Chapter 4 The Horticulture Industry 93
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Throughout history, botanical gardens have been maintained around the
world, and they continue to be so today. These gardens are intended for the study
of plants and educate visitors about the vast world of plants, their usefulness,
and their beauty. Cities such as New York, Atlanta, and St. Louis boast about their
premiere botanical gardens that are visited by millions annually.
Agronomy
As stated earlier, agronomy is the science and technology of cultivating
crops for food, fi ber, and fuel. In agronomy, crops are grown in rows,
harvested, and processed. There are many areas of study in agronomy. An
agronomist, a person who studies or practices cultivating crops for food,
fi ber, and fuel, may specialize in areas such as:
• Biotechnology.
• Soil science.
• Weed science.
• Plant breeding.
Crop plants that typically cannot be eaten or used in their raw form
(soybeans, cotton, tobacco, fi eld corn, rice, and wheat) are included in agronomy.
Forestry
Forestry, the science or practice of planting, managing, restoring, and
caring for forests, is also called silviculture. Foresters are the dedicated people
who plant, manage, and care for forests. Foresters craft and conserve forests to
sustain the ecosystems while allowing the nondestructive harvest of lumber
and tree products. A forest stand consists of trees occupying a specifi c area
that are uniform in species, size, age,
arrangement, and condition. Foresters
manage forest stands using silvicultural
practices to meet the objective of a tree
plot (a carefully measured area of trees).
Whether the forest is grown for beauty or to
be selectively cut for specifi c trees and tree
products, forests and their products provide
limitless resources.
Edible and Ornamental
Horticulture
As with most fi elds of study,
horticulture includes various specialized
sciences and practices, and horticulturists
can seek both formal and informal career
training. Horticulturists can further their
studies and focus in specialty areas through
community college, university, fi eldwork,
and global study-abroad programs,
Figure 4-2.
Did You Know?
Without the work of
agronomists, you may
have never had a
favorite pair of jeans,
peanut butter and jelly
sandwiches, or rice in
your Chinese take-out
food. The next time you
enjoy a bowl of cereal
or munch on potato
chips, remember to
thank an agronomist.
xuanhuongho/Shutterstock.com
Figure 4-2. Flowers are cultivated around the world for use
in medicine, food, and floriculture. If you were a horticulturist
based in the United States, how could you benefit from traveling
and studying horticulture in places such as this garden in
Vietnam?
Corner Question
What is a typical forest
product that people
use when they have a
headache or suffer from
acne?