What is Agronomy and Soils?
Agronomy
is the science of crop production. It incorporates the basic sciences
(biology, chemistry, physics, geology, microbiology, etc.) into an
applied science which is the foundation for most agriculture. Soil
science involves not only those aspects which relate to crop production
but also environmental aspects of soil management. This scientific
area is concerned with a wide variety of specialized topics.
- Soils
- Rural and urban land utilization
- Production of food, feed, fiber, oil, and turf
crops
- The protection of our environment
- Plant physiology
- Plant breeding
- Weed control
- Chemical, physical and biological properties
of soils
- Efficient production with environmental protection
Agronomy and Soils at Auburn University
Courses
prepare Agronomy graduates for the chemical industry, producers of
fertilizers, herbicides and other agricultural chemicals; farm-advisory
agencies such as soil testing laboratories and other private consultants;
public farm-advisory agencies such as the Agricultural Extension Service
or the Soil Conservation Service; research agencies of corporations,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, colleges and universities and State
Agricultural Experiment Stations; turf grass industry and farming.
The Agronomy
and Soils curriculum at Auburn University offers the student a wide
range of opportunities. This curriculum allows for specialization
by offering a Production Track, a Business Track, a Turf Management
Track and a Science Track.
In addition
to courses that are specific for the area of study (crop production,
turf grass management, plant breeding, weed science, soil classification,
land management, soil fertility and soil testing), Agronomy and Soils
students take courses in such basic sciences as biology, chemistry,
math, physics and computer science.
While at
Auburn, students participate in many campus activities. An important
one for the Agronomy and Soils major is the Agronomy Club. This
organization offers students the opportunity to meet and exchange
ideas with other students, with faculty and with guest lecturers.
It also provides tours of private businesses and research facilities
in Alabama and neighboring states. Students also participate in
intercollegiate soil judging contests, an activity in which Auburn
teams have been consistent winners.
Opportunities for Graduates
Completion
of the broad-based academic program required in the Agronomy and
Soils curriculum provides graduates with excellent job opportunities
and the needed background for advanced studies.
Challenges
from many areas are available to graduates. With a continuing interest
in providing for an increasing population, specialized areas in the
broad field of agronomy can be pursued. Much of the research currently
being conducted involves new and exciting techniques in chemistry
and biology, including genetics.
The environment
has always been a major concern of the agronomist, and there continues
to be a strong interest in soil and water conservation and protection
and in rural and urban land utilization. This emphasis offers many
challenging career opportunities for the Agronomy and Soils student.
Graduates
of Auburn University's Agronomy and Soils program are prominent
in several areas of endeavor:
- farm management
- the agricultural industry (production and
sale of fertilizers, pesticides and seed)
- the turf grass industry
- public farm advisory agencies, such as the
Cooperative Extension Service and Natural Resource Conservation
Service
- professional agricultural consulting
- teaching and research
- environmental protection agencies.
For Additional Information
Contact:
Dr. Joe Touchton,
Department Head
Department of Agronomy & Soils
202 Funchess Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849-5412
Telephone: (334) 844-4100
FAX: (334) 844-3945
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