3. Branches of Agriculture

 Branches of Agriculture

    Agriculture is a very vast field but here we discussed 19 major branches of agriculture that are used often. These are discussed below:

1. Agronomy
2. Horticulture
3. Plant Pathology
4. Plant breeding and genetics 
5. Entomology
6. Seed science
7. Crop physiology
8. Plant protection
9. Soil sciences 
10. Agriculture biotechnology
11. Agriculture Engineering
12. Agriculture Economics 
13. Forestry
14. Food science and technology
15. Land and water management
16. Agricultural Microbiology
17. Environmental Sciences 
18. Animal husbandry
19. Agricultural chemistry

 

 

Briefly, a discussion of each field is given below:

1. Agronomy: 

    The cultivation of crops for food, fiber, forage, and sugar production falls under the purview of this agricultural branch. Its main goal is to improve agricultural productivity and advance cropping methods, making it a crucial and fundamental aspect of agriculture. This field encompasses a diverse range of agricultural practices, which includes but is not limited to permaculture, aquaponics, and polyhouse farming.

Agronomy is further divided into 2 branches:

• Weed science:

    This discipline focuses on the growth and management of vegetation in diverse settings, such as agricultural areas, natural zones, and urban and critical regions.

• Organic farming:

   Organic farming is a technique for cultivating plants and raising animals in a natural and sustainable way. This practice prioritizes the use of biological materials, promotes soil fertility and ecological stability, minimizes waste, and reduces environmental pollution. Additionally, organic farming encompasses the study of microgreens, among other areas.

2. Horticulture:

    This agricultural branch pertains to the cultivation of plants that have direct use to humans, such as for food, medicine, and aesthetic purposes.

This branch also has the following subbranches:

• Pomology:

    The cultivation of fruits is the focus of pomology.

• Olericulture:

   while the cultivation of vegetables is known as olericulture. 

• Floriculture:

    Floriculture, on the other hand, pertains to the cultivation of roses and other ornamental plants. 

• Arboriculture:

  Horticulture is a branch of agriculture that deals with the selection, planting, care, and removal of trees, shrubs, and other perennial woody plants.

• Landscaping:

    Deals with the production, presentation, and care of landscapes and other flowers and plants. 

• Viticulture:

    The cultivation and retailing of grapes are known as viticulture. 

3. Plant Pathology:

  This agricultural branch focuses on the causes of diseases and instabilities in plants, as well as methods for treating plant diseases. It involves an in-depth examination of how plant pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, attack plants and the measures that can be taken to control their spread.

4. Plant Breeding and Genetics:

    This agricultural field involves the application of scientific and artistic techniques to modify the genetic structure and traits of plants, with the aim of achieving desired characteristics. By utilizing these techniques, it is possible to develop a wide range of crop varieties with improved resistance to pests and diseases, resulting in increased agricultural productivity.

5. Entomology:

  This field of agriculture pertains to the study of insects and other pests that significantly impact agricultural practices. It involves a detailed examination of the biological characteristics, behavior, and ecological interactions of various pests, as well as the measures that can be taken to manage their populations and mitigate their harmful effects on crops.

Further discussion of entomology is given below: 

• Insect Ecology:

    This area of agriculture focuses on exploring the relationship between insects and their surrounding environment. It involves in-depth research and analysis of various ecosystems to understand the existence, behavior, and ecological interactions of insects in their natural habitats. 

• Insect Morphology:

   This agricultural branch is concerned with the study of the external body parts of insects and their functions. It focuses on the anatomy and morphology of insects, particularly the structure and function of their outer body parts.

• Insect physiology: 

   This field of agriculture focuses on the study of the different physiological functions and behavioral systems of insects. It involves an in-depth analysis of the diverse behaviors exhibited by insects in their natural environment and how these behaviors are related to their physiological processes.

• Insect Toxicology: 

    This agricultural field pertains to the study of the effects of insecticides and other chemicals on the physiological functions of insects. It involves an in-depth examination of how these chemicals interact with the biological systems of insects, and the impact that these interactions have on their behavior and health.

