Overview of Agriculture and Plant Science Concepts

Food

for nutrition and energy

Clothing

for protection and comfort

Shelter

for safety and living space

Agronomy

study of field crops and soil management

Horticulture

fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamental plants

Animal Science

livestock and animal production

Forestry

management of forests and trees

Agricultural Engineering

equipment, machinery, and structures

Agribusiness

business side of farming (marketing, finance, etc.)

Area formulas

e.g., length × width

Common units

square feet, square meters, acres, hectares

Composting

Decomposition of organic materials into nutrient-rich soil

Composting ingredients

4 Main Ingredients: Browns (carbon), Greens (nitrogen), Water, Air

Factors Affecting Composting

Temperature, Moisture, Aeration, Particle size, Carbon-to-Nitrogen ratio (C:N), Time

Soil Components

Minerals (45%), Water (25%), Air (25%), Organic Matter (5%)

Soil Horizons

O (Organic), A (Topsoil), B (Subsoil), C (Parent Material), R (Bedrock)

Porosity

Space between particles (affects water/air retention)

Permeability

Ability of water to flow through soil

Soil Textures

4 Main Soil Textures: Sand, Silt, Clay, Loam

Soil Triangle

A chart used to classify soil type based on % of sand, silt, and clay

Macronutrients

needed in large amounts: Primary: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K); Secondary: Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sulfur (S)

Micronutrients

needed in small amounts: Iron, Zinc, Copper, Boron, Manganese, etc.

Non-Mineral Nutrients

Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O) - from air/water

N-P-K Roles

N = Leaf growth, P = Root & flower development, K = Overall health & disease resistance

Ideal pH Range

6.0 to 7.0 for optimal nutrient absorption

Fertilizer Example

10-10-10 fertilizer means 10% N, 10% P, 10% K

Three Main Parts of a Tree

Roots - absorb water/nutrients, anchor the tree; Trunk - supports tree, transports nutrients; Leaves - photosynthesis

Plant Parts & Functions

Roots - anchor, absorb nutrients; Stems - transport and support; Leaves - photosynthesis; Flowers - reproduction; Fruits/Seeds - dispersal/reproduction

Life Cycles

Annual - completes life in one season; Biennial - two years to complete cycle; Perennial - lives for many years

Plant Processes

Germination - seed sprouting into a plant; Photosynthesis - plant uses sunlight to make food (CO₂ + H₂O + sunlight → glucose + O₂); Respiration - plant uses glucose and oxygen to make energy; Transpiration - water loss through leaf stomata