WHAT IS AGRONOMY?
Agronomy is the science of soil management and the production of field crops. Agronomists are specialists in crop and soil science, as well as ecology. Interpretation of new technologies and their deployment in the field are other considerations. Tasks undertaken by agronomists include:
- Interpreting the properties of the soil as it relates to production agriculture and sustainability;
- How the soil interacts with the growing crop;
- What nutrients (fertilizers) the crop needs;
- When and how to apply these nutrients;
- The ways that crops grow and develop;
- How climate and other environmental factors affect the crop at all stages;
- How best to control weeds, insects, fungi, and other crop pests; and,
- How to grow crops effectively and profitably while conserving and protecting the environment.
- Assessing new technologies and developing strategies for their deployment, whether new seed traits, crop inputs or other practices such as variable rate applications.
Agronomic crops can also be grouped by the type of crop grown. Many agronomists specialize in one or more types of crops. The major crops grown in the US are, based on USDA statistics.
- Soybeans
- Corn
- Wheat
- Hay
- Cotton
- Grain sorghum
- Rice
- Oats
- Barley
Other factors to consider; Crop Types, Crop Yields, Environmental Impacts, Pest Management, Soil Management, Climate Changes, Farming Practice, Sustainability.
Soil Management
A substantial amount of the global food supply relies on soil. Every element in the human body – things like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus – are made available by the foods we eat. Soil supports the crops that create our food. Plants take their nutrients from the soil, air or water.
The health and efficiency of soils and the cropping system depends on biological, chemical, and physical properties.
We are a Technical Service Provider to the USDA-NRCS. (Serving Kentucky and Southern Half of Indiana). We are one of only 3 service providers in the region. Technical service providers (TSPs) work on behalf of the customer to offer planning, design, and implementation services that meets NRCS criteria. This assistance helps improve the producer’s operation and addresses resource concerns on their land.
We Provide:
Nutrient Management Planning is the management of nutrients and soil amendments to maximize their economic benefit while minimizing their environmental impact. Defined by N.R.C.S. as CAP 590, DIA 101, CEMA 102, DIA 157
Pest management Planning is evaluating and using a tailored system to reduce crop and environmental damages from insects, weeds and diseases. Defined by N.R.C.S. as CAP 595, DIA 161