• Insect Taxonomy: 

    Insect taxonomy is a practice of insect naming. 

• Biological Control Entomology: 

   This agricultural practice involves the use of living insects to control or eliminate populations of harmful insects. It is a highly effective technique with significant economic benefits.

• Forest Entomology: 

    This agricultural field pertains to the study of the effects of insects on forests and forest products, as well as the development of solutions to protect forest trees from significant damage. It involves an in-depth examination of the ecological interactions between insects and forest ecosystems and the impact that these interactions have on forest health and productivity.

• Forensic Entomology: 

    This branch of agriculture involves the study of insects for legal purposes, with a focus on the use of insects to determine the time and location of human death. It involves an in-depth examination of the ecological interactions between insects and decomposing human remains, and how this can be used to provide critical information for forensic investigations.

6. Seed science: 

    This agricultural branch is concerned with the study of the structure of seeds and their growth habitats, starting from fertilization, embryonic development, and subsequent growth into a mature plant. It is closely related to the fields of biotechnology and botany and involves an in-depth examination of the genetic and physiological mechanisms that regulate seed development and growth.

7. Crop Physiology: 

   This agricultural field pertains to the study of the functions and responses of plants to various environmental conditions, including factors such as temperature, water availability, nutrient levels, and atmospheric composition. It involves an in-depth examination of the physiological and biochemical mechanisms that regulate plant growth and development in different environmental contexts.

 

8. Plant Protection: 

      Plant protection refers to the various methods and techniques used to protect plants from pests, diseases, and other forms of damage, and to ensure their optimal growth and productivity. It includes a range of practices, such as the use of pesticides, biological controls, and cultural and mechanical techniques, as well as the development of disease-resistant plant varieties and the implementation of good agricultural practices to prevent plant stress and maintain plant health.

9. Soil sciences: 

    Soil science is a field of study that focuses on the properties, composition, and characteristics of soil, as well as the biological, physical, and chemical processes that occur within it. It involves an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on knowledge from fields such as geology, chemistry, biology, and physics to understand the formation, structure, and function of soils. Soil scientists examine the physical and chemical properties of soils, as well as their interactions with the atmosphere, water, and plants, and use this knowledge to develop sustainable practices for managing soil resources and maintaining soil health.

Sub-Branches of soil sciences are:

• Soil Biology:

    This branch of study concerns the organisms that inhabit the earth, their biology, functions, and activities. It includes a wide range of living organisms, such as nematodes, insects, and other types of fauna and flora. The focus of this field is to understand the relationships and interactions between organisms and their environment, including their roles in various ecosystems, their behaviors, and the impact of human activities on their populations.

• Soil Mineralogy: 

  This branch of study focuses on the various types of primary and secondary minerals found in soil and their contribution to the physical and chemical structure of the soil. It also includes the study of soil fertility and the various biological processes that occur within the soil, including nutrient cycling, microbial interactions, and the impact of human activities on soil health. 

• Soil Pedology: 

    Soil formation is the result of a complex process that involves the weathering of rocks and minerals, as well as various biological, chemical, and physical factors that influence the formation of soil. 

10. Agriculture biotechnology: 

  This branch of science involves the use of advanced scientific techniques and tools, such as genetic engineering, molecular markers, vaccines, and tissue culture, to manipulate the genetic material of living organisms for the purpose of improving or developing new organisms, such as crops and livestock.

11. Agriculture engineering: 

    It works with agriculture machinery for preparation, sowing, harvesting, and post-harvesting operations counting water and soil protection technologies and bioenergy.

This branch is further divided into 3 subs. branches which are given below: 

• Agricultural mechanization
• Farm power and machinery
• Farm structure

12. Agriculture economics:

    An applied economic field that studies human behavior concerning the relationship between food and fiber production and distribution.

13. Forestry:

    It is engaged in the extensive cultivation/farming of perennial plants for the supply of rubber, timber, etc. as well as industrial raw materials.

