Description

The study of chemistry in relation to agriculture, particularly organic chemistry and biochemistry, is known as agricultural chemistry. This includes agricultural production, the use of ammonia as a fertilizer, pesticides and genetically altering crops through plant biochemistry. Genetics, physiology, microbiology, entomology and numerous other agricultural-related sciences are all intertwined in agricultural chemistry, which is not a distinct field.

Chemical Reactions and Compositions

The chemical reactions and compositions that are involved in the production, preservation and use of crops and livestock are the subject of research in agricultural chemistry. There are numerous benefits and drawbacks to its applied science and technology components, which aim to boost yields and quality. The development of chemical products that will provide the desired assistance or control is one of the objectives of agricultural chemistry. Other objectives include gaining a better understanding of the causes and effects of biochemical reactions that are associated with the growth of animals and plants, locating opportunities for controlling those reactions and expanding our knowledge of these processes. As a result, agricultural chemistry is utilized for environmental monitoring and remediation as well as the transformation of raw materials into foods and beverages. In addition, it is utilized in the production of compounds that are used in medicine to either treat or prevent disease. The sustainability of an operation is taken into account when agriculture and ecology are discussed together. However, the modern agrochemical industry has earned a reputation for maximizing profits while disregarding sustainable and ecologically viable agricultural principles. Among the consequences of naive industrial agriculture are eutrophication, the prevalence of genetically modified crops and an increasing concentration of chemicals in the food chain (such as persistent organic pollutants). The preservation or enhancement of soil fertility, the maintenance or enhancement of agricultural yield and the enhancement of crop quality are frequently the aims of agricultural chemistry. The Haber-Bosch process, which converts nitrogen and hydrogen gas into ammonia that can be used as fertilizer, was discovered in the 20th century, which led to an increase in crop production. This process dramatically increases the rate at which crops are produced, which is able to support the growing human population. The most common form of nitrogen fertilization source is urea, but ammonium sulphate, diammonium phosphate and calcium ammonium phosphate are also used. One disadvantage of the Haber-Bosch process is that it requires a significant amount of energy.

Production of Food and Fiber

Ammonia is necessary for crop growth because nitrogen is essential to cellular biomass. Herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and other pesticides are examples of chemical substances made to aid in the production of food, feed and fiber. These chemicals work to keep insects and other animals away from crops so that they can grow undisturbed, effectively regulating pests and diseases. Pesticides also play an important role in reducing crop losses and increasing crop yields. Groundwater and pesticide contamination are disadvantages of pesticides and herbicides. They might also be harmful to non-target species like fish and birds. The study of chemical reactions in plants is known as plant biochemistry. Plant biochemistry is the science that scientists use to learn about a plant's genetics and which genes give it its characteristics. The goal of advancements in plant biochemistry is to discover new, more efficient strategies for preserving food sources and to improve plant resilience. One approach to achieving this is through genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. GMOs are plants or other living things that have had their genomes changed by scientists to make them better. They may also be able to grow in climates that are typically not suitable for the original organism to grow in. Examples of GMOs include virus-resistant tobacco and squash, delayed-ripening tomatoes and herbicide-resistant soybeans. These characteristics include providing new vaccines for humans, increasing supplies of nutrients and creating unique plastics. The science and technology of agriculture's production and utilization of plants for food, fuel, fiber, chemicals, recreation and land conservation is known as agronomy. Plant genetics, plant physiology, meteorology and soil science are all now included in agronomy. It is the application of a number of different sciences, including genetics, biology, chemistry, economics, ecology and earth science. Agronomists are those who specialize in agronomy. Plants are selectively bred in this field of agronomy to produce the best crops for various conditions. Numerous crops, including wheat, soybeans and corn, have seen improvements in their nutritional value as a result of plant breeding. Additionally, it has led to the creation of novel plant species. By crossing rye and wheat, for example, a hybrid grain known as triticale was produced. Triticale has more protein that can be used than wheat or rye. Research into the production of fruits and vegetables has also benefited greatly from agronomy. Additionally, the use of plant breeding in the development of turfgrass has resulted in turf varieties that are more disease-resistant and less dependent on fertilizer and water inputs (requirements). Agronomists use biotechnology to speed up and extend the development of desired characteristics. Biotechnology is usually done in a lab and requires field testing of newly developed crop varieties. Agronomic biotechnology is increasingly being used for novel applications other than food, in addition to increasing crop yields. For instance, oilseed can be modified to produce fatty acids for detergents, alternative fuels and petrochemicals. At the moment, it is mostly used for margarine and other food oils. Sustainable methods for increasing soil productivity and profitability are studied by agronomists. They sort soils and look at them to see if they contain the nutrients plants need to grow. Compounds of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur are some of the common macronutrients analyzed. A number of micronutrients, like zinc and boron, are also tested in the soil. A regional laboratory tests the soil's pH, organic matter percentage and nutrient holding capacity (cation exchange capacity). These laboratory reports will be interpreted by agronomists, who will offer suggestions for adjusting soil nutrients for plant growth. Agronomists also devise strategies for protecting soil from erosion caused by water and wind. To prevent soil erosion and conserve rainfall, for instance, contour plowing can be utilized. Agronomy researchers also look for better ways to use the soil to solve other problems. These issues include how to dispose of human and animal manure, pollute water and buildup of pesticides in the soil. Other issues include how to preserve the soil for future generations by burning paddocks after crops are grown.