Introduction of Agronomy

Introduction of Agronomy by Dr Arshdeep Singh

1. Shoolini University Solan Dr. Arshdeep Singh Department of Agronomy

2. Unit1 Introduction to agronomy

3. Meaning and scope of Agronomy

4. Meaning of agronomy Agronomy is derived from a Greek word ‘ agros ’ meaning ‘field’ and ‘ nomos’ meaning management’. Literally, agronomy means the “art of managing field”. Technically, it means the “science and economics of crop production by management of farm land”.

5. Definition of agronomy It is defined as an agricultural science deals with principles and practices of crop production and field management. 2. Agronomy is branch of agricultural science, which deals with principles, & practices of soil, water & crop management.

6. Importance : Among all the branches of agriculture, agronomy occupies a pivotal position and is regarded as the mother branch or primary branch. Like agriculture, agronomy is an integrated and applied aspect of different disciplines of pure sciences. Agronomy has three clear branches namely, ( i ) Crop Science, ( ii ) Soil Science, and ( iii ) Environmental Science that deals only with applied aspects ( i.e. ,) Soil-Crop-Environmental relationship. Agronomy is a synthesis of several disciplines like crop science, which includes plant breeding, crop physiology and biochemistry etc., and soil science, which includes soil fertilizers, manures etc., and environmental science which includes meteorology and crop ecology.

7. Basic Principles • Planning, programming and executing measures for maximum utilization of land, labour, capital and other factors of production. • Choice of crop varieties adaptable to the particular agro-climate, land situation, soil fertility, season and method of cultivation and befitting to the cropping system. • Proper field management by tillage, preparing field channels and bunds for irrigation and drainage, checking soil erosion, levelling and adopting other suitable land improvement practices. • Adoption of multiple cropping and also mixed or intercropping to ensure harvest even under adverse environmental conditions.

8. Timely application of proper and balanced nutrients to the crop and improvement of soil fertility and productivity. Choice of quality seed or seed material and maintenance of requisite plant density per unit area with healthy and uniform seedlings; Proper water management with respect to crop, soil and environment through conservation and utilization of soil moisture. Adoption of adequate, need-based, timely and exacting plant protection measures against weeds, insect-pests and pathogens. Adoption of suitable and appropriate management practices including intercultural operations. Adoption of suitable method and time of harvesting of crop. Adoption of suitable post-harvest technologies.

9. Scope of agronomy Agronomy is a dynamic discipline with the advancement of knowledge and better understanding of plant, environment and agriculture. Agronomy science becomes imperative in Agriculture in the following areas: For the identification of proper season for cultivation of crops. For the proper methods of cultivation For the availability and application of chemical fertilizers. For the availability of herbicides for control of weeds .

10. In water management practices. Intensive cropping. To overcome the effect of moisture stress under dry land condition. Packages of practices . Keeping farm implements in good shape and utilizing them with efficient manner. Maintaining the ecological balance. Care and disposal of farm and animal products.

11. Agronomist Agronomist: “Scientist who studies the principles and practices of crop production and soil management for production of food for human beings and feed for his animals”.

12. Role of agronomist Agronomist studies the problems of crop production and develops better ways of producing food, feed and fibre. Agronomist aims at obtaining maximum production at minimum cost. Agronomist shoulder the responsibilities of all social, economic, cultural problems in addition to field problems for the effective functioning of the farm in general. Agronomist exploits the knowledge developed by basic and allied, applied sciences for higher crop production. Agronomist carries out research on scientific cultivation of crops taking into account the effect of factors like soil, climate, crop varieties and adjust production techniques suitably depending on the situation. The agronomist co-operates and co-ordinate with all the disciplines of agriculture.

13. To develop efficient method of cultivation. He has to identify various types of nutrients required by crops. Agronomist must select a better weed management practice. Irrigation management. Crop planning ( i.e., ) developing crop sequence should be developed by agronomist Agronomists are also developing the method of harvesting, time for harvesting, etc. Decision-making in the farm management.

14. Relation of agronomy to other sciences

15. Soil science The Soil Science helps the agronomist to thoroughly understand the soil physical, chemical and biological properties to effect modification of the soil environment.

16. Agricultural chemistry The Agricultural Chemistry help the agronomist to understand the chemical composition and changes involved in the production, protection, and use of crops and livestock.

17. The crop physiology helps to understand the basic life process of crops to understand functioning of each parts of plant to determine their input requirement like nutrients etc.

18. Fig. Relation of crop physiology to agriculture

19. Plant ecology The plant ecology helps us to understand the associated environment in which the crops grown like the influence of weather (Temperature, Rainfall ).

20. Biochemistry The biochemistry shows the way in which biochemical process takes place in crops which helps to understand critical requirements to favourably activate this process.

21. Economics The economics paves the way for profit and loss analysis in farming .