View source for Agronomy

{{Short description|Science of producing and using plants}}
{{Distinguish|text=[[agricultural economics]] (also known as agronomics)}}
{{broader|Agricultural science}}
{{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]].

==Plant breeding==
{{Main|Plant breeding}}
[[Image:Research- alternative crops.jpg|thumb|An agronomist, field-sampling a trial plot of flax]]
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==
[[Image:Research-mapping plant genomes.jpg|thumb|An agronomist mapping a plant [[genome]]]]

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 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. 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===
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==
{{main|Agroecology}}
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 <!--|access-date=25 December 2007-->
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007045315/http://www.agron.iastate.edu/academic/undergraduate/options/agro_ecol.aspx
|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==
{{main|Theoretical production ecology}}
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==
* [[Agricultural engineering]]
* [[Agricultural policy]]
* [[Agroecology]]
* [[Agrophysics]]
* [[Crop farming]]
* [[Food systems]]
* [[Horticulture]]
* [[Green Revolution]]
* [[Vegetable farming]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==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==
{{Wiktionary|agronomist}}
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Wikiversity department}}
*[https://www.agronomy.org/ The American Society of Agronomy (ASA)]
*[https://www.crops.org/ Crop Science Society of America (CSSA)]
*[https://www.soils.org/ Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)]
*[http://www.european-agronomy.org/ European Society for Agronomy]
*[https://archive.today/20210602065636/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]

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[[Category:Applied sciences]]
[[Category:Plant agriculture]]