Agronomist Career Description
Agronomy is the science of the successful growing of crops, whether it is under dry land conditions or irrigation. This includes crops such as com, maize, grain sorghum, peanuts, sunflower, cotton, sugar-cane, potatoes and forage. An agronomist must develop and implement production systems with the aim to have maximum economical production without harming the environment.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Agronomists are responsible for the successful growing of crops by choosing the best crop and using the correct harvesting techniques to ensure the best quality. Aspects such as the choice of crop and cultivar, preparation of the soil, planting of the crops, irrigation, protection of the harvests and the harvesting and grading of all agricultural crops are studied by the agronomist. The aim is to effectively manipulate the interaction between plant and environment through the use of correct management practices.
The working conditions of the agronomist are diverse and includes work outside in the field, laboratory and office work. Fields of specializations are chemical weed science, irrigation, fertilisation, crop physiology and crop management.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
In order to be a successful agronomist it is important to be interested in Biology.
Where can I work?
Agronomists are employed by agricultural cooperations, manufacturers of fertilizers and pesticides, harvest insurers, universities and agricultural development companies as well as the various agricultural departments.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Besides farming, agronomists can act as consultants for manufacturers of fertilisers, agricultural co-operations and their own consultation practices.
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