About Our Department

Agronomy and Horticulture in the 21st Century

Welcome to our website and thanks for taking the opportunity to learn about the exciting programs in agronomy and horticulture at the University of Nebraska.

Agronomy is the application of plant and soil science to crop production.

Horticulture is the science and art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants.

Agronomy emphasizes staple food crops, such as corn, rice, beans, and wheat, which are produced on a large scale and represent the foundation of our human food supply. Forage plants and hay crops are also considered agronomic crops and are the feed base for the ruminant livestock industry on pastures and rangeland.

Horticultural crops are used to diversify human diets and to enhance our living environment. Vegetables, fruits, flowers, ornamentals, and lawn grasses are examples of horticultural crops and are typically produced on a smaller scale with more intensive management than agronomic crops. Some horticultural crops are grown for aesthetic enjoyment and recreation.

Both agronomy and horticulture are integrative sciences and, therefore, attract scientists from a wide range of disciplines. Plant geneticists, physiologists, ecologists, soil and water scientists, and landscape architects are well represented among the ranks of our faculty because interdisciplinary research is often required to address production constraints and environmental issues related to agronomic and horticultural production. Biotechnology, bioinformatics, geographic information systems, computer simulation and design, and systems analysis are some of the tools we use to conduct this research.

Because plant production systems have a large environmental footprint on the Earth's ecosystems, the methods used to manage plant ecosystems will have a substantial impact on the quality of the natural resource endowments inherited by future generations. Protecting water quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preserving biodiversity, and conserving forests, estuaries, and savannahs will depend on intensification of agronomic and horticultural crop production without detrimental effects on environmental quality.

There is no better place to study these issues than in Nebraska, which sits at the intersection of four major agro-ecological zones that are defined by specific climate and soil associations. Nebraska has abundant soil, water, and native plant resources, which support vibrant agricultural and horticultural industries while providing a spectacular background for our teaching, research, and extension programs.

A degree in agronomy or horticulture will open the doors to a wealth of careers: from plant molecular biology and breeding to farming and ornamental plant production; from crop consulting and rangeland management to landscape design and turfgrass management; from research and service positions with seed and agrochemical companies to greenhouse managers and careers in international agricultural development.

Preparing students for these careers, conducting research to improve plant ecosystems, and extending this information to end-users will make agronomy and horticulture departments exciting places to study and work in the 21st century. Indeed, the challenge of ensuring sustainable local and global development while enhancing the quality of life for 8-10 billion people will fall on the shoulders of today's agronomy and horticulture students!