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...

  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...

  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 phys...

  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...

  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 t...

  Agricultural Extension and Communication are essential components of the agricultural industry. It involves providing farmers with access to the latest research and technology and bridging the gap between researchers and farmers. Agricultural Extension and Communication are important fields of study for anyone seeking to enter the agricultural industry in the Philippines. To help prepare for the Licensure Examination for Agriculturists, we have created a pretest with ten multiple-choice questions. What is the primary goal of agricultural extension? A. To provide farmers with the latest research and technology B. To educate farmers on the best farming practices C. To improve the livelihoods of farmers D. All of the above What is agricultural communication? A. The exchange of information between farmers B. The exchange of information between researchers and farmers C. The exchange of information between government agencies and farmers D. The exchange of information b...

  Soil is the foundation of life on earth. It's the layer of organic and inorganic material that covers the earth's surface, supporting plant growth and providing the base for many of the ecosystems we depend on. Yet, despite its critical role, many of us take soil for granted, failing to appreciate the complexity and diversity that lies beneath our feet. Soil science is the study of this complex world, examining the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil, and the ways in which it interacts with the environment. In this post, we'll explore some of the key concepts of soil science, from soil surface to soil map unit. Soil Surface : The soil surface is the top layer of soil, which is in direct contact with the atmosphere and is influenced by weather, climate, and human activities. This layer is where most plant roots grow, and where many of the chemical and biological processes that support plant growth occur. Soil Individual : Soil individual is a term ...

  Agricultural economics is a subfield of economics that studies the economic principles and theories related to agriculture. It deals with the production, distribution, and consumption of agricultural products and services. This discipline is crucial in the agricultural industry as it helps farmers, policymakers, and other stakeholders make informed decisions based on economic analysis. In this blog, we will provide an overview of agricultural economics, including its importance, concepts, and applications, which will be useful reading material for the licensure examination for agriculturists in the Philippines. The Importance of Agricultural Economics : Agricultural economics is essential in the agricultural sector as it helps stakeholders understand the economic forces that affect agricultural production, markets, and trade. By applying economic analysis to agricultural issues, agricultural economists can provide insights into how to improve efficiency, sustainability, and p...

Agriculture is a vital sector of the Philippine economy, providing food, livelihood, and income to millions of Filipinos. Crop science is a sub-discipline of agriculture that focuses on the scientific principles and practices of crop production. For those who want to pursue a career in agriculture, passing the licensure examination for agriculturists is a necessary requirement. This blog post aims to provide an overview of the concept of agriculture for crop science in the licensure examination for agriculturists in the Philippines. The Concept of Agriculture : Agriculture is defined as the science, art, and business of cultivating soil, growing crops, raising livestock, and producing food and fiber. It involves a wide range of activities, including soil management, seed selection, planting, fertilization, pest and disease control, harvesting, and marketing. Agriculture is a dynamic and evolving field that relies on the latest research, technologies, and innovations to increase pro...

  Plants are not only a source of food and oxygen but also contribute significantly to the aesthetics of our environment. However, just like humans, plants are also prone to diseases caused by various factors such as environmental stress, genetic predisposition, and pathogenic organisms. The study of plant diseases and their causes is known as plant pathology. In this blog post, we will explore the etymology and definition of plant pathology. Etymology of Plant Pathology The term "pathology" is derived from the Greek words "pathos" which means suffering and "logos" which means study. The word "pathology" was first used in the 17th century to describe the study of disease in humans and animals. However, it was not until the late 19th century that the term "plant pathology" was coined by the German botanist Anton de Bary. He used the term to describe the study of plant diseases caused by fungi and other microorganisms. Definition of ...

  Agricultural extension and communication play a vital role in the development of the agriculture sector. It is a system of delivering information, education, and technology to farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture industry. In the Philippines, agricultural extension and communication have been part of the government's agricultural development programs to improve the lives of farmers and increase food production. To prepare for the licensure examination for agriculturists in the Philippines, it is essential to understand the basics of agricultural extension and communication. This post will provide a review of the fundamentals of agricultural extension and communication. Agricultural extension is a system of delivering information, education, and technology to farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture industry. It aims to increase the productivity and income of farmers by providing them with relevant and timely information and skills. Extension workers act...