Introduction to Science

Natural Sciences
- Focus on the physical world.
- Includes:
  - Physics: Study of matter, energy, and forces.
  - Chemistry: Study of substances and their interactions.
  - Biology: Study of living organisms.
Formal Sciences
- Study of abstract concepts.
- Includes:
  - Mathematics: Study of numbers, quantities, and shapes.
  - Logic: Study of reasoning.
Social Sciences
- Study of human behavior and societies.
- Includes:
  - Psychology: Study of the mind and behavior.
  - Sociology: Study of social behavior and society.
  - Economics: Study of production, distribution, and consumption of goods.
Applied Sciences
- Practical application of scientific knowledge.
- Includes:
  - Engineering: Application of science for design and construction.
  - Medicine: Application of biology and chemistry to health.

Natural Sciences: Explore the physical universe.
- Physics: Investigates matter, energy, and the fundamental forces.
- Chemistry: Examines substances, their properties, and interactions.
- Biology: Focuses on living organisms and their ecosystems.
Formal Sciences: Concerned with abstract entities.
- Mathematics: Analyzes numbers, quantities, and the relationships among them.
- Logic: Studies the principles of valid reasoning.
Social Sciences: Investigate human behavior and societal structures.
- Psychology: Explores the mind and human behavior patterns.
- Sociology: Studies social relationships and societal dynamics.
- Economics: Analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption processes.
Applied Sciences: Translate scientific knowledge into practical applications.
- Engineering: Utilizes scientific principles for design and construction projects.
- Medicine: Applies biological and chemical knowledge for health and treatment purposes.

Observation: Collecting qualitative and quantitative data about phenomena.
Question: Developing inquiries based on initial observations.
Hypothesis: Formulating testable explanations for phenomena.
Experimentation: Conducting experiments to test the validity of hypotheses.
Analysis: Evaluating data collected during experiments for patterns and insights.
Conclusion: Making determinations based on analyzed data.
Peer Review: Engaging fellow scientists to evaluate research findings for credibility.
Replication: Repeating investigations to confirm results and enhance reliability.

Upholds responsibility in research practices and reporting.
Stresses the need for honesty, integrity, and transparency in scientific work.
Emphasizes the ethical treatment of human participants and animal subjects in research.

Encourages interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle complex global challenges.
Highlights sustainability and the essential role of environmental science for future viability.
Advances in biotechnology and genetic research are reshaping health and agriculture.
Artificial intelligence and data science are becoming integral in research and analysis.

Definition: Cultivation of plants aimed at producing food, fiber, and other products.
Types of Crops:
- Food Crops: Essential staples like wheat, rice, and corn provide main sources of nutrition.
- Cash Crops: Cultivated for profit; examples include cotton, tobacco, and coffee.
- Fiber Crops: Grown for their fibers; include flax, jute, and hemp.

Soil Preparation:
- Distinction between traditional tillage (plowing) and conservation tillage, which minimizes soil disturbance.
- Soil testing helps determine nutrient requirements and pH levels to optimize crop health.
Planting Techniques:
- Row planting enhances access to sunlight and space for plants.
- Transplanting involves nurturing seedlings in a nursery before transferring to the main field.
Water Management:
- Various irrigation methods include drip, sprinkler, and surface irrigation.
- Rainwater harvesting captures and stores rain for agricultural use.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Employs a mix of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical strategies for pest control while emphasizing prevention and monitoring.
Crop Rotation: Strategy of alternating crops to disrupt pest and disease life cycles, thereby improving soil health.
Resistant Varieties: Focusing on breeding or selecting crops that show resistance to pests and diseases enhances crop survival.

Nutrient Types:
- Macronutrients crucial for growth include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Micronutrients such as boron, zinc, and manganese are also vital for plant health.
Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilizers:
- Organic fertilizers include compost and manure, promoting sustainable practices.
- Synthetic fertilizers offer specific nutrient ratios for targeted application.

Harvesting Techniques:
- Can be manual or mechanical; timing is critical for optimal moisture levels to minimize spoilage.
Post-Harvest Handling:
- Proper storage reduces spoilage; factors include regulating temperature and humidity.
- Processing entails cleaning, sorting, and packaging to prepare crops for market distribution.

Agroecology: Integrates ecological principles into agricultural practices to enhance sustainability.
Conservation Tillage: Aims to minimize soil erosion while promoting improved soil health.
Crop Diversity: Involves planting different crops to bolster resilience and enhance soil fertility.

Precision Agriculture: Utilizes GPS and drones to optimize resource management, leading to more efficient farming.
Biotechnology: Employs genetic modification to increase crop yield, enhance pest resistance, and improve tolerance to stress.

Market Access: Facilitating connections between farmers and markets is vital for profitability.
Subsidies and Support: Government initiatives aim to support farmers financially and promote diverse crop production.