solids ( Sediment, Soil, rock and other particles usually by the agents of currents such as wind For example, a technique called contour plowing may be used to prevent soil erosion and conserve rainfall. Contour plowing or contour farming is the Farming practice of Plowing across a slope following its elevation Contour lines The rows formed 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 the build-up in the soil of chemicals called pesticides, which are used to kill insects and other pests. Water pollution is the contamination of Water bodies such as Lakes Rivers Oceans and Groundwater caused by human activities A pesticide is a substance or mixture of substances used to kill a pest. 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 a strong emphasis on ecological and environmental perspectives. Agroecology is the Science of applying ecological concepts and principles to the design development and management of sustainable agricultural systems [5] This area is closely associated with work in the areas of Sustainable Agriculture, Organic agriculture, and the development of alternative cropping systems. Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals environmental Stewardship, Farm Profitability and prosperous Farming communities Organic farming is a form of agriculture that relies on Crop rotation, Green manure, Compost, Biological pest control, and mechanical Cultivation
Theoretical modelling
See Theoretical production ecology
Agronomy Schools
Higher education is currently a common denominator for agronomist. Theoretical production ecology tries to quantatively study the growth of crops There are many agronomy schools around the world with high standards and first class research facilities. Programs and classes are typically found in several departments depending on the school; agronomy covers topics in agriculture, biology, chemistry, and physiology.
Career Outlook
Employment of Agronomists is expected to grow 9 percent between 2006 and 2016, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Past agricultural research has created higher yielding crops, crops with better resistance to pests and plant pathogens, and more effective fertilizers and pesticides. Research is still necessary, however, particularly as insects and diseases continue to adapt to pesticides and as soil fertility and water quality continue to need improvement.
Emerging biotechnologies will play an ever larger role in agricultural research. Scientists will be needed to apply these technologies to the creation of new food products and other advances. Moreover, increasing demand is expected for biofuels and other agricultural products used in industrial processes. Agricultural scientists will be needed to find ways to increase the output of crops used in these products.
Agronomists will also be needed to balance increased agricultural output with protection and preservation of soil, water, and ecosystems. They increasingly encourage the practice of sustainable agriculture by developing and implementing plans to manage pests, crops, soil fertility and erosion, and animal waste in ways that reduce the use of harmful chemicals and do little damage to farms and the natural environment. [6]
Most agronomists are consultants, researchers, or teachers. Many work for agricultural experiment stations, federal or state government agencies, industrial firms, or universities. An agricultural experiment station is a research center that conducts scientific investigations to solve problems and suggest improvements in the food and Agriculture industry Agronomists also serve in such international organizations as the Agency for International Development and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The United States Agency for International Development (or USAID) is the United States federal government organization responsible for most non- military The United Nations ( UN) is an International organization whose stated aims are to facilitate cooperation in International law, International security
See also
- Agriculture
- Agricultural economics
- Agricultural experiment station
- Agronomist
- Plant physiology
- Soybean management practices
References
- ^ http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/agronomy
- ^ I'm An Agronomist!
- ^ Georgetown International Environmental Law Review: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3970/is_200004/ai_n8898629
- ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biotechnology#Production_of_novel_substances_in_crop_plants
- ^ Agroecology
- ^ Agricultural and Food Scientists
Further reading
- The Future World of Agriculture by Wendy B. Agriculture refers to the production of goods through the growing of plants and fungi and the raising of domesticated Animals The study of agriculture Agricultural economics originally applied the principles of Economics to the production of Crops and Livestock — a discipline known as Agronomics An agricultural experiment station is a research center that conducts scientific investigations to solve problems and suggest improvements in the food and Agriculture industry Agronomists (called Agrologists in Canada are scientists who specialize in Agronomy, which is the science of utilizing plants for food fuel feed and Plant physiology is a subdiscipline of Botany concerned with the function or Physiology, of Plants Closely related fields include Plant morphology A producer can utilize a variety of different management practices to raise a Soybean crop Murphy, Watts, 1984.
- Storia delle scienze agrarie by Antonio Saltini, 4 vols, Bologna 1984-89, ISBN 88-206-2412-5, ISBN 88-206-2413-3, ISBN 88-206-2414-1, ISBN 88-206-2414-X
External links
- The American Society of Agronomy (ASA)
- European Society for Agronomy
- The World Food Prize
- The National Agricultural Library (NAL) – Comprehensive agricultural library.
Dictionary
agronomy
-noun
- the science of utilizing plants, animals and soils for food, fuel, feed, and fiber and more. To do this effectively and sustainably, agronomy encompasses work in the areas of plant genetics, plant physiology, meteorology, animal sciences and soil science.
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