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Agronomy is the science and technology of producing and using plants by agriculture for food, fuel, fiber, chemicals, recreation, or land conservation. Agronomy has come to include research of plant genetics, plant physiology, meteorology, and soil science. It is the application of a combination of sciences such as biology, chemistry, economics, ecology, earth science, and genetics. Professionals of agronomy are termed agronomists.

Plant breeding

This topic of agronomy involves selective breeding of plants to produce the best crops for 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 resulted in the development of new types of plants. For example, a hybrid grain named triticale was produced by crossbreeding rye and wheat. Triticale contains more usable protein than does either rye or wheat. Agronomy has also been instrumental for fruit and vegetable production research. Furthermore, the application of plant breeding for turfgrass development has resulted in a reduction in the demand for fertilizer and water inputs (requirements), as well as turf-types with higher disease resistance.

Biotechnology

Agronomists use biotechnology to extend and expedite the development of desired characteristics.^[1] Biotechnology is often a laboratory activity requiring field testing of new crop varieties that are developed.

In addition to increasing crop yields agronomic biotechnology is being applied increasingly 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 study sustainable ways to make soils more productive and profitable. They classify soils and analyze them to determine whether they contain nutrients vital for 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 percentage of organic matter, soil pH, and nutrient holding capacity (cation exchange capacity) are tested in a regional laboratory. Agronomists will interpret these laboratory reports and make recommendations to modify soil nutrients for optimal plant growth.^[2]

Soil conservation

Additionally, agronomists develop methods to preserve soil and decrease the effects of [erosion] by wind and water. For example, a technique known as contour plowing may be used to prevent soil erosion and conserve rainfall. Researchers of agronomy also seek ways to use the soil more effectively for solving other problems. Such problems include the disposal of human and animal manure, water pollution, and pesticide accumulation in the soil, as well as preserving the soil for future generations such as the burning of paddocks after crop production. Pasture management techniques include no-till farming, planting of soil-binding grasses along contours on steep slopes, and using contour drains of depths as much as 1 metre.^[3]

Agroecology

Agroecology is the management of agricultural systems with an emphasis on ecological and environmental applications.^[4] This topic is associated closely with work for sustainable agriculture, organic farming, and alternative food systems and the development of alternative cropping systems.^[5]

Theoretical modeling

Theoretical production ecology is the quantitative study of the growth of crops. The plant is treated as a kind of biological factory, which processes light, carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients into harvestable products. The main parameters are temperature, sunlight, standing crop biomass, plant production distribution, and nutrient and water supply.^{[citation needed]}

References

^ Georgetown International Environmental Law Review
^ Hoeft, Robert G. (2000). Modern Corn and Soybean Production. MCSP Publications. pp. 107 to 171. ASIN B0006RLD8U.
^ Arya, R. L.; Arya, S.; Arya, Renu; Kumar, J. (2015-01-01). Fundamentals of Agriculture (ICAR-NET, JRF, SRF, CSIR-NET, UPSC & IFS). Scientific Publishers. ISBN 978-93-86102-36-2.
^ "Iowa State University: Undergraduate Program - Agroecology". Archived from the original on 7 October 2008.
^ Rosenberg Agronom

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

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) – Comprehensive agricultural library.
Information System for Agriculture and Food Research

[1] Georgetown International Environmental Law Review

[2] Hoeft, Robert G. (2000). Modern Corn and Soybean Production. MCSP Publications. pp. 107 to 171. ASIN B0006RLD8U.

[3] Arya, R. L.; Arya, S.; Arya, Renu; Kumar, J. (2015-01-01). Fundamentals of Agriculture (ICAR-NET, JRF, SRF, CSIR-NET, UPSC & IFS). Scientific Publishers. ISBN 978-93-86102-36-2.

[4] "Iowa State University: Undergraduate Program - Agroecology". Archived from the original on 7 October 2008.

