Fundamentals of Agronomy: An Objective Guide

1 Agronomy and its scope: Definition, meaning and scope of Agronomy; art, science and business of crop production
2 Relation of Agronomy with other disciplines of Agricultural Science
3 Fields crops and classification, importance, ecology and ecosystem
4 Seed: Definition of crops, variety and seed, types of seeds, dormancy of Seeds
5 Factors affecting crop stands establishment: good quality seed, proper tillage, time of sowing and seed rate
6 Viability of seeds and seed treatment
7 Sowing: Methods, depth, plant density
8 Tillage: Definition, objectives, types, advantages and disadvantages of tillage including conservation tillage
9 Tilth: Definition and characteristics of good tilth
10 Crop density and geometry; plant geometry and planting geometry, its effect on growth, yield
11 Crop nutrition: Definition of essential nutrients, criteria of essentiality, functional elements, classification of essential nutrients
12 Role of macro and micro nutrients
13 Nutrient absorption, active and passive absorption of nutrients, forms of plant nutrients absorbed by plants, Combined /uncombined forms
14 Manures and Fertilizers
15 Nutrient use efficiency and Sources of nutrients: Inorganic (fertilizers), organic (manures) and bio-fertilizers; their classification and characteristics
16 Method of preparation and role of organic manures in crop production
17 Integrated Nutrient Management (INM): Meaning, different approaches and advantages of INM
18 Green manure: role in crop production: Definition, objectives types of green manuring, desirable characteristics, advantages and limitations of green manuring
19 Water management: Water resources of the world, India and the state
20 Soil Moisture constants: gravitational water, capillary water, hygroscopic water, Soil moisture constants
21 Weeds: Definition, importance and classification
22 Weed control methods
23 Agroclimatic zones of India and the state
24 Cropping systems: Factors affecting cropping systems, major cropping patterns and systems in the country
25 Sustainable crop production: Definition, importance and practices
26 Natural resources and conservation pollution and pollutants
27 Allelopathy: Meaning and importance in crop production
28 Growth and development of crops: Definition, Meaning and factors affecting growth and development