1. The Science of Agriculture PPT Presentation Thomson Delmar Learning Career Education

2. Chapter 1 The Science of Agriculture

3. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 3 The Science of Agriculture The science of agriculture is the basis on which all civilization is built. –The very first science was agriculture. Science is knowledge obtained through a systematic study of naturally occurring phenomena. –The systematic study of anything begins with observation. »The first systematic study by humans was devising ways to obtain food, clothing, and shelter.

4. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 4 American Agriculture When Europeans came to the New World, they found a system of agriculture. –Today, crops and livestock are grown in all 50 states. The United States produces more than 200 commodities. –The Midwest has the most productive soils in the nation. »The American economy follows the free enterprise system.

5. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 5 American Agriculture Scientific research began in this country about the middle of the 1800s. –Many bills were passed that enhanced research and agriculture education. Land Grant Act1862 Hatch Act1872 Smith Lever Act1914 Smith Hughes Act1917

6. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 6 American Agriculture The Scientific Method ensures that conclusions are valid and reliable. –A scientist begins by identifying a problem. A hypothesis is the basis for investigating a problem. –The hypothesis is subjected to a test called an experiment.

7. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 7 American Agriculture

8. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 8 American Agriculture The scientific method is used to develop ways to produce crops and animals. –Scientific research is classified into two areas: basic research and applied research. Basic research investigates how and why. Applied research uses discoveries made in basic research to help in practical ways.

9. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 9 Milestones in Agricultural Research Many discoveries and developments have aided the advancement of agriculture. –Animal immunization provides a disease-free environment. –Methods for freezing meats and fruits allowed for access to new foods. –Pesticides, genetics, and computers have all advanced the field of agriculture.

10. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 10 Milestones in Agricultural Research Genetic engineering has revolutionized agriculture. –The use of genetically modified organisms is widely used in agriculture and medicine. Many species of plants have been genetically mapped. –Scientists have located where each gene is located on a plant’s or animal’s chromosome.

11. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 11 World Trade World trade has allowed Americans to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables all year. –World trade has allowed the United States to supply other countries with products grown more efficiently here.