Agronomy

Agronomy is present in crops today.

The agronomy (from the Latin ager, 'field', and the Greek νόμος nomos, 'law'), formalized as agronomic engineering is the body of knowledge from various applied sciences that govern the practice of agriculture. Based on scientific and technological principles, it studies the physical, chemical, biological, economic and social factors that influence or affect a production process. Its object of study is the complex phenomenon or social process of the agroecosystem, understood as the specific model of human intervention in nature, for the purpose of obtaining food and raw materials.

Agronomy and science

Modern machined agriculture allows large fields of crops like this in Dorset, England.

Agriculture and livestock are not formal but applied sciences. They are techniques for producing goods using the resources provided by nature, including those of nature or human origin. While technology is the scientific approach to practical problems, that is, the treatment of these problems on a background of scientific knowledge and with the help of the scientific method.

The rural sector needs the application of theoretical knowledge with criteria of causality in decision-making. There are different parameters for decision making, there are many schools of thought regarding the parameters to take into account when managing a system and adapting the technology to the logistical conditions encountered. There are many current needs for interdisciplinary work for the management of more sustainable agrosystems. The problem of alternative energy sources is being worked on in the medium term (sugar cane, sugar beet, oil palm, etc). of raw material

Agronomy and the land

Wheat harvester with a harvester

Agronomists study ways to make soil more productive. They classify the types of soil and study them to determine if they contain vital substances for the development of plants. Nutritional substances contain compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, among others, and although it is true that the soil generally contains these substances in the amounts demanded by crops, fertilizers can increase them with the consequent growth in productivity under a sustainable framework for the atmosphere. Agronomists study the movement of nutrients through the soil, which are absorbed by plant roots. They also study the development of roots and the close relationship they have with the soil.

Physical characteristics of the soil

The physical characteristics of any body are those that can be studied without altering its molecular structure. They can be assessed by visual inspection or by touch and can be accurately described and even measured. In the case of soil, the physical characteristics that are studied are the following: texture, structure, density, flavor, consistency, plasticity, depth, and color.

These qualities are important because they influence the development of plants and the mechanical management of agricultural soils. Knowing them implies making very useful assessments, related to tillage, drainage, aeration, plant anchorage, nutrient and water retention, etc.

Plant Breeding

Plant breeding is seen as an area that becomes more dynamic, allowing the selection of plants with desirable characteristics such as resistance to pests and diseases, high yield, being a strategy included in integrated phytosanitary management, stress conditions, harvest index or animal nutrition. This discipline is also related to the growing production of ornamental plants, which, having a very elastic demand and greater mobility, have the possibility of frequently producing new cultivars.

Ground Control

The soil is an essential element that constitutes the support of most of the human economic activities, therefore; It is considered one of humanity's most precious natural resources. One of the main causes of its degradation is its overexploitation, in addition to the fact that the constant use of chemicals indirectly attacks the microorganisms responsible for soil nutrition.

The use of natural fertilizers helps the soil not lose components to perform efficiently in agricultural production, as well as avoiding the excessive use of pollutants to prevent its degradation.

To have a good control, it is necessary to carry out a soil sample to regulate its PH.

Agronomy and work

Rice plow with water buffaloes in Indonesia.

Each item dealt with in agronomy offers many possibilities for work, for example, most studies on management of nutrition, phytosanitary, cultivars, among others, are carried out in temperate conditions, and although there are studies in tropical regions (e.g., CIAT), there the technology developed in temperate regions continues to be adapted. Postharvest is another topic of great interest, because it is where the main losses are currently generated in production systems.

Sustainable production

Modern agronomy promotes the exercise of this discipline applying a sustainable scheme, that is, the use of natural resources to obtain agricultural, livestock and forestry products must be done responsibly, preventing agronomic practices such as the use of agrochemicals, irrigation, soil tillage, crop rotation, etc. generate processes that endanger the quality and long-term availability of resources such as water, soil, atmosphere, and biodiversity. Sustainable production also involves fair payment to those who carry out agricultural activities, in order to improve the quality of life of rural communities and short marketing networks.

Agronomist Engineer

Agricultural irrigation.

The agricultural engineer is a professional who manages renewable natural resources rationally. His activity is aimed at the development of the agricultural sector, the rural environment and the agri-food industry. In this sense, he plans, coordinates and carries out studies and research on soil management for agricultural purposes, which includes fertility control, irrigation and drainage, agricultural mechanization; drafts construction projects (industrial buildings, agricultural and food industries, dams, diversion dams, roads, rural housing, electrification, silos, retaining walls...) genetic and agronomic improvement as well as pest and disease control (use of pesticides, biocides) in plants and animals, use of agro-industrial techniques in the processing of agricultural products, technical assistance and training of farmers and agricultural producers; socioeconomic studies of the agricultural sector and farm administration. He supervises the production of certified seeds and the application of phytosanitary legal regulations. In addition, a large part of them is dedicated to environmental issues, such as environmental impact studies, renewable energies, etc.

Occupational market

Institutions of higher education; factories of concentrated fruit, vegetables, cereals, flowers, grains, tobacco companies, canning industries, fermentation industries, wine-growing industry, meat industries, dairy industries; associations of agricultural producers or rural products, agro-industrial companies; chemical factories. A good practice in your profession freely, either in your own offices or associated with other disciplines or individually.

Among the agronomist's competencies, the drafting of projects and construction management of agricultural and food industries, the carrying out of studies and advice on soils, crops, harvests, etc., and the appraisal and valuation of land stand out. Another of the skills of the agronomist is to manage and direct productive projects, always ensuring food safety. However, today, with the development of the service and communications sector in the world economy, the role of the agronomist is increasing, being essential in all agricultural and agro-industrial projects in the areas of administration, finance and agro-industrial and food engineering..