Editing Agronomy (section)

==Soil science==
{{Main|Agricultural soil science}}
Agronomists study sustainable ways to make [[soil]]s more productive and profitable. They classify soils and analyze them to determine whether they contain nutrients vital for plant growth. Common macronutrients analyzed include compounds of [[nitrogen]], [[phosphorus]], [[potassium]], [[calcium]], [[magnesium]], and [[sulfur]]. Soil is also assessed for several micronutrients, like [[zinc]] and [[boron]]. The percentage of organic matter, [[soil pH]], and nutrient holding capacity ([[cation exchange capacity]]) are tested in a regional laboratory. Agronomists will interpret these laboratory reports and make recommendations to modify soil nutrients for optimal plant growth.<ref>{{cite book|last=Hoeft|first=Robert G.|title=Modern Corn and Soybean Production|year=2000|publisher=MCSP Publications |asin=B0006RLD8U <!--|isbn=00108770--> |pages=107 to 171}}</ref>

===Soil conservation===
Additionally, agronomists develop methods to preserve soil and decrease the effects of [erosion] by wind and water. For example, a technique known as [[contour plowing]] may be used to prevent soil erosion and conserve rainfall. Researchers of agronomy also seek ways to use the soil more effectively for solving other problems. Such problems include the disposal of human and animal [[manure]], [[water pollution]], and [[pesticide]] accumulation in the soil, as well as preserving the soil for future generations such as the burning of paddocks after crop production. Pasture management techniques include [[no-till farming]], planting of soil-binding grasses along contours on steep slopes, and using contour drains of depths as much as 1 metre.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rss4DwAAQBAJ&q=no-tilling+crops%2C+soil-binding+grasses+and+contour+drains&pg=PA236|title=Fundamentals of Agriculture (ICAR-NET, JRF, SRF, CSIR-NET, UPSC & IFS)|last1=Arya|first1=R. L.|last2=Arya|first2=S.|last3=Arya|first3=Renu|last4=Kumar|first4=J.|date=2015-01-01|publisher=Scientific Publishers|isbn=978-93-86102-36-2|language=en}}</ref>