This book offers a comprehensive and up-to-date exploration of agronomic principles and practices, aimed at fostering sustainable crop production and effective resource management. This book consists of eighteen chapters covering all the topics in detail. It is designed for undergraduate and post graduate students, as well as researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers, the book serves as both a foundational guide and a reference for advanced agronomic concepts. Rooted in the interdisciplinary nature of agronomy, it integrates advances in agricultural research and experimental techniques in agricultural research that helps the postgraduate students for their research work and researchers with essential skills for advancing in the field. It highlights the evolution of agronomy from traditional knowledge systems to modern, technology-driven innovations covering crucial topics, such as precision agriculture, crop growth analysis and energy calculations in agriculture. Written in clear and accessible language, the text is enriched with scientific insights and practical applications, empowering readers to make informed decisions in crop and soil management. This book not only addresses current global challenges but also aims to inspire future research and innovation in sustainable agricultural development
Dr. Vishwanatha S. currently an Assistant Professor of Agro-meteorology at the College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Raichur, Karnataka since September 2017. He had successfully completed B.Sc. (Agri.), M.Sc. (Agri.) and Ph.D. with specialization in Agronomy at UAS, Dharwad. He has been involved in research for over 13 years and is the Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PI for many World Bank and Govt. of Karnataka funded projects. He had also received an Young Scientist Award for his contributions to Agronomy with a substantial publication record- 50 research papers, 10 book chapters and about 10 poster and oral presentations in national and international conferences.
Dr. Ashoka N. an accomplished scholar in agricultural education, research and extension over a decade, holds a Ph.D. from UAS, Dharwad and Post-Graduation from GKVK, UAS, Bengaluru. Currently an Associate Professor at University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka. With over 45 research papers, 10 book chapters and plentiful articles and reports, his impact spans nationally and internationally.
Dr. Ajayakumar M. Y. currently working as a Professor and Head in the Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Raichur holding B.Sc. (Agri.), M.Sc. (Agri.) in Agronomy and Ph.D. in Agronomy from University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. He is a distinguished scientist having 16 years of experience in teaching, research and extension having 5 awards, 20 technologies developed for the farmers and published over 25 Research papers, 15 Research Bulletins and 10 Review articles.
Dr. M. R. Umesh, Associate Professor, UAS, Raichur, Karnataka. He earned M.Sc and Ph.D. from UAS, Bangalore, specialized in Agronomy and later Post–Doctoral Fellow in New Mexico State University, USA and visiting Professor of Mississippi State University, USA. He has 14 years of experience at various levels on oilseeds agronomy, water, nutrient management and cropping system research. He has published more than 82 research articles, edited 4 books, 20 book chapters, 10 research bulletins and extension literature for the farming community.
Ms. Likhita Nekkanti pursued her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.Sc. Agri.) and Master of Science in Agriculture (M.Sc. Agri.), with a specialization in Agronomy, from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka. Currently, she is working as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) in the Department of Agronomy at the College of Agriculture, Raichur. Ms. Nekkanti has demonstrated her academic and research work through the publication of over four research articles in reputed national and international journals.
1 Introduction to Agriculture ......................................................................1
2 Basics of Agronomy ..............................................................................19
3 Basics of Soil .........................................................................................39
4 Agro-meteorology, Weather Forecasting and Climate Change .............67
5 Types and Concept of Tillage .............................................................123
6 Seed and Sowing .................................................................................141
7 Crop Growth Analysis .........................................................................177
8 Cropping and Farming Systems ..........................................................187
9 Irrigation and Drainage .......................................................................217
10 Nutrient Management ..........................................................................249
11 Weed Management ..............................................................................301
12 Dryland Farming and Watershed Management ...................................367
13 Organic Farming .................................................................................395
14 Natural Farming ..................................................................................427
15 Precision Agriculture ...........................................................................445
16 Energy Calculations in Agriculture .....................................................471
17 Experimental Techniques in Agricultural Research ............................481
18 Advances in Agronomic Research ......................................................529