It has the following 6 branches: 

• Agroforestry
• Rangeland management
• Wildlife management
• Analog forestry
• Forest gardening
• Forest farming

14. Food science and technology:

    It uses a variety of approaches to study the composition of food, processing, packaging, and selection of existing food products.

Branches: 

• Food and nutrition

15. Land and water management:

    It is the process of management and expansion of land resources. Resources are mainly used for organic farming, water management, reforestation, and ecotourism projects.

Branches:

• Soil and water conservation
• Irrigation and drainage

16. Agriculture microbiology:

    This branch of microbiology deals with the study of microorganisms that are responsible for causing diseases in plants and animals. It also involves the study of soil microbiology, particularly the role of microorganisms in restoring soil fertility through processes such as microbial decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling in the soil.

17. Environmental Sciences:

    The field mixes biological, physical, and informational science in the study of the environment and solving ecological problems.

Branches: 

• Energy and environment
• Agro meteorology

18. Animal Husbandry:

    Branch of agriculture engaged in the agriculture exercise of breeding and rearing livestock to provide people with food, energy (drafts), and crop manure.

Branches: 

• Dairy farming
• Sericulture
• Fishery
• Mariculture
• Nematology
• Apiculture
• Poultry
• Nomadic pastoralism

19. Agriculture Chemistry:

    This branch of agriculture deals with the chemistry involved in agriculture, including organic and biochemistry, food processing, and the production of desired foods and beverages. It also involves the use of chemistry in environmental restoration.

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4. Agronomy and its Importance

 Agronomy and its Importance

Agronomy:

    Agronomy is the science and technology of producing and using plants by agriculture for various purposes, such as food, fuel, fiber, chemicals, recreation, and land conservation.

    It has become an integral part of agronomy to study plant genetics, plant physiology, meteorology, and soil science. In this field, a combination of sciences is applied, such as biology, chemistry, economics, ecology, earth science, and genetics. The majority of agronomists work with crops that are grown on a large scale (e.g., small grains) and require a relatively low level of management. There are several factors that agronomists study about crop plants, including yield, diseases, cultivation, pest and weed management, and sensitivity to factors such as climate and soil. Plant breeding and biotechnology are two areas of specialization for agronomists. 

Father of Agronomy in the World:

    Pietro de'Crescenzi is considered the father of agronomy.

Father of Agronomy in Pakistan:

    In Pakistan, the Father of Agriculture is Dr. Abdul Rashid.

Principles of Agronomy:

These are the following 7 are given below:

1. Sustainable Agriculture:

    Sustainable agriculture is a type of farming that aims to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is a method of farming that focuses on the long-term health of the land and its ability to produce food and other resources.

    Sustainable agriculture practices typically include minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, rotating crops, conserving soil and water resources, and promoting biodiversity. This approach emphasizes the use of natural and renewable resources, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and organic fertilizers, to maintain soil health and fertility, reduce erosion, and enhance ecosystem services.

Characteristics: 

• Conservation of natural resources: Sustainable agriculture aims to minimize the use of non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides, and instead prioritize the use of renewable resources such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and natural fertilizers. 
• Integrated pest management: Sustainable agriculture practices prioritize the use of natural and biological methods of pest management such as crop rotation, planting diverse crops, and the use of natural predators to control pests, rather than relying on synthetic pesticides that can be harmful to the environment and human health.
• Crop diversity: Sustainable agriculture emphasizes the importance of crop diversity to reduce the risk of disease and pest outbreaks, increase soil fertility, and promote biodiversity. 

Techniques:

    Here are some sustainable agriculture techniques commonly used in modern agriculture:

• Conservation tillage
• Crop rotation
• Cover cropping
• Intercropping
• Agroforestry
• Integrated pest management
• Organic farming
• Precision agriculture

2. Cropping system:

  A cropping system is a planned sequence of crops that are grown on a particular piece of land over a period of time. It involves the deliberate selection and rotation of crops to optimize the use of soil, water, and other resources, and to minimize negative environmental impacts such as soil erosion and nutrient depletion. A cropping system can also help to manage pests and diseases, and increase the overall productivity and profitability of the farm.

