crop production
Quick Summary
A crop is a plant or plant product cultivated for profit or subsistence. Crops are categorized into six types: food, feed for livestock, fiber for textiles, oil for consumption or industrial use, ornamental plants for landscaping, and industrial or secondary crops for various uses.1
Agronomy, a branch of agriculture, focuses on field crop production and soil management. Agronomists study factors like yield, disease, cultivation, pest and weed control, and crop sensitivity to climate and soil. They may specialize in plant breeding or biotechnology to enhance crops, and many apply ecological principles for environmental protection.2
Modern agricultural technology has introduced new techniques such as vertical farming, where crops are grown in stacked layers, conserving space and expanding suitable growing areas. Effective crop production also requires careful consideration of site factors like soil and climate, including temperature, moisture, daylight, and wind.345
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