Soil Science Department at NC State Agronomy Program North Carolina State University Department of Soil Science Agronomy Program Introduction Agronomy is the development and practical application of plant and soil sciences to produce abundant. high-quality food, feed and fiber crops. As a discipline, agronomy represents the integration of crops, soils, and related sciences. Crop science includes the genetics, breeding. physiology, and environmentally sound management of field and turf crops. Soil science focuses on the physics, chemistry, origin, microbiology, fertility, and environmentally sound management of soil.
Agronomists receive a broad education in the basic physical, biological, and natural sciences.
Advanced course work in agronomy includes weed science. To excel as an agronomist, students must be adequately prepared in the sciences, computer systems, mathematics, and statistics. Students will be required to integrate many factors associated with the goal of improving food, feed, and fiber production. In addition to the study of major agronomic principles and practices, each student chooses a specialty option in keeping with specific long-range professional goals. These options include crop production, agronomic sciences, turfgrass management, agronomic business, or soil science.