Objectives:

• By increasing the area of cultivation.
• By increasing productivity.
• To increase the production per unit of time.
• To increase the production per unit space.
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3. Cropping scheme:

   It is a specific plan or strategy for managing crop production over a period of time. It involves the selection and arrangement of crops in a sequence, as well as the timing of planting, harvesting, and other cultural practices.

    A cropping scheme is typically designed to maximize the productivity of a particular piece of land while minimizing the negative impacts on soil, water, and other natural resources. This can be achieved through crop rotation, intercropping, cover cropping, and other techniques that promote soil health, nutrient cycling, and pest management.

Principles: 

• The area below construction and layout.
• Several plots.
• The selection of plants relies upon the scenario of the farm.
• Facilities to be had at the farm.
• The area below man or woman plots.
• The area allocated to plants for calculation of cropping depth and rotational depth.

4. Crop rotation: 

   Crop rotation is a farming practice where different crops are grown on the same land in a planned sequence over time. It involves alternating the crops grown in a field from season to season, typically over a period of several years. The aim of crop rotation is to improve soil fertility, reduce pest and disease pressure, and promote the long-term sustainability of the agricultural system.

    Crop rotation works by alternating crops that have different nutrient requirements, rooting depths, and disease and pest susceptibility.

Principles: 

• It should be tailored to the present soil, climatic and financial factors.
• The series of cropping tailored for any particular place ought to be primarily based totally on the right land utilization. It ought to be so organized with regards to the fields at the farm that the yields may be maintained and soil losses thru erosion decreased to the minimum.
• The rotation ought to include enough acreage of soil-enhancing plants to hold and additionally build up the content material of the soil.
• In regions wherein legumes may be efficiently grown, the rotation ought to offer enough acreage of legumes to hold the nitrogen delivery of the soil.
• The rotation ought to offer roughage and pasturage for the livestock, saved on the farm.
• It ought to be so organized as to assist withinside the management of weeds, plant ailments, and insect pests.
• It ought to be supplied for the acreage of the maximum worthwhile coin plants tailored to the place.
• The rotation ought to be organized to make for the financial system in production. More exhaustive plants ought to be accompanied via way of means of much less exhaustive plants, e.g., potato, sugarcane, maize, etc. want extra inputs than oilseeds and pulses.
• The plants with faucet roots ought to be accompanied via way of means by the ones that have fibrous root systems.
•  Selection of crop ought to be hassle primarily based totally.

Advantages: 

• There is a usual boom withinside the yield of plants because of renovation of the right bodily situation of the soil Inclusion of plants having specific feeding zones and specific nutrient requirements assists in keeping a higher stability of vitamins withinside the soil.
• Diversification of crops reduces the danger of economic loss from destructive climate situations and harm to insects and pests.
• It allows extra even distribution of labor.
• There is an everyday float of profits over the year.
• The occurrence of weeds, pests, and illnesses is decreased and may be stored below control.
• Proper preference of plants in rotation assists to save you from soil erosion.
• It materials numerous desires of farmers and their cattle.
• Agricultural operations may be performed well-timed for all of the plants due to much less competition.

5. Agro meteorology:

 Agrometeorology is an interdisciplinary field that combines the principles of meteorology and agronomy to improve agricultural production and management. It involves the study of how weather and climate conditions affect crops, livestock, and other agricultural systems, and how these systems in turn can influence the local and regional climate.

Agrometeorology uses weather and climate data to provide farmers and agricultural managers with information that can help them make decisions related to planting, harvesting, irrigation, pest and disease management, and other aspects of crop and livestock production. This includes the use of weather forecasts, climate models, and remote sensing technologies to monitor soil moisture, crop health, and other factors that affect agricultural productivity.

