Basic Principles of Agronomy, Scope, and Importance

In this post we will discuss about agronomy and its scope in agriculture, principle of agronomy and also brief the importance of agronomy in agriculture.

Agronomy can be defined as the science of handling crops and the soil to produce the highest possible quantity of the desired crop product from each unit of land, water, and light with a minimum of immediate or future expense in soil management, production inputs and principles of agronomy.

Agronomy is the term for a number of crop production activities that as land preparation, crop stand establishment, soil fertility management, irrigation water management, weed management, cropping system, etc are frequently included in principles of agronomy.

Agronomy is a branch of agricultural science that deals with the study of crops, soil, and the environment in which they grow. It is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles of genetics, principles of agronomy, physiology, ecology, Plant breeding and management practices to enhance crop production and sustainability.

Definition of Agronomy

The term agronomy is derived from the two Greek words ‘agros’ and ‘nomos’ argos meaning field and nomos meaning manage. Agronomy is defined as “ a branch of agricultural science which deals with principles of agronomy and practices of field crop production and management of the soil for higher productivity”.

#Agronomy has been defined differently by different authors, however, with the same meaning, which is given below:

#It is defined as an agriculture science dealing with principles and practices of crop production and field management.

#Agronomy is a branch of agricultural science, which deals with principles of agronomy and practices of soil, water, and crop management.

#It is a branch of agricultural science that deals with methods that provide a favorable environment for the crop for higher productivity.

Principles of Agronomy

A principle of a scientific law that explains natural action. Agronomic principles are the ways and means of better management of soil, crop, and the environment for profitable crop production. The basic principles of agronomy are described given below:

1.Planning, Programming, and executing measures for efficient utilization of land, labor, capital, and natural resources (sunshine, rainwater, temperature, humidity, etc) for profitable crop production.

2.Proper field management by way of attending to land leveling for checking soil erosion, provision, of field channels for irrigation and drainage, watershed approach for water and soil conservation, etc.

3.Planning for appropriate cropping system, including multiple cropping and mixed or intercropping to ensure harvest even under adverse environmental conditions.

4.Choice of crops and varieties adaptable to a particular agro-climate, land situation, soil fertility, season, and method of cultivation for remunerative farming.

5.Timely application of manures and fertilizers and emphasis on integrated nutrients management system for soil fertility and productivity management.

6.Proper irrigation scheduling for efficient use of scarce irrigation water and applied inputs and planning for drainage at times of high-intensity rainfall.

7.Adoption of need-based timely plant protection measures against weeds, insect pests, pathogens as well as climatic hazards.

8.Adoption of management practices including intercultural operations to realize maximum benefits from monetary and non-monetary inputs.

9.Planning for timely harvesting of crops to reduce harvest losses and to release land for timely planting of succeeding crops. Adoption of suitable post-harvest technologies.

10.Innovation and technology are the principles of agronomy that involve the application of new technologies and innovative approaches to improve crop production and sustainability.

11.Soil management is the principle of agronomy that focuses on maintaining soil fertility, soil structure, and soil health for optimal plant growth. This principle involves the management of soil nutrients, soil organic matter, soil pH, and soil microbiology.

12.Sustainable agriculture is the principle of agronomy that focuses on balancing the economic, environmental, and social aspects of agriculture. It involves adopting practices that improve crop productivity and environmental sustainability while minimizing the negative impacts of agriculture on the environment.

Importance of Agronomy

In given below describe the importance of agronomy in points:

Agronomy is vital for agriculture and food production. Agronomy plays a crucial role in meeting the food demand of the growing population by ensuring optimal crop yields and quality. It also helps achieve food security by enhancing crop production while conserving natural resources.

Agronomy helps in promoting sustainable agriculture practices and integrated farming that ensure long-term productivity and environmental protection. It helps in reducing the negative impact of agriculture on the environment by minimizing the use of chemicals, optimizing nutrient use efficiency, and conserving natural resources.

Agronomy is essential in the development of new crop varieties that are resistant to pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions. It also helps in developing crops that are tolerant to various environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, and low nutrient availability. The development of these varieties helps in ensuring food security in areas where crop production is challenging due to environmental stresses.

Agronomy plays a crucial role in improving soil fertility, soil structure, and soil health for optimal plant growth. It helps maintain soil nutrient levels and enhances soil microbial activity, which is essential for plant growth. Principles of agronomy also helps in minimizing soil erosion and improve water infiltration, which helps in conserving soil and water resources with proper principles of agronomy.

Scope of Agronomy

Packages of practices to explore the full potential of new varieties Agronomy is a dynamic discipline with the advancement of knowledge and a better understanding of the planet, environment, and agriculture.  There are following scope of agronomy in agriculture is described given below:

1.Determination of the correct season for the cultivation of a diverse range of crops is required, which can only be accomplished through agronomy science.

2.Appropriate methods of cultivation are required to reduce the cost of cultivation and maximize yield and economic returns.

3.Availability and application of chemical fertilizers have necessitated the generation of knowledge to decrease ill effects due to excess application and yield losses due to unscientific methods of application.

4.Water management practices play a greater role in the present-day crisis of water requires agronomy science answer to the questions ‘how much to apply? and ‘when to apply?

5.The availability of herbicides for weed management has resulted in the accumulation of enormous knowledge about selectivity, timing, and mode of application.

6.Intensive farming is required of the day and proper time and space strengthening not only increases productivity but also reduces environmental hazards.

7.New technology to overcome the effect of moisture stress under dry land conditions is explored by agronomy and prospect agriculture depends on dry land agriculture. viz, Precision farming, Nano technology and modern agriculture.

8.Keeping farm implements in good shape and utilizing an efficient manner to nullify the present-day labor crisis is further broadening the scope of agronomy.

9.Maintaining ecological stability through resourceful management of crops, livestock, and their feedings in a rational manner are only possible by knowing agronomic principles. If you want to more information about Agronomy.

Also Read:

6 Types of Rainfed Agriculture In India with Advantages

6 Methods of Soil Fertility Management to Boost Production

17 Essential Plant Nutrients and Their Deficiency Symptoms

6 Types of Rainfed Agriculture In India with Advantages

Explain the Concept of Consumer Surplus with diagrams

The Ultimate Guide to Safe Use of Pesticides in Agriculture