Agronomists in Agronomy

In the 1930's aka (The Dirty 30's) was some of the hardest times for agriculture production in the United States. For 8 years a drought hit the mid west and southern plains were it was nothing but a dust bowl. Simple acts of life were no longer simple, and farmers watched helplessly as their crops blew away. By the end of 1934, roughly 35 million acres of farmland were ruined.

A drought is one the farmers biggest fears but with the help of agronomists individuals that grow crops can better prepare themselves for the worst. Agronomists deal with interactions between plants, soils, and their environment. With the help of highly sophisticated techniques and research tools new crops are developed with more varieties that will allow better efficiency in growth. With better efficiency in growth it becomes beneficial to society.

If you eat, wear clothes, live in a house or even drive a car, your life has been influenced by an agronomist. Agronomists play an important role in the agricultural, food and clothing industries. Agronomists work with plants such as cotton, corn, sorghum, wheat, pecan trees, peanuts and more. Many agronomists work in research. Some develop new breeds of cotton, creating plants that are stronger and more resistant. Some agronomists work with corn, developing hybrids that produce more yields per acre. Often times their work is done right in the middle of the field. Currently, some agronomists are working with peanuts, trying to create a peanut that will not cause a allergic reaction to people who are allergic to them.

Agronomists study the science and practice that looks at agriculture from a unified, aggregated perspective. In agronomy it is important to know how soil interacts with the growing crop. With the thought of  a growing crop it is vital to know what nutrients (fertilizers) is needed, and when and how to use apply. Along the same lines understanding the ways that corps grow, how environmental and climate factors affect crops, and how to best control weeds, insects, and fungi that can ultimately damage and ruin a crop.

Agronomist are also professional practitioners, educators,a and advisers who work directly along side farmers, companies, and other agricultural communities. They will incorporate the latest techniques and instruments for the profit and sustainability of growing crops. The idea of a agronomist and agronomy to most usually ends in the field or the farm, but that is not the case. Agronomists play a critical role in issues of global concern. This includes water and food security, air quality and climate change, and soil degradation.

With over 317 million people in the United States and 7 billion world wide, agronomists play an important roles in advising and influencing agricultural providers with information that will benefit the next crop yield. Without new advancements provided by agronomists the carrying capacity of the world would not be met and would result in a food shortage world wide.