Practices of Crop Science and Management

Crop Science is a multi-disciplinary field which focuses on research and development of plant-based crops. The crop science definition further includes scientific knowledge and understanding of the cultivation, management, processing and production of crops. Crop Science and agronomy science are often used as synonyms. Nutrient management is the science and practice directed to link soil, crop, weather, and hydrologic factors with cultural, irrigation, and soil and water conservation practices to achieve optimal nutrient use efficiency, crop yields, crop quality, and economic returns, while reducing off-site transport of nutrients (fertilizer) that may impact the environment. It involves matching a specific field soil, climate, and crop management conditions to rate, source, timing, and place (commonly known as the 4R nutrient stewardship) of nutrient application. Adoption of best crop management practices improves crop productivity and can contribute to greater yields with improved quality. Crop management is the set of agricultural practices performed to improve the growth, development and yield of crops. It begins with a seedbed preparation, sowing of seeds and crop maintenance; and ends with crop harvest, storage and marketing. The timing and sequence of agricultural practices depend upon several factors, such as winter or spring crops; harvested products such as grain, hay and silage; sowing methods-broadcast and row-crops; and, plants age, soil, climate and weather conditions. This book offers a comprehensive and state-of-the-art source reference for understanding the functions and mechanisms responsible for yield and quality determination under a range of conditions.