The Agronomist

  Agricultural economics is the study of the production, distribution, and consumption of agricultural goods and services . It is an important field that plays a crucial role in the global economy. Agriculture is the backbone of many economies, and understanding its economics is crucial for farmers, policymakers, and consumers alike. In this post, we will cover the basics of agricultural economics, including the factors that influence supply and demand, market structures, government policies, and the global market. Supply and Demand The law of supply and demand plays a significant role in agricultural economics. It states that the quantity of a good or service supplied will increase as the price increases, and vice versa. Similarly, the quantity demanded will decrease as the price increases, and vice versa. This means that the price of agricultural goods and services will be determined by the interaction of supply and demand in the market. Market Structures There are four primary mar

  Are you preparing for the licensure exam for agriculturists in the Philippines? If so, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the thought of facing multiple choice questions. But don't worry, with the right techniques, you can confidently tackle these questions and increase your chances of passing the exam. Here are some effective techniques for answering multiple choice questions in the licensure exam for agriculturists: Read the question carefully : Before you even look at the answer choices, make sure you understand what the question is asking. Read the question carefully and pay attention to any keywords or phrases that may help you eliminate answer choices. Eliminate obviously wrong answers : Once you've read the question, go through each answer choice and eliminate any that are obviously incorrect. This will help you narrow down your options and increase your chances of selecting the correct answer. Use the process of elimination : If you're unsure of the correct answer,

Agriculture has been a crucial component of human civilization since ancient times. However, with the world population projected to reach 9 billion by 2050, there is a growing demand for food production to increase rapidly. Biotechnology has emerged as a powerful tool to help meet this challenge. In this blog post, we'll explore the relationship between biotechnology and agriculture and how it's revolutionizing food production. Biotechnology refers to the use of living organisms or their components to create useful products or processes. In agriculture, biotechnology has been used to improve crop yields, reduce the use of pesticides, and develop crops with enhanced nutritional value. One of the most significant advancements in biotechnology has been the development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) . These are organisms whose genetic makeup has been altered in a laboratory to create desired traits. For example, some GMO crops have been modified to be resistant to herbic

  The licensure examination for agriculturists is an important step towards becoming a licensed professional in the field of agriculture in the Philippines. It is a rigorous exam that covers a wide range of topics, including crop production, animal husbandry, soil science, and agricultural economics. Before you take the exam, it is important to assess your readiness and ensure that you are well-prepared to succeed. Here are some tips to help you assess your readiness: Review the Exam Coverage The first step in assessing your readiness is to review the exam coverage. Make sure you are familiar with the topics that will be covered on the exam and the weight of each topic. This will give you an idea of your strengths and weaknesses and help you focus your review. Take Practice Exams Taking practice exams is a great way to assess your readiness for the licensure exam. Practice exams can help you identify areas where you need more review and give you a sense of the types of questions that w

  Soil is a complex and dynamic mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, and air that forms the foundation of life on Earth. It is a vital component of ecosystems and plays a critical role in supporting plant growth, nutrient cycling, and carbon storage. To understand soil and its functions, it is important to look at its components, specifically soil solids and pore spaces. Soil Solids : Soil solids are the inorganic and organic materials that make up the bulk of the soil. The inorganic portion of soil solids is made up of mineral matter , which includes sand, silt, and clay particles . These particles differ in size, shape, and surface area, which affect their ability to hold and exchange nutrients and water. Clay particles, for instance, have a high surface area and can hold onto nutrients and water more tightly than sand particles. The organic matter in soil solids is composed of dead and decaying plant and animal materials. It is an essential component of healthy soi

  Soil is an essential natural resource that supports life on Earth. It provides a habitat for microorganisms, nourishment for plants, and sustenance for humans and animals alike. However, the composition and quality of soil can greatly affect its ability to support life. This is where soil science comes in. Soil science is a branch of science that studies the properties and processes of soil, and the different fields of study in soil science contribute to our understanding of soil and its role in sustaining life. Soil Fertility Soil fertility is the study of the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soil that influence plant growth and productivity. This field of study examines how soil nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are supplied to plants and how to optimize their availability to achieve maximum crop yields. Soil fertility also explores the effects of soil management practices on soil fertility and the environment. Soil Physics Soil physics

