AGRONOMY AS PART AGRICULTURE

Agronomy is the science and technology of producing and
using plants for food, fuel, feed,
fiber, and 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 creating energy from plants.[1] Agronomists often specialize in areas such as crop rotation, irrigation and drainage, plant breeding, plant physiology, soil classification, soil fertility, weed control, insect and pest control. Plant breeding Main article: 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. It
is understood that the role of
agronomist includes seeing
whether produce from a field of 'x' meets the following conditions: 1.
Land and water access, 2.
Commercialization (market), 3.
Quality and quantity of inputs, 4.
Risk protection (insurance), 5.
Agricultural credit.[citation needed] Biotechnology An agronomist mapping a plant genome. Agronomists use biotechnology to extend and expedite the
development of desired
characteristics listed in the Plant Breeding section.[2] 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 describing a soil sample in Uganda, Africa. Main article: Agricultural 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 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.[citation needed] Agroecology Agroecology is the management of agricultural systems with an
emphasis on ecological and environmental perspectives.[3] 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 Main article: Theoretical production ecology 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. Career outlook Due to the continued growth of
the global population—and the
consequent expanding need for
study of food crops and
agriculture in general—the
outlook for agronomy and agronomists is excellent[citation needed][who?]. 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.[4] Most agronomists are consultants,
researchers, or teachers. Many
work for agricultural experiment stations, federal or state government agencies, industrial
firms, or universities. Agronomists
also serve in such international
organizations as the Agency for International Development, The United States Department of
Agriculture, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.[citation needed] Agronomists career options are
expanding rapidly with possible
ties with golf landscaping
including topsoil analysis and
drainage conditions. They often
work in conjunction with landscape architects and
engineers to determine the best
soil qualities/conditions to suit the
site specifications.

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