'Agronomy' is a branch of
agricultural science that deals with the study of crops and the soils in which they grow. ''Agronomists'' work to develop methods that will improve the use of soil and increase the production of food, fiber and
nutraceutical crops. They conduct research in
crop rotation,
irrigation and
drainage,
plant breeding,
soil classification,
soil fertility,
weed control,
insect and
pest control and other areas.
Selective breeding
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 several crops, including
corn and
wheat. 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. Triticale contains more usable
protein than does either rye or wheat. It also has been esencial in
fruit and
vegetable production reaserch.
However, most growers agree that selective breeding and genetic modification by corporations and other centralized breeding stations decreases both the
gastronomic quality and agronomic performance under low-input and other
sustainable agriculture systems. Genetic diversity may be adversely affected by this practice as well.
Agronomy and soil
Main articles: Agricultural soil science
Agronomists study ways to make
soils more productive. 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. If 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. They also use fertlizer to make it more effective and do other things.
Soil preservation
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 the build-up in the soil of chemicals called
pesticides, which are used to kill insects and other pests. 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 upto 1 metre may help retain the soil and prevent permanent wash off.
Theoretical modelling
See
Theoretical production ecology
Agronomy Schools
Higher education is currently a common denominator for agronomist. There are many agronomy schools around the world with high standards and first class research facilities.
Employment of agronomists
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 and the
Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations.
See also
★
Agriculture
★
Agricultural economics
★
Agricultural engineering
★
Agricultural experiment station
External links
★
The American Society of Agronomy (ASA)
★
The National Agricultural Library (NAL) – Comprehensive agricultural library.
Further reading
★
World Book encyclopedia 1988
★
Machines on the Farm by Hope I. Marston, Thomas Nelson, 1982. For younger readers.
★
The Future World of Agriculture by Wendy B. 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
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