  Soil , the foundation of life, is one of the most complex and dynamic systems on earth. It is the ultimate provider of nutrients and support for plants, animals, and humans. However, the study of soil is not as simple as it seems. Researchers and scientists have developed various approaches to understand and analyze soil, but two primary approaches stand out – Pedological and Edaphological approaches. Pedology , a sub-discipline of soil science, is the study of the formation, properties, and distribution of soils . It focuses on the physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur within the soil and the environment that affects them. Pedologists examine the soil's texture, structure, and mineralogy, which help in understanding its formation and evolution. They also look into the relationship between soil properties and landscape characteristics, such as topography, geology, and climate, to predict the behavior of the soil under different conditions. On the other hand

  Plants are an essential part of our world, providing us with food, oxygen, and even medicine. However, just like humans and animals, plants are also susceptible to diseases caused by various pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Plant pathology is the scientific study of plant diseases, their causes, and their management. But did you know that plant pathology is not just a science, but also an art? The science of plant pathology involves understanding the biology of pathogens and their interactions with plants. This includes identifying and characterizing the pathogens responsible for plant diseases, studying their life cycles, and exploring how they infect plants and cause damage. Scientists in this field use a range of techniques, including molecular biology, genetics, and microscopy, to study plant-pathogen interactions. However, plant pathology is also an art. Plant pathologists must be skilled at diagnosing plant diseases based on their symptoms and vis

  Food is a fundamental human need, yet ensuring that everyone has access to sufficient, nutritious food remains a global challenge. As the world population continues to grow, so does the demand for food. However, the production and distribution of food are subject to numerous factors, including climate change, political instability, economic policies, and technological innovations. In this blog post, we will explore the complexities of the world and domestic food situation and production centers, discussing the challenges and opportunities that arise in the quest to ensure food security. World Food Situation: According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 811 million people worldwide were undernourished in 2020. This represents an increase of 161 million people in just one year, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic's economic fallout. In addition, the effects of climate change, such as droughts and floods, have made it harder for farmers to grow crops and for

  Farming has been a vital part of human civilization for centuries, providing food and resources to sustain life. From cows to chickens, there are various farm animals that play a significant role in our agricultural industry. Here are 10 common farm animals and some scientific facts behind them. Cattle ( Bos taurus ) Cattle are a domesticated form of the wild aurochs and are widely used for their meat, milk, and hide. They have a four-chambered stomach that enables them to digest tough plants and grasses, making them efficient grazers. Pigs ( Sus scrofa domesticus ) Pigs are highly intelligent animals and are bred for their meat, which is consumed worldwide. Their digestive system is similar to that of humans, and they are able to eat a wide range of foods. Chickens ( Gallus domesticus ) Chickens are raised primarily for their meat and eggs, and they are one of the most common and widespread farm animals. They have excellent vision and can see a broader range of colors than

  Are you curious about the history of agriculture in the Philippines? Do you want to know how our ancestors started growing crops and feeding their families thousands of years ago? Then buckle up, because we're about to take you on a journey through time. It all started around 4,000 years ago when the Austronesian people arrived in the Philippines. These ancient seafarers brought with them a wealth of knowledge and skills, including their expertise in agriculture. They introduced new crops such as rice, yams, and taro, which were cultivated in swidden fields or kaingin. Over time, different indigenous groups developed their own agricultural practices, depending on their local environment and available resources. For example, the Ifugao people in the Cordillera region built elaborate rice terraces, which are now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the Spanish colonial period, new crops such as corn, tobacco, and coffee were introduced, and large haciendas or pl

  Aspiring agriculturists in the Philippines face a significant challenge when it comes to licensure examinations. The exam is rigorous and requires a comprehensive understanding of various agricultural concepts, principles, and practices. It is essential to prepare thoroughly and review effectively to pass the exam. One of the most common questions among agricultural licensure examinees is when is the best time to review before taking the exam? The answer to this question can vary depending on the individual's study habits, schedule, and other factors. However, there are some general guidelines that can help candidates prepare and review more effectively. It is recommended to start reviewing at least three months before the licensure exam . This gives ample time for candidates to go through all the necessary topics and cover them in-depth. Three months may seem like a long time, but it is essential to remember that the exam is comprehensive, and there is a lot of material to