Agricultural science is a broad multidisciplinary field that encompasses the parts of exact, natural, economic and
social sciences that are used in the practice and understanding of
agriculture. (
Veterinary science, but not
animal science, is often excluded from the definition.)
The two terms are often confused. However, they cover different concepts
Agricultural sciences include research and development on
With the exception of theoretical agronomy, research in agronomy, more than in any other field, is strongly related to local areas. It can be considered a science of ecoregions, because it is closely linked to soil properties and climate, which are never exactly the same from one place to another. Many people think an agricultural production system relying on local weather, soil characteristics, and specific crops has to be studied locally. Others feel a need to know and understand production systems in as many areas as possible, and the human dimension of interaction with nature.
