An agronomist, field-sampling a trial plot of flax
This topic of agronomy involvesselective breeding of plants to produce the bestcrops for various conditions. Plant breeding has increasedcrop yields and has improved thenutritional value of numerous crops, includingcorn,soybeans, andwheat. It has also resulted in the development of new types of plants. For example, ahybrid grain namedtriticale was produced by crossbreeding rye and wheat. Triticale contains more usableprotein 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.
Agronomists usebiotechnology to extend and expedite the development of desired characteristics.[1] 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 fordetergents, substitute fuels andpetrochemicals.
Agronomists study sustainable ways to makesoils 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 ofnitrogen,phosphorus,potassium,calcium,magnesium, andsulfur. Soil is also assessed for several micronutrients, likezinc andboron. 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.[2]
Additionally, agronomists develop methods to preserve soil and decrease the effects of [erosion] by wind and water. For example, a technique known ascontour 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 animalmanure,water pollution, andpesticide 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 includeno-till farming, planting of soil-binding grasses along contours on steep slopes, and using contour drains of depths as much as 1 metre.[3]
Agroecology is the management of agricultural systems with an emphasis on ecological and environmental applications.[4] This topic is associated closely with work forsustainable agriculture,organic farming, andalternative food systems and the development of alternative cropping systems.[5]
Theoretical production ecology is the quantitative study of the growth of crops. The plant is treated as a kind of biological factory, which processeslight,carbon dioxide,water, andnutrients into harvestable products. The main parameters are temperature, sunlight, standing crop biomass, plant production distribution, and nutrient and water supply.[citation needed]
