Agriculture science is a scientific discipline primarily concerned with the chemical and biochemical processes of plants and soil. Food is one of the basic needs; agriculture scientists work to ensure that this need is fulfilled. Plants make their food s through the utilization of carbon IV oxide from the air and water from the soil. The main objective of agricultural science is to improve soil quality, preserve the environment and improve plant nutrition.
Agriculture is the practice of producing livestock and crops from natural earth resources. Some modern earth agricultural practices are horticulture, dairying, animal husbandry, and agronomy. Therefore, agricultural science focuses on improving soil fertility and increasing plant yields. Agriculture science is closely linked with forestry, meteorology, biochemistry, and social science.
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What is agriculture science?
Chemistry is a science branch that deals with organic and inorganic compounds, while agriculture science involves the production of organic compounds using both inorganic and organic inputs. Chemistry plays a fundamental role in agriculture at the molecular and organic levels. Advanced chemistry research has led to the success of most agricultural practices. Factors such as an increase in population and climate change have led to agricultural evolution.
Agricultural science can be applied to the land to ensure it produces abundantly and protected from deterioration. Chemistry, therefore, plays a significant role in plant growth, seed development, and all the inputs needed to increase plant production. Chemistry is a considerable science subject in our lives; it has enormous relevance in the photosynthetic activities directly related to the air we breathe. Moreover, through agricultural processes and practices, people can now be able to develop their urban-based society through the establishment of permanent settlements.
Some of the Major roles of chemistry in agriculture
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Pesticides and insecticides
Pesticides are chemicals used in farms to minimize the damage to crops by pests; there are different types of pesticides, such as fungicides, herbicides, rodenticides, and insecticides, depending on the target organism. Safer and more effective pesticides have been developed to extensive research in this field. Insecticides, on the other hand, kill insects that can spread livestock diseases and feed on stored grains or plant crops. These chemicals prevent crop loss to pests and insects.
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Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a natural process that provides a building block for agricultural products; therefore, it is an essential process. the process involves an overall net equation of carbon dioxide and water .photosynthesis gives plants not only life but also sustains humankind’s breathing system. Research has helped scientists understand s the mechanism of this process and find more s techniques to optimize photosynthesis.
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Fertilizers
Fertilizers are organic or inorganic compounds added to the soil to supply it with one or more nutrients. A recent study showed that 60% of the s crop yields are attributed to commercial fertilizers. Organic manure is delivered from living organisms, compost, bone meal, and animal manure .these fertilizers are less complex and have high nutrient concentrations of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, copper, iron, and manganese. The inorganic fertilizers are synthesized through the Haber Bosch process, providing ammonia as the end product.
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Storage and preservation of agricultural produce
Agricultural science has led to increased diversity in the human diet, and more so, it has increased food availability for plants and animals. Sulfur oxide is one of the chemical compounds that are used to keep grains fresh for a long time. Chemistry research has also led to the development of refrigerators that can be used to preserve agricultural produce. Moreover, food packaging materials have advanced due to the production of materials brought about by the study of chemistry.
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Food processing
Chemistry has since made a considerable contribution to the food processing sector; it has led to the development of vitamins, minerals, and food sweeteners. Human beings have benefited highly from these new technologies due to the enhanced flavors and increased nutritional value of the food.
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Production of plastic pipes used for irrigation
Plastic pipes are widely derived from chemistry and have proven to be very important in the agricultural sector. Irrigation is one of the farming processes that is widely used to farm crops. Plastic pipes s have increased the irrigation process massively by providing a conducive environment for the crops to prosper.
Conclusion
Chemistry is one subject that is crossly linked to the development of agriculture; this subject has provided innovative ways that have widened the boundaries of agriculture. It has therefore provided scientists with numerous ways to combat potential farming problems; therefore increasing the quality and productivity of crops.
Chemistry plays an integral role in agriculture from the basis of photosynthesis to the maximization of agricultural produce. For over a decade now inorganic chemistry has been the heart of crop protection and food production. Therefore it is fundamental to the key takeaway that chemistry plays a comprehensive and efficient role in the advancement of almost all agricultural practices.