[5] Rosenberg Agronom

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Distinguish|text=[[agricultural economics]] (also known as agronomics)}}
-{{Short description|Science and technology of producing and using plants for food, fuel, fiber, and reclamation}}
+{{Short description|Science of producing and using plants}}
-{{broader|Agricultural science}}
+{{broader|Agricultural science}}{{See also|Agriculturist}}
 {{Agriculture}}
+'''Agronomy''' is the science and technology of producing and using [[plant]]s by [[agriculture]] for [[food]], [[fuel]], [[fiber]], chemicals, recreation, or land conservation. Agronomy has come to include research of [[plant genetics]], [[plant physiology]], [[meteorology]], and [[soil science]]. It is the application of a combination of sciences such as [[biology]], [[chemistry]], [[economics]], [[ecology]], [[earth science]], and [[genetics]]. Professionals of agronomy are termed [[Agriculturist|agronomists]].
-{{Infobox Occupation
-| name= Agronomist
-| image= Cropscientist.jpg
-| caption= An agronomist measures and records corn growth and other processes.
-| official_names= agronomist<br/>agricultural scientist<br/>crop scientist
-<!------------Details------------------->
-| type= [[profession]]
-| activity_sector= agriculture, agronomy
-| competencies= technical knowledge, sense of analysis
-| employment_field= [[food industry]], science, [[research and development]]
-| related_occupation= see [[#Fields or related disciplines|related disciplines]]
-| average_salary=
-}}
-'''Agronomy''' is the science and technology of producing and using [[plant]]s in [[agriculture]] for [[food]], [[fuel]], [[fiber]], and land restoration. It is both a humanitarian career and a scientific one. 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 involved with many issues, including producing food, creating healthier food, managing the [[environmental impact of agriculture]], distribution of agriculture, and extracting [[energy]] from plants.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ImAnAgronomist.net |title=I'm An Agronomist! |publisher=Imanagronomist.net |date= |accessdate=2013-05-02}}</ref>  Agronomists often specialise in areas such as [[crop rotation]], [[irrigation]] and [[drainage]], [[plant breeding]], [[plant physiology]], [[soil classification]], [[soil fertility]], [[weed control]], and [[insect]] and [[pest control]].
-==History==
-{{expand section}}
 ==Plant breeding==
 {{Main|Plant breeding}}
-[[Image:Research- alternative crops.jpg|thumb|left|An agronomist field sampling a trial plot of flax.]]
+[[Image:Research- alternative crops.jpg|thumb|left|An agronomist, field-sampling a trial plot of flax]]
-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 [[maize|corn]], [[soybeans]], and [[wheat]]. It has also led to the development of new types of plants. For example, a [[Hybrid (biology)|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.
+This topic of agronomy involves [[selective breeding]] of plants to produce the best [[crop]]s for various conditions. Plant breeding has increased [[crop yield]]s and has improved the [[nutritional value]] of numerous crops, including [[maize|corn]], [[soybeans]], and [[wheat]]. It has also resulted in the development of new types of plants. For example, a [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]] grain named [[triticale]] was produced by crossbreeding rye and wheat. Triticale contains more usable [[protein]] than does either rye or wheat. Agronomy has also been instrumental for fruit and vegetable production research. Furthermore, the application of plant breeding for turfgrass development has resulted in a reduction in the demand for fertilizer and water inputs (requirements), as well as turf-types with higher disease resistance.
 ==Biotechnology==
-[[File:Flickr - The U.S. Army - www.Army.mil (230).jpg|thumb|[[Purdue University]] agronomy professor George Van Scoyoc explains the difference between forest and prairie soils to soldiers of the [[Indiana National Guard]]'s [[Agribusiness]] Development Team at the [[Beck Agricultural Center]] in [[West Lafayette, Indiana]]]]
 [[Image:Research-mapping plant genomes.jpg|thumb|An agronomist mapping a plant [[genome]]]]
-Agronomists use [[biotechnology]] to extend and expedite the development of desired characteristic.<ref>Georgetown International Environmental Law Review</ref>  Biotechnology is often a lab activity requiring field testing of the new crop varieties that are developed.
+Agronomists use [[biotechnology]] to extend and expedite the development of desired characteristics.<ref>Georgetown International Environmental Law Review</ref>  Biotechnology is often a laboratory activity requiring field testing of 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 [[detergent]]s, substitute fuels and [[petrochemical]]s.
+In addition to increasing crop yields agronomic biotechnology is being applied increasingly 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 [[detergent]]s, substitute fuels and [[petrochemical]]s.
 ==Soil science==
 {{Main|Agricultural soil science}}
-Agronomists study sustainable ways to make [[soil]]s more productive and profitable throughout the world. They classify soils and analyze 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 percentage of organic matter, [[Soil pH]], and nutrient holding capacity ([[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.<ref>{{cite book|last=Hoeft|first=Robert G.|title=Modern Corn and Soybean Production|year=2000|publisher=MCSP Publications |asin=B0006RLD8U <!--|isbn=00108770--> |pages=107 to 171}}</ref>
+Agronomists study sustainable ways to make [[soil]]s more productive and profitable. They classify soils and analyze them to determine whether they contain nutrients vital for 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 percentage of organic matter, [[soil pH]], and nutrient holding capacity ([[cation exchange capacity]]) are tested in a regional laboratory. Agronomists will interpret these laboratory reports and make recommendations to modify soil nutrients for optimal plant growth.<ref>{{cite book|last=Hoeft|first=Robert G.|title=Modern Corn and Soybean Production|year=2000|publisher=MCSP Publications |asin=B0006RLD8U <!--|isbn=00108770--> |pages=107 to 171}}</ref>
 ===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 [[manure]], [[water pollution]], and [[pesticide]] build-up in the soil. As well as looking after the soil for future generations to come, such as the burning of paddocks after crop production. Pasture management techniques include [[no-till farming]], planting of soil-binding grasses along contours on steep slopes, and using contour drains of depths up to 1 metre.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.co.za/books?id=Rss4DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA236&dq=no-tilling+crops,+soil-binding+grasses+and+contour+drains&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiXo4bmsd_mAhWDI1AKHSEvDWsQ6AEIKDAA#v=onepage&q=no-tilling%20crops,%20soil-binding%20grasses%20and%20contour%20drains&f=false|title=Fundamentals of Agriculture (ICAR-NET, JRF, SRF, CSIR-NET, UPSC & IFS)|last=Arya|first=R. L.|last2=Arya|first2=S.|last3=Arya|first3=Renu|last4=Kumar|first4=J.|date=2015-01-01|publisher=Scientific Publishers|isbn=978-93-86102-36-2|language=en}}</ref>
+Additionally, agronomists develop methods to preserve soil and decrease the effects of [erosion] by wind and water. For example, a technique known as [[contour plowing]] may be used to prevent soil erosion and conserve rainfall. Researchers of agronomy also seek ways to use the soil more effectively for solving other problems. Such problems include the disposal of human and animal [[manure]], [[water pollution]], and [[pesticide]] accumulation in the soil, as well as preserving the soil for future generations such as the burning of paddocks after crop production. Pasture management techniques include [[no-till farming]], planting of soil-binding grasses along contours on steep slopes, and using contour drains of depths as much as 1 metre.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rss4DwAAQBAJ&q=no-tilling+crops%2C+soil-binding+grasses+and+contour+drains&pg=PA236|title=Fundamentals of Agriculture (ICAR-NET, JRF, SRF, CSIR-NET, UPSC & IFS)|last1=Arya|first1=R. L.|last2=Arya|first2=S.|last3=Arya|first3=Renu|last4=Kumar|first4=J.|date=2015-01-01|publisher=Scientific Publishers|isbn=978-93-86102-36-2|language=en}}</ref>
 ==Agroecology==
-[[Agroecology]] is the management of agricultural systems with an emphasis on ecological and environmental perspectives.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.agron.iastate.edu/academic/undergraduate/options/agro_ecol.aspx
+[[Agroecology]] is the management of agricultural systems with an emphasis on ecological and environmental applications.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.agron.iastate.edu/academic/undergraduate/options/agro_ecol.aspx
-|title=Iowa State University: Undergraduate Program - Agroecology <!--|accessdate=25 December 2007-->
+|title=Iowa State University: Undergraduate Program - Agroecology <!--|access-date=25 December 2007-->
-|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007045315/http://www.agron.iastate.edu/academic/undergraduate/options/agro_ecol.aspx
+|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007045315/http://www.agron.iastate.edu/academic/undergraduate/options/agro_ecol.aspx
-|archivedate=7 October 2008}}</ref> This area is closely associated with work in the areas of [[sustainable agriculture]], [[organic farming]], and [[Food systems|alternative food systems]] and the development of alternative cropping systems.
+|archive-date=7 October 2008}}</ref> This topic is associated closely with work for [[sustainable agriculture]], [[organic farming]], and [[Food systems|alternative food systems]] and the development of alternative cropping systems.<ref>[https://rosenberg-agronom.com/ Rosenberg Agronom]</ref>
 ==Theoretical modeling==
-[[Theoretical production ecology]] tries to quantitatively study the growth of crops. The plant is treated as a kind of biological factory, which processes [[light]], [[carbon dioxide]], [[water]], and [[Plant nutrition|nutrients]] into harvestable products. The main parameters considered are temperature, sunlight, standing crop biomass, plant production distribution, and nutrient and water supply.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}}
+[[Theoretical production ecology]] is the quantitative study of the growth of crops. The plant is treated as a kind of biological factory, which processes [[light]], [[carbon dioxide]], [[water]], and [[Plant nutrition|nutrients]] into harvestable products. The main parameters are temperature, sunlight, standing crop biomass, plant production distribution, and nutrient and water supply.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}}
 ==See also==
@@ Line 55: / Line 37: @@
 * [[Agricultural policy]]
 * [[Agroecology]]
-* [[Agrology]]
 * [[Agrophysics]]
+* [[Crop farming]]
 * [[Food systems]]
+* [[Horticulture]]
 * [[Green Revolution]]
 * [[Vegetable farming]]
@@ Line 77: / Line 60: @@
 *[https://www.soils.org/ Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)]
 *[http://www.european-agronomy.org/ European Society for Agronomy]
-*[http://nal.usda.gov/ The National Agricultural Library (NAL)] – Comprehensive agricultural library.
+*[https://www.nal.usda.gov/main/ The National Agricultural Library (NAL)] – Comprehensive agricultural library.
 *[http://www.fisaonline.de/index.php?act=home&lang=en Information System for Agriculture and Food Research]
 {{Agriculture footer}}
+{{Botany}}{{Branches of biology}}{{Portal bar|Agriculture|Ecology|Environment}}
-{{Botany}}
-{{Portal bar|Agriculture|Ecology|Environment}}
 {{Authority control}}
 [[Category:Agronomy| ]]
+[[Category:Agricultural science|.]]
+[[Category:Applied sciences]]
+[[Category:Plant agriculture]]

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