Notes Agronomy
1.0 Agronomy
2.0 Scope of Agronomy
3.0 Basic Principles of Agronomy
4.0 Relation of Agronomy to other sciences
5.0 Role of Agronomist
6.0 Classification of Crop Plants
7.0 Centre of origin and some Common terms
8.0 Terms and related Agronomists
9.0 Founder’s and Father of different fields:
1.0 Agronomy
The term “Agronomy” is derived from Greek words:
1. “Agros” meaning field
2. “nomos” meaning to manage
Agronomy is a branch of agricultural science that deals with principles and practices of
soil, water, and crop management.
2.0 Scope of Agronomy
Notes Agronomy 1
Agronomy science becomes imperative in Agriculture in the following areas:
3.0 Basic Principles of Agronomy
These are the following basic principles of agronomy:
Planning, programming, and executing measures for maximum utilization of land, labor,
capital, and other factors of production.
Notes Agronomy 2
Choice of crop varieties adaptable to the particular agro-climate, land situation, soil
fertility, season, and method of cultivation and benefitting to the cropping system.
Proper field management by tillage, preparing field channels and bunds for irrigation
and drainage, checking soil erosion, leveling, and adopting other suitable land
improvement practices.
Adoption of multiple cropping and also mixed or intercropping to ensure harvest even
under adverse environmental conditions.
Timely application of proper and balanced nutrients to the crop and improved soil
fertility and productivity. Correction of ill effects of soil reactions and conditions and
increasing soil organic matter through the application of green manure, farmyard
manure, organic wastes, biofertilizers, and profitable recycling of organic wastes.
Choice of quality seed or seed material and maintenance of requisite plant density per
unit area with healthy and uniform seedlings;
Proper water management concerning crop, soil, and environment through
conservation and utilization of soil moisture as well as by utilizing water that is available
in excess, and scheduling irrigation at critical stages of crop growth.
Adoption of adequate, need-based, timely, and exacting plant protection measures
against weeds, insect pests, pathogens, as well as climatic hazards, and correction of
deficiencies and disorders.
Adoption of suitable and appropriate management practices including intercultural
operations to get the maximum benefit from inputs.
Adoption of suitable method and time of harvesting of the crop to reduce field loss and
to release land for succeeding crop(s) and efficient utilization of residual moisture, plant
nutrients, and other management practices.
4.0 Relation of Agronomy to other sciences
Agronomy is a main branch of Agriculture. It is a synthesis of several disciplines like soil
science, Agricultural chemistry, crop physiology, plant ecology, biochemistry, and
economics.
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5.0 Role of Agronomist
“An agronomist” is a scientist who deals with the study of problems of crop production
and adopting/recommending practices of better field crop production and soil
management to get high yield and income.”
The role of an Agronomist can be summarized in a few points:
Agronomist aims to obtain maximum production at minimum cost by exploiting the
knowledge of the basic and applied sciences for higher crop production.
In a broader sense, agronomist is concerned with the production of food and fiber to
meet the needs of a growing population.
He develops efficient and economical field preparation methods for sowing crops in
different seasons. (Flatbed, Ridges, and furrows)
Selection of suitable crops and varieties to suit varied seasons and soils. Eg. Red soil -
groundnut, Black soil - cotton, Sandy soil – tuberous crops, Saline soil – Finger millet
(Ragi). In Kharif, if water is sufficient, go for rice and if water is not sufficient go for
maize or sorghum.
Evolves efficient methods of cultivation (whether broadcasting, nursery,
transplantation, or dibbling, etc.) provides better crop establishment, and maintains the
required population.
He has to identify various types of nutrients required by crops including time and
method of application. E.g. – Quantity of NPK.
Notes Agronomy 5
Agronomists must select a better weed management practice. Either through
mechanical or physical (by human work) or chemical (herbicides or weedicides).
Selection of proper irrigation method, irrigation scheduling i.e. irrigation timing and
quantity based on the crops to be irrigated, whether to irrigate continuously or stop in
between, and how much water to be supplied are computed by agronomy science to
achieve maximum water use efficiency.
6.0 Classification of Crop Plants
Crop plants are grouped into three main classes according to the range of cultivation.
1. Plantation Crops
Crop plants that are grown on a larger scale on estates. They are perennial or
permanent in nature. Examples: Tea estates, Coffee estates, etc.,
2. Field Crops
Crop plants are crops (such as hay, grain, or cotton) grown in large areas. They are
mostly seasonal. Examples: Cotton, Cereal, Pulses, etc., are field crops.
3. Garden Crops
Crop plants that are grown on a small scale in gardens, are exclusively for personal or
household use and not for commercial purposes. Examples: Kitchen gardens, Flower
gardens, and backyard gardens.
7.0 Centre of origin and some Common terms
Vavilov gave 8 centres of origin and 3 sub-Centre.
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8.0 Terms and related Agronomists
9.0 Founder’s and Father of different fields:
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