agroecology
The study and application of ecological and agronomic concepts and principles to agricultural production systems.
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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.
Competences and skills
81 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 20 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
12 competencesbudgetary principles
Principles of estimating and planning of forecasts for business activity, compile regular budget and reports.
consultation methods
Techniques 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.
crop production principles
Principles 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.
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European pesticide legislation
The EU framework for community action which promotes the sustainable use of pesticides.
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horticulture principles
The standard horticultural practices, including but not limited to planting, pruning, corrective pruning, and fertilisation.
irrigation systems
The methods and systems management in irrigation.
livestock species
Livestock species and relevant genetics.
pesticides
Types of chemical characteristics of pesticides and their adverse human and environmental effects.
plant disease control
Types 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 and climate conditions and health and safety regulations. Storage and handling of products.
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plant harvest methods
The various methods, timing and equipment involved in harvesting different crops and plants.
plant propagation
Types of different propagation methods, materials and seeds and their criteria for health and quality.
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Cross-sector
8 competencesagronomy
The 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 sustainability in agriculture.
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biology
Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.
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environmental legislation
The environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.
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environmental legislation in agriculture and forestry
Awareness 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 adjust the production to new environmental regulations and policies.
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laboratory techniques
Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.
mathematics
Mathematics 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 prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.
pest control in plants
Types 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, environmental and climate conditions and health and safety regulations. Storage and handling of products.
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scientific literature
The 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 scientific research in various fields and at any point in time.
Essential skills and competences 15 competences
Occupation specific
1 competenceapply horticultural standards and practices
Establishes and maintains high horticultural standards and practices; providing direction, training and motivation for the horticultural staff, interns and volunteers.
Sector-specific
8 competencesapply safety procedures in laboratory
Make 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.
consult with business clients
Communicate with clients of a business or business project in order to introduce new ideas, obtain feedback, and find solutions to problems.
cultivate crops for biomass
Carry out the cultivation of crops for bio-mass, process of crops for bio-mass.
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manage crop rotation
Plan and perform crop rotation and other crop management techniques such us rotation by plant family or by nutrients requirements, to optimitise soil nutrients, improve its fertility, prevent erosion as well as to combat weed and pest pressure.
manage livestock
Plan 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 accordance with national legislation. Follow businesses requirements and integration into qualitative research and knowledge transfer.
manage nutrients
Collect and process samples of soil and plant tissue. Supervise application of lime and fertilisers.
supervise hygiene procedures in agricultural settings
Ensure that hygiene procedures in agricultural settings are followed, taking into account the regulations of specific areas of action e.q. livestock, plants, local farm products, etc.
use agricultural information systems and databases
Use relevant information systems and databases to plan, manage and operate agricultural enterprise and production.
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- Scope note
- Information systems and databases may include lists of plants, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, livestock etc., but also monitoring systems for farm facilities, greenhouses etc. and keeping account of products quality, quantity etc.
Cross-sector
6 competencesexecute analytical mathematical calculations
Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
gather experimental data
Collect data resulting from the application of scientific methods such as test methods, experimental design or measurements.
maintain laboratory equipment
Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.
perform laboratory tests
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
research improvement of crop yields
Study crop production in order to discover the best way to plant, gather, and cultivate crops to increase productivity.
write work-related reports
Compose 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 intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.
Optional knowledge 16 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
11 competencesagricultural equipment
The offered agricultural machinery and equipment products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.
biological chemistry
Biological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
climate smart agriculture
An 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.
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genetic engineering
Manipulation of the genetic material of an organism using methods that insert new DNA into or remove heritable material from the genome.
livestock feeding
Food given to domestic animals in the course of animal husbandry.
microbiology-bacteriology
Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
organic farming
Principles, techniques and regulations of organic farming. Organic farming or ecological agriculture is an agricultural production method, which places a strong emphasis on environmental protection and ecological balance.
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quality criteria for storage facilities
Quality criteria for storage facilities such as safe locking systems, ventilation, regularly inspected fireproofing systems, etc.
reforestation
Methods 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 or sowing seeds are part of these reforestation methods.
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soil structure
Diversity of soil elements and types of soil in relation to plant growth.
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types of storage facilities
Different types of devices and facilities used to hold information and their quality criterias.
Cross-sector
5 competencesbioeconomy
The 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.
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ecology
The study of how organisms interact and their relation to the ambient environment.
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fertilisation principles
The study of plant, soil structure, climatic and environmental issues in agronomical production.
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molecular biology
The interactions between the various systems of a cell, the interactions between the different types of genetic material and how these interactions are regulated.
pollution prevention
The 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.
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Optional skills and competences 30 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
19 competencesaccept own accountability
Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.
advise on crop diseases
Give advice on crops which have a specific susceptibility to particular diseases and the procedures that are suitable for their treatment.
advise on fertiliser and herbicide
Provide advice on types of fertilisers and herbicides, their usage and best time to apply them.
advise on soil and water protection
Advise on methods to