Theory
Agronomy and its scope: Definition, meaning and scope of Agronomy; art, science and business of crop production, relation of Agronomy with other disciplines of Agricultural Science, fields crops and classification, importance, ecology and ecosystem. Seeds and sowing: Definitions of crops, variety and seed. Factors affecting crop stands establishment: good quality seed, proper tillage, time of sowing seed rate, depth and method of sowing: broadcasting, drilling, dibbling, transplanting etc. Tillage and tilth: Definition, objectives, types, advantages and disadvantages of tillage including conservation tillage. Crop density and geometry: plant geometry and planting geometry, its effect on growth, yield. Crop nutrition: Definition of essential nutrients, criteria of essentiality, functional elements, classification of essential nutrients, role of macro and micro nutrients. Nutrient absorption, active and passive absorption of nutrients, forms of plant nutrients absorbed by plants, Combined /uncombined forms. Manures and fertilizers, nutrient use efficiency: Sources of nutrients: Inorganic (fertilizers), organic (manures) and bio-fertilizers; their classification and characteristics, method of preparation and role of organic manures in crop production. Integrated Nutrient Management (INM): Meaning, different approaches and advantages of INM. Green manure- role in crop production: Definition, objectives types of green manuring, desirable characteristics, advantages and limitations of green manuring. Water management: Water resources of the world, India and the state; Soil Moisture constants: gravitational water, capillary water, hygroscopic water, Soil moisture constants. Weeds: Definition, importance and basics of classification of weeds and their control. Agroclimatic zones of India and the state, cropping systems: Factors affecting cropping systems, major cropping patterns and systems in the country. Sustainable crop production: Definition, importance and practices, natural resources and conservation pollution and pollutants, Allelopathy: Meaning and importance in crop production, Growth and development of crops: Definition, Meaning and factors affecting growth and development.
Practical
A visit to Instructional Crop farm and study on field crops, Identification of crops, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, Crops and cropping systems in different Agro-climatic zones of the state, Study of some preparatory tillage implements, Study of inter tillage implements, Practice of ploughing / puddling, Study and practice of inter cultivation in field crops, Numerical exercises on calculation of seed, plant population and fertilizer requirement, Study of yield contributing characters and yield estimation of crops, Identification of weeds in different crops, Seed germination and viability test of seed, Practice on time and method of application of manures and fertilizers.