Introduction to Agronomy

Definition of Agronomy

Agronomy is derived from the Greek words 'agros' meaning 'field' and 'nomos' meaning 'management'.
It is an agricultural science that deals with the principles and practices of crop production and field management.
Agronomy is a branch of agricultural science that deals with the methods of providing a favorable environment to crops for higher productivity.

Scope of Agronomy

Agronomy is a dynamic discipline that advances knowledge and understanding of the planet, environment, and agriculture.
It is essential in agriculture for the following reasons:
- Identification of the proper season for crop cultivation
- Development of proper methods of cultivation to reduce costs and maximize yield and economic returns
- Generation of knowledge to reduce the ill-effects of excess fertilizer application and yield losses
- Development of knowledge on water management practices
- Intensive cropping to increase production and reduce environmental hazards
- Development of packages of practices to explore the full potential of new crop varieties

Role of Agronomist

An agronomist is a scientist who deals with the study of crop production problems and adopts/recommends practices for better field crop production and soil management.
The agronomist aims to obtain maximum production at minimum cost by exploiting the knowledge of basic and applied sciences for higher crop production.
The agronomist is concerned with:
- Production of food and fiber to meet the needs of a growing population
- Developing efficient and economic field preparation methods
- Selecting suitable crops and varieties to suit different seasons and soils
- Evolving efficient methods of cultivation
- Identifying nutrients required by crops and their time and method of application
- Selecting better weed management practices
- Selecting proper irrigation methods and irrigation scheduling

Classification of Crops

Crops can be classified based on:
- Ontogeny (life cycle)
- Economic use (agronomic)
- Botany (scientific)
- Seasons
- Climatic conditions

Crops in India and Kerala

Major crops in India:
- - Cereals: rice, wheat, maize, barley, oats, including japonica and indica varieties of rice, and various types of wheat like bread wheat and durum wheat.
  - Cereals: Rice, Wheat, Maize, Barley, Oats, and Millets, including Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi, are some of the major crops grown in India.: sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, which are staple crops in many regions, particularly in Africa and Asia, and are known for their ability to thrive in harsh conditions. In India, millets are an important crop, with sorghum being the sixth-largest crop in terms of production. In addition, millets are often grown in rainfed areas, making them a vital source of income for many farmers. The cultivation of millets also promotes soil health and biodiversity, as they are often rotated with other crops to maintain soil fertility. Furthermore, millets are a favored food source in many parts of India, particularly during festivals and rituals, making them an integral part of the country's agricultural heritage.
  - Moreover, India is also a significant producer of Bajra, a type of pearl millet, which is widely cultivated in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
  - Pulses: red gram, black gram, green gram, cowpea, which are rich in protein and are a vital source of nutrition for many people, especially in developing countries where they are often used in a variety of dishes.
  - Oil seeds: groundnut, sesame, sunflower, castor, which are used to produce cooking oils, cosmetics, and biofuels, and are also a good source of nutrition and energy.
  - Sugar crops: sugarcane, sugar beet, which are used to produce sugar and other sweeteners, and are an important part of many food systems and industries.
  - Fiber crops: cotton, jute, mesta, which are used to produce clothing, textiles, and other products, and are an important part of many economies and cultures.
  - Tuber crops: potato, tapioca, which are starchy root vegetables that are used in a variety of dishes and are an important source of carbohydrates and energy.
  - Commercial crops: cashew, rubber, tobacco, which are grown for profit and are often used in industries like manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Major crops in Kerala:
- Rice
- Coconut
- Rubber
- Tapioca
- Cashew
- Spices: pepper, cardamom, ginger
- Kerala is also one of the largest producers of rice in India, with the state's rice production exceeding 2.5 million metric tons annually. The state's topography and climate make it an ideal place for growing a variety of crops, including coconut, rubber, and tapioca.