Science & ResearchISCO 2132
Agronomist
An agronomist is a person who advises farms, cooperatives and growers on crop production and who studies how to raise a yield.
Check yourself in a minute: agronomist
Rate 5 of the 34 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
cultivate crops for biomass
perform laboratory tests
manage nutrients
execute analytical mathematical calculations
maintain laboratory equipment
About agronomist
The agronomist works in the field and over data. Crop condition is assessed, a variety and a sowing date chosen, fertilisation planned, and trials run that compare growing variants on the same ground. Analytical mathematical calculations come with it: rates, plant populations and nutrient balances.
Crop protection is also part of the work. The agronomist identifies pests and diseases, plans control and selects pesticides in line with the regulations that govern them: the rate, the timing, the pre-harvest interval and the requirements near watercourses. Plant propagation and horticulture principles are part of the knowledge, and where rainfall falls short the agronomist advises on irrigation systems.
The economics matter as well: the agronomist sets the cost of a treatment against the yield response expected from it, and knows environmental law, because fertiliser and plant protection products can move beyond the field. Agronomy career requirements are set by the employer, and advising on plant protection products calls for separate certification.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a agronomist.
1
Field Surveys and Crop Assessment
- Conduct comprehensive field surveys to assess crop health, growth stage, and development on farms
- Examine crops in detail to identify nutrient deficiencies, disease symptoms, pest damage, and stress indicators
- Analyze soil conditions including texture, pH, nutrient content, and organic matter to assess soil fertility
- Evaluate environmental factors such as moisture levels, temperature, and microclimate conditions affecting crop performance
2
Pest and Disease Management Consulting
- Identify pests and diseases affecting crops and recommend appropriate pest control strategies
- Advise on the selection and application of pesticides in compliance with European pesticide legislation
- Recommend integrated pest management approaches that minimize chemical use while protecting crops
- Monitor crop health over time and adjust pest management strategies based on field observations
3
Irrigation and Nutrient Management Consultation
- Design and recommend irrigation systems and schedules appropriate for different crop types and soil conditions
- Develop fertilization plans and nutrient management strategies to optimize crop yields and farm profitability
- Apply knowledge of crop production principles to recommend appropriate fertilizer types and application rates
- Advise on water conservation techniques and irrigation efficiency to support environmental sustainability
4
Research and Experimentation
- Conduct field experiments to test new cultivation methods, crop varieties, and management practices
- Perform laboratory tests on soil samples, plant tissues, and water sources to obtain scientific data
- Analyze scientific literature and stay informed about the latest advances in crop science and agronomy
- Document experimental results and communicate findings to farmers and stakeholders
5
Consultation and Business Advisory Services
- Provide expert consultation to individual farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and commercial farming companies
- Develop crop production plans based on budgetary principles, market conditions, and farm capabilities
- Advise on crop selection, rotation strategies, and diversification to improve farm profitability and sustainability
- Assess horticulture and livestock integration opportunities and recommend effective farming practices
6
Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Compliance
- Advise farmers on compliance with environmental legislation and sustainable agricultural practices
- Promote agroecological approaches and conservation practices that protect soil health and biodiversity
- Assess crop harvest methods and post-harvest practices to minimize waste and environmental impact
- Explore opportunities for biomass cultivation and renewable energy production on agricultural lands
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (34)
consultation methodsconsultation methodsTechniques used to facilitate clear and open communication and the provision of advice between individuals, communities or the government, such as discussion groups or one-on-one interviews.mathematicsmathematicsMathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to pr...crop production principlescrop production principlesPrinciples in growing crops, the natural cycle, nursing of nature, growth conditions and principles of organic and sustainable production. Quality criterias and requirements of seeds, plants and crop.pesticidespesticidesTypes of chemical characteristics of pesticides and their adverse human and environmental effects.European pesticide legislationEuropean pesticide legislationThe EU framework for community action which promotes the sustainable use of pesticides.environmental legislationenvironmental legislationThe environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.irrigation systemsirrigation systemsThe methods and systems management in irrigation.budgetary principlesbudgetary principlesPrinciples of estimating and planning of forecasts for business activity, compile regular budget and reports.scientific literaturescientific literatureThe medium of informing the scientific community, including academic researchers, about the results of scientific research. It constitutes a permanent and cumulative collection of all the findings of ...laboratory techniqueslaboratory techniquesTechniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.biologybiologyTissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.pest control in plantspest control in plantsTypes and features of pests in plants and crops. Different kinds of pest control methods, activities using conventional or biological methods taking into account the type of plant or crop, environment...agronomyagronomyThe study of combining agriculture production and protection and regeneration of natural environment. It includes the principles and methods of critical selection and adequate application