Agronomy looks at agriculture from an integrated,
holistic perspective. Agronomists are specialists in crop
and soil science, as well as ecology. Some things they look
at are:
• the properties of the soil;
• 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.
Internet: <www.agronomy.org> (with adaptations).