Crop Production Science and Art Quiz

Crop Production as a Science, Art, and Business

• Modern crop production is a scientific process, combining principles from chemistry, mathematics, physics, physiology, meteorology, and plant breeding.
• Crop science involves the observation, classification, and knowledge of cultivated crops to optimize production.
• Agronomy is the management of field crops and soils, drawing from Greek roots.
• Horticulture involves cultivating plants in enclosed spaces, distinct from field crops. Horticultural products are often consumed fresh, are subjectively rated, and have higher prices per unit. Agronomic products are usually processed, have lower prices per unit, and are typically consumed by animals.
• Crop production is also an art, focusing on aesthetic qualities of plants (horticulture) and maximizing output and profit (business).
• Agricultural research in the Philippines involves state colleges, the Department of Agriculture, and national commodity research centers.

Botanical Classification

• Botanical classification is a method for classifying plants based on evolutionary relationships.
• Approximately 300,000 plant species are identified.
• Taxonomy is the dynamic study of plant classification, constantly updated with new knowledge.
• The plant kingdom has 28 divisions. Four common divisions include Thallophyta, Bryophyta, Pteridophyta, and Spermatophyta.
• Spermatophyta further divides into Gymnosperms and Angiosperms; Angiosperms include Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons.

Agronomic Classification

• Cereal crops are grasses cultivated for edible seeds (like wheat, rye, oats, barley, rice, and maize).
• Pasture and forage crops are used for feed.
• Root crops are grown for their edible roots.
• Tuber crops have thickened underground stems.
• Fiber crops provide fibers.
• Sugar crops yield sugar.

Horticultural Classification

• Horticultural plants include fruits, vegetables, and other plants grown for aesthetic or culinary value.
• Plant classification focuses on characteristics like leaf retention (evergreen or deciduous), response to day length (short-day, long-day, or day-neutral), or habit (herbaceous, shrub, or tree).

Special Purpose Classification

• Categories of crops include green manure (legumes), silage, and cover crops for soil improvements and animal feeds.
• Other categories include trap crops to protect against pests, companion crops for mutual benefits, and catch crops to fill gaps in growing seasons.

Explore the multifaceted nature of crop production in this quiz, which delves into the scientific principles, artistic elements, and business aspects of modern agriculture. Learn about agronomy, horticulture, and the factors influencing crop management and optimization. This quiz will challenge your understanding of how various disciplines converge in the field of agriculture.