Agronomy

Not to be confused with agricultural economics (also

known as agronomics).
For a broader coverage related to this topic, see
Agricultural science.

Agronomy (Ancient Greek agrs 'eld' +

nmos 'law') is the science and technology of producing
and using plants for food, fuel, ber, and land reclama-
tion. Agronomy has come to encompass work in the
areas of plant genetics, plant physiology, meteorology,
and soil science. It is the application of a combination
of sciences like biology, chemistry, economics, ecology,
earth science, and genetics. Agronomists of today are in-
volved with many issues, including producing food, cre-
ating healthier food, managing the environmental im-
pact of agriculture, and extracting energy from plants.[1]
Agronomists often specialise in areas such as crop rota-
tion, irrigation and drainage, plant breeding, plant phys-
iology, soil classication, soil fertility, weed control, and
insect and pest control.

1 Plant breeding
An agronomist eld sampling a trial plot of ax.
Main article: Plant breeding
This area of agronomy involves selective breeding of
plants to produce the best crops under various condi-
tions. Plant breeding has increased crop yields and has
improved the nutritional value of numerous crops, includ-
ing corn, soybeans, and wheat. It has also led to the de-
velopment 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 instru-
mental in fruit and vegetable production research.

2 Biotechnology
Agronomists use biotechnology to extend and expedite
Purdue University agronomy professor George Van Scoyoc ex-
the development of desired characteristic.[2] Biotechnol- plains the dierence between forest and prairie soils to soldiers of
ogy is often a lab activity requiring eld testing of the new the Indiana National Guard's Agribusiness Development Team at
crop varieties that are developed. the Beck Agricultural Center in West Lafayette, Indiana
In addition to increasing crop yields agronomic biotech-
nology 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 modied
to produce fatty acids for detergents, substitute fuels and petrochemicals.

1
2 8
An agronomist mapping a plant genome
3 Soil science
Main article: Agricultural soil science
Agronomists study sustainable ways to make soils more
productive and protable. They classify soils and ana-
lyze them to determine whether they contain nutrients
vital to plant growth. Common macronutrients analyzed
include compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,
calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Soil is also assessed for
several micronutrients, like zinc and boron. The percent-
age of organic matter, soil pH, and nutrient holding ca-
pacity (cation exchange capacity) are tested in a regional
laboratory. Agronomists will interpret these lab reports
and make recommendations to balance soil nutrients for
optimal plant growth.[3]
3.1 Soil conservation
In addition, agronomists develop methods to preserve the
soil and to decrease the eects 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 eectively in solving other problems. Such prob-
lems include the disposal of human and animal manure,
water pollution, and pesticide build-up in the soil. Tech-
niques include no-tilling crops, planting of soil-binding
grasses along contours on steep slopes, and contour drains
of depths up to 1 metre.
4 Agroecology
Agroecology is the management of agricultural sys-
tems with an emphasis on ecological and environmental
perspectives.[4] This area is closely associated with work
REFERENCES
in the areas of sustainable agriculture, organic farming,
alternative food systems and the development of alterna-
tive cropping systems.
5 Theoretical modeling
Main article: Theoretical production ecology
6 Agronomy schools
Agronomy programs, oered at colleges, universities,
and specialized agricultural schools, often involve classes
across a range of departments, including agriculture, biol-
ogy, chemistry, economics, and physiology. Completing
the coursework usually takes from four to twelve years.
Many companies will pay agronomists-in-trainings col-
lege expenses if they agree to work for them when they
graduate.
7 See also
Agricultural engineering
Agroecology
Agrology
Agrophysics
Food systems
Green Revolution
Vegetable farming
Agricultural policy
8 References
[1] I'm An Agronomist!". Imanagronomist.net. Retrieved
2013-05-02.
[2] Georgetown International Environmental Law Review.
Findarticles.com. Retrieved 2013-05-02.
[3] Hoeft, Robert G. (2000). Modern Corn and Soybean Pro-
duction. MCSP Publications. pp. 107 to 171. ASIN
B0006RLD8U.
[4] Iowa State University: Undergraduate Program - Agroe-
cology. Archived from the original on 7 October 2008.
 3

9 Bibliography
Wendy B. Murphy, The Future World of Agriculture,
Watts, 1984.
Antonio Saltini, Storia delle scienze agrarie, 4 vols,
Bologna 1984-89, ISBN 88-206-2412-5, ISBN 88-
206-2413-3, ISBN 88-206-2414-1, ISBN 88-206-
2415-X

10 External links
The American Society of Agronomy (ASA)
Crop Science Society of America (CSSA)

Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)

European Society for Agronomy

The National Agricultural Library (NAL) Com-

prehensive agricultural library.

Information System for Agriculture and Food Re-

search

Agronomy | News | Tips | Recommendations | pests

and diseases in agriculture
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11 Text and image sources, contributors, and licenses

11.1 Text
Agronomy Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agronomy?oldid=728610940 Contributors: Rmhermen, Anthere, Mrand, Jlavezzo,
Raul654, Shantavira, Altenmann, Jyril, Utcursch, Pgreennch, Neutrality, Discospinster, Rich Farmbrough, Ivan Bajlo, Xezbeth, Ben-
der235, Germen, Triona, Mdd, Paleorthid, SlimVirgin, Melaen, Ceyockey, Etacar11, LOL, Carcharoth, Jacobolus, Palica, Calicocat,
Rjwilmsi, The wub, YurikBot, Wavelength, RussBot, Splette, Astral, Dialectric, DeadEyeArrow, Brisvegas, Leptictidium, WAS 4.250,
Closedmouth, E Wing, SMcCandlish, Belgrano~enwiki, Black-Velvet, Anclation~enwiki, SmackBot, Gabi bart, EncycloPetey, Hardy-
plants, Gilliam, Bluebot, SB Johnny, Mukdener, OrphanBot, Onorem, Yorick8080, Mr.Z-man, Nishkid64, Bjankuloski06en~enwiki, Tasty-
Poutine, MTSbot~enwiki, ShelfSkewed, Veracon.net, Mato, Gogo Dodo, Corpx, Vargob, Kozuch, Epbr123, AJseagull1, Kablammo, Dan-
theman531, Hmrox, AntiVandalBot, Prolog, Smartse, Hopiakuta, Bridgeplayer, The Transhumanist, Carmicheal99, East718, PhilKnight,
Dullscythe, Michael Goodyear, Smihael, Catgut, MartinBot, STBot, Keith D, Frei.daniel, CommonsDelinker, J.delanoy, Enuja, SJP, Million
Moments, Idioma-bot, Spellcast, Philip Trueman, Clarince63, Jamarmstrong, Doug, Monty845, Simca~enwiki, Atubeileh, Englishspelling,
Flyer22 Reborn, Anonimo98~enwiki, Hoplon, ClueBot, The Thing That Should Not Be, ImperfectlyInformed, Hysocc, Excirial, Lichtfouse,
I am very very bored, P.G.Damodaran Nair, Alloquep, SoxBot III, DumZiBoT, Nathan Johnson, RTissler, BodhisattvaBot, Werdnawerdna,
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