Introduction to Agriculture and Agronomy

Study Notes

Agriculture encompasses crop production, livestock farming, fisheries, and forestry
It involves the art, science, and business of producing crops and livestock for human use
Agriculture is crucial for providing food and other necessities for national progress
It is influenced by factors like soil and irrigation (controllable) and climate (uncontrollable)

Agronomy is the field of agricultural science that focuses on soil, water, and crop management
Derived from Greek words "Agros" (field) and "nomos" (to manage)
Agronomy aims to optimize the environment for crops to enhance productivity

Basic sciences provide fundamental principles and knowledge
Applied sciences utilize these principles in practical applications
Agricultural sciences rely heavily on basic sciences like botany, physiology, biochemistry, ecology, zoology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and economics

Botany aids in plant breeding and genetics, leading to crop varieties suited for specific climates
Zoology (entomology) helps farmers identify insect pests that damage crops
Soil chemistry helps understand plant nutrient levels and deficiency symptoms
Physics helps understand weather patterns and soil conditions
Mathematics is essential for agricultural research and experimentation through statistics, economics
Economics assists in estimating costs and returns, improving farmers' conditions

Agronomy is a dynamic field constantly adapting to new knowledge and practices
Advancements in science lead to new practices and solutions for high productivity
Examples include:
- Chemical fertilizers: necessitated understanding of application methods, quantity, timing
- Herbicides: knowledge on herbicide selectivity, application methods, and timing
Intensive cropping is crucial to meet growing populations with limited arable land
New technologies are developed to overcome moisture stress in drylands
Improved crop varieties require specific management practices to maximize their yield potential

Agronomy integrates various disciplines like soil science, agricultural chemistry, crop physiology, plant ecology, biochemistry, and economics
Understanding soil physical, chemical, and biological properties is crucial for modifying the soil environment
Crop physiology knowledge is essential to meet crop requirements
Economic analysis helps in making crops production practices economically viable
Agronomists aim to achieve maximum production at the lowest cost
They test the feasibility of research findings in the field and assess their impact on the farming community
Agronomists act as coordinators between diverse agricultural disciplines