6. Soils and tillage: 

    Soil is the foundation of agricultural systems and is one of the most critical components for crop production. It provides plants with the necessary nutrients, water, and physical support to grow and thrive. Agronomists study soil in order to understand its composition, structure, and properties, as well as how it interacts with plants and other organisms in the environment. They also study soil in order to develop sustainable land management practices that can help improve soil health and fertility and reduce soil erosion and other negative impacts.

    Tillage is the practice of mechanically working the soil, typically through plowing or cultivation, in order to prepare it for planting or to control weeds and other pests. Tillage can be both beneficial and harmful to soil, depending on how it is done and how often it is used. Over-tillage can lead to soil compaction, erosion, and loss of organic matter, while reduced tillage or no-till systems can help promote soil health and improve soil structure and fertility.

Objectives: 

• Provide and keep the best situations withinside the root zone (most viable intensity for crop roots) so that it will permit them to develop and feature successfully and without drawback in taking pictures of plant vitamins and water.
• Ensure that water enters the soil so that plant life has enough water to specific their ability boom and extra water passes via soil to groundwater and circulate flow, now no longer over the floor as runoff in which it could purpose erosion. There is more ability for expanded cropping performance as extra water is held withinside the soil profile than below traditional structures.
• Increase useful organic pastime withinside the soil so that it will keep and rebuild soil structure for superior water access and distribution withinside the soil profile competes with the ability of soil pathogens, make contributions to the decomposition of natural substances to soil natural depend and diverse grades of humus and make contributions to the capture, retention and sluggish launch of plant vitamins keep away from bodily or chemical harm to roots and soil organisms that could disrupt their powerful functioning.

Characteristics:

• Tillage changed into used to melt the soil and put together a seed mattress that allowed the seed to be positioned without difficulty at an appropriate intensity into wet soil with the use of seed drills or guide gadgets. This consequences in appropriate uniform seed germination.
• Wherever vegetation develops, weeds additionally develop and compete for light, water, and vitamins. Every gram of useful resource utilized by the weed is one much less gram for the crop. By tilling their fields, farmers have been capable of shifting the gain from the weed to the crop and permitting the crop to develop without opposition early in its boom cycle with ensuing better yield.
• Tillage helped launch soil vitamins wanted for crop boom via mineralization and oxidation after publicity of soil naturally depends on air.
• Previous crop residues have been integrated alongside any soil amendments (fertilizers, natural or inorganic) into the soil. Crop residues specifically unfastened residues, create troubles for seeding gadgets with the aid of using raking and clogging.

7. Dryland agriculture: 

    Dryland agriculture is a type of farming that is practiced in areas with limited rainfall or where water resources are scarce. It is typically found in arid or semi-arid regions and is often characterized by low precipitation, high evaporation rates, and high temperatures.

    In dryland agriculture, farmers rely on various techniques to conserve water and make the most of available resources. These might include practices such as crop rotation, conservation tillage, and the use of drought-resistant crop varieties.

Importance of Agronomy:

    Agronomy is an important field of study because it provides the scientific foundation for sustainable agriculture and the production of food, fiber, and other plant-based products. Here are some of the key reasons why agronomy is important:

Food security: Agronomy plays a crucial role in ensuring that enough food is produced to feed the world's population. By studying the interactions between plants, soils, climate, and other factors, agronomists are able to develop techniques and technologies that optimize crop production and reduce the risk of crop failure.

Environmental sustainability: Agronomy also helps to promote sustainable agricultural practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment. This might include practices such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, and precision agriculture that help to reduce soil erosion, minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and conserve water resources.

Economic development: Agriculture is a key driver of economic development in many countries, and agronomy plays an important role in helping farmers to increase their productivity and profitability. By studying crop growth and development, soil health, and other factors that influence agricultural productivity, agronomists are able to develop new technologies and practices that can help farmers to improve their yields and increase their income.

Climate change adaptation: Climate change is expected to have a significant impact on agricultural systems around the world, and an agronomy is an important tool for helping farmers to adapt to changing conditions. By studying the impacts of climate change on crops and soil, agronomists can help farmers to develop new techniques and technologies that can help to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on agricultural production.

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