Agrology

Agrology (from Greek ἀγρός, agros, "field, tilled land"; and -λογία, -logia) is the branch of soil science dealing with the production of crops. The use of the term is most active in Canada. Use of the term outside Canada is sporadic but significant. The term appears especially well established in Russia and China, with agrologists on university faculty lists and agrology curricula. Agrology is synonymous with agricultural science when used in Canada, is nearly synonymous with the U.S. term agronomy, and has a meaning related to agricultural soil science when used outside Canada. The term agrologist was coined by Dr. J. B. Harrington and adopted in 1946 to fill the need in Canada to have a term to denote "provincial agriculturalist". The title of Professional Agrologist is conferred on persons with at least a bachelor's degree in agriculture and who can demonstrate the qualities needed to responsibly teach, practise, or conduct experiments and research in the agricultural sciences. According to the Agricultural Institute of Canada website, an agrologist can also hold a degree in a field related to agriculture, or in some provinces pass rigorous prescribed examinations to attain a professional designation. Agrology is a regulated profession in all Canadian provinces. Agrology designations are managed by separate governing bodies in each province, with each operating under its own legislation. Agrology refers to agricultural science and agricultural economics when used in Canada; however, the definition is not limited application of science to agriculture. Because of the extensive history of agricultural research into land and water resources, the definition in Canada includes applications science to management and conservation of land and water resources, and habitat. The Registrars of Professional Agrologists across Canada adopted the following definition of Agrology in May 2007: "Agrology is the practice of bioresource sciences to provide knowledge and advice to support the development of the agriculture sector and the health of the society, environment, and economy.