methods for ...plant harvest methodsplant harvest methodsThe various methods, timing and equipment involved in harvesting different crops and plants.agroecologyagroecologyThe study and application of ecological and agronomic concepts and principles to agricultural production systems.livestock specieslivestock speciesLivestock species and relevant genetics.horticulture principleshorticulture principlesThe standard horticultural practices, including but not limited to planting, pruning, corrective pruning, and fertilisation.plant propagationplant propagationTypes of different propagation methods, materials and seeds and their criteria for health and quality.cultivate crops for biomasscultivate crops for biomassCarry out the cultivation of crops for bio-mass, process of crops for bio-mass.perform laboratory testsperform laboratory testsCarry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.manage nutrientsmanage nutrientsCollect and process samples of soil and plant tissue. Supervise application of lime and fertilisers.execute analytical mathematical calculationsexecute analytical mathematical calculationsApply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.maintain laboratory equipmentmaintain laboratory equipmentClean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.apply horticultural standards and practicesapply horticultural standards and practicesEstablishes and maintains high horticultural standards and practices; providing direction, training and motivation for the horticultural staff, interns and volunteers.apply safety procedures in laboratoryapply safety procedures in laboratoryMake sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.gather experimental datagather experimental dataCollect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligib...consult with business clientsconsult with business clientsCommunicate with clients of a business or business project in order to introduce new ideas, obtain feedback, and find solutions to problems.research improvement of crop yieldsresearch improvement of crop yieldsStudy crop production in order to discover the best way to plant, gather, and cultivate crops to increase productivity.manage livestockmanage livestockPlan production programmes, birth plans, sales, feed purchase orders, materials, equipment, housing, location and stock management. Plan the destruction of relevant animals in humane manner and in acc...manage crop rotationmanage crop rotationPlan and perform crop rotation and other crop management techniques such us rotation by plant family or by nutrients requirements, to optimise soil nutrients, improve its fertility, prevent erosion as...use agricultural information systems and databasesuse agricultural information systems and databasesUse relevant information systems and databases to plan, manage and operate agricultural enterprise and production.plant disease controlplant disease controlTypes and features of diseases in plants and crops. Different kinds control methods, activities using conventional or biological methods taking into account the type of plant or crop, environmental an...environmental legislation in agriculture and forestryenvironmental legislation in agriculture and forestryAwareness on environmental legislation, policies, principles relevant for agriculture and forestry. Awareness of the impact on the environment of local agricultural procedures and practices. Means to ...
Optional (46) — show
climate smart agricultureclimate smart agricultureAn integrated approach to landscape management that aims at increasing food productivity, enhance crop resilience, ensure food safety and reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.microbiology-bacteriologymicrobiology-bacteriologyMicrobiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.quality criteria for storage facilitiesquality criteria for storage facilitiesQuality criteria for storage facilities such as safe locking systems, ventilation, regularly inspected fireproofing systems, etc.organic farmingorganic farmingPrinciples, techniques and regulations of organic farming. Organic farming or ecological agriculture is an agricultural production method, which places a strong emphasis on environmental protection an...biological chemistrybiological chemistryBiological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.agricultural equipmentagricultural equipmentThe offered agricultural machinery and equipment products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.bioeconomybioeconomyThe production of renewable biological resources and the conversion of these resources and waste streams into value added products, such as food, feed, bio-based products and bioenergy.soil structuresoil structureDiversity of soil elements and types of soil in relation to plant growth.types of storage facilitiestypes of storage facilitiesDifferent types of devices and facilities used to hold information and their quality criterias.molecular biologymolecular biologyThe interactions between the various systems of a cell, the interactions between the different types of genetic material and how these interactions are regulated.livestock feedinglivestock feedingFood given to domestic animals in the course of animal husbandry.ecologyecologyThe study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.fertilisation principlesfertilisation principlesThe study of plant, soil structure, climatic and environmental issues in agronomical production.genetic engineeringgenetic engineeringManipulation of the genetic material of an organism using methods that insert new DNA into or remove heritable material from the genome.reforestationreforestationMethods for the recovery of deforested areas to reverse the destruction of forests and regreen an important number of hectares. Strategies as planting new trees, protecting ecosystems from destruction...create solutions to problemscreate solutions to problemsSolve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising informat...monitor cropsmonitor cropsMonitor the growth of the crops to ensure the crops are free from diseases, harmful chemicals and organisms.maintain plants' growthmaintain plants' growthSupport growth, appearance and intended purpose of the plants.communicate with customerscommunicate with customersRespond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.write research proposalswrite research proposalsSynthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the ...develop personal skillsdevelop personal skillsSet goals for personal development and act accordingly. Plan personal development by analysing work experience and establishing areas that need development. Takes part in training sessions considering...develop irrigation strategiesdevelop irrigation strategiesPlan the deployment of methods and procedures for watering the land by artificial means, taking into account strategies for water use sustainability. Put in place measures for safe re-use of water, im...manage agricultural staffmanage agricultural staffRecruit and manage staff. This includes defining the job needs of the organisation, defining the criteria and process for recruitment. Develop the competences of the staff according current and future...advise on fertiliser and herbicideadvise on fertiliser and herbicideProvide advice on types of fertilisers and herbicides, their usage and best time to apply them.keep task recordskeep task recordsOrganise and classify records of prepared reports and correspondence related to the performed work and progress records of tasks.liaise with crop growersliaise with crop growersGive advice to agronomical and horticultural crop growers regarding aspects such as the maintenance of crops and more technical information concerning business and product development issues.make decisions regarding plant propagationmake decisions regarding plant propagationDecide on issues regarding business management and further advice for the cultivation of crops and plants.collect samples for analysiscollect samples for analysisCollect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.prevent crop disordersprevent crop disordersAdvise on how to prevent and limit particular crop disorders with the appropriate methods. Select corrective treatments.analyse samples of food and beveragesanalyse samples of food and beveragesExamine if food or beverages are safe for human consumption. Verify the right levels of key ingredients and the correctness of the label declarations and the levels of nutrients present. Ensure sample...manage crop productionmanage crop productionPerform crop production duties such as planning, tilling, planting, fertilising, cultivating, spraying, and harvesting. Supervise all steps of the crop production and ranging process, including planti...use communication techniquesuse communication techniquesApply techniques of communication which allow interlocutors to better understand each other and communicate accurately in the transmission of messages.develop scientific theoriesdevelop scientific theoriesFormulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.assess crop damageassess crop damageIdentify and evaluate damage to crops due to disorders, adverse physical soil conditions, unsuitable pH, nutrient imbalances and deficiencies, the misuse of crop protection materials, or extreme weath...supervise laboratory operationssupervise laboratory operationsSupervise the staff working in a laboratory, as well as oversee that equipment is functional and maintained, and procedures occur in compliance with regulations and legislation.write technical reportswrite technical reportsCompose technical customer reports understandable for people without technical background.develop scientific research protocolsdevelop scientific research protocolsDevelop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication.comply with agricultural code of practicecomply with agricultural code of practiceAdhere to a decree which talks about a series of rules and practices in business transactions between horticultural growers and sellers.create crop protection planscreate crop protection plansMonitor crops for issues with crop protection. Design integrated control strategies. Assess the consequences of pesticide application. Keep up with developments in biotechnology to help reduce usage o...archive scientific documentationarchive scientific documentationStore documents such as protocols, analysis results and scientific data using archiving systems to enable scientists and engineers to take methods and results from previous studies into account for th...write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.manage farm suppliesmanage farm suppliesManage farm supplies by taking care of the purchase and storing procedures. Select and purchase supplies and equipment such as seeds, livestock feed, fertilisers and farm machinery.accept own accountabilityaccept own accountabilityAccept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.advise on crop diseasesadvise on crop diseasesGive advice on crops which have a specific susceptibility to particular diseases and the procedures that are suitable for their treatment.advise on soil and water protectionadvise on soil and water protectionAdvise on methods to protect soil and water sources against pollution such as nitrate leaching which is responsible for soil erosion.pollution preventionpollution preventionThe processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
horticulture production manager9 shared essential skillsagronomic crop production team leader8 shared essential skillshorticulture production team leader8 shared essential skillscrop production manager7 shared essential skillsfruit production team leader7 shared essential skillssoil scientist7 shared essential skillsagricultural technician6 shared essential skillsanalytical chemist6 shared essential skills
Frequently asked questions
What does an agronomist do?
Agronomists provide consulting services to companies, agricultural cooperatives, agronomical crop growers and horticultural crop growers on the cultivation of food crops. They study the science, technology and business related to growing plants. They examine crops and perform experiments in order to improve crop yields and farms' production. Agronomists also examine the most effective ways to harvest and cultivate plants.
What skills does an agronomist need?
An agronomist needs 34 essential skills, including consultation methods, mathematics, crop production principles, pesticides, European pesticide legislation.
Will AI replace agronomist jobs?
The AI disruption score for agronomist is 27/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: archive scientific documentation, keep task records, write work-related reports. Most resilient: consultation methods, reforestation, plant propagation.
AI Replacement Risk
27/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
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