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What are the main branches of agricultural engineering?
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Agricultural technology
Cotton combine harvesting a cotton field.
Agricultural engineering encompasses various disciplines, including mechanical, environmental, and civil engineering, alongside expertise in hydraulics and soil mechanics. Within this field, four primary branches have been established to address specific agricultural challenges:1
- Farm power and machinery engineering: Focuses on the advancement of farm mechanization, including the design and development of tractors, field machinery, and other mechanical equipment.1
- Farm structures engineering: Dedicated to the design and planning of facilities for crop storage, animal shelter, and other specialized agricultural needs.1
- Soil and water control engineering: Addresses critical land and resource management, including irrigation, soil drainage, conservation, hydrology, and flood control.1
- Electric power and processing engineering: Concerned with the distribution and application of electric power on the farm, such as utilizing lighting to influence plant growth and supporting various animal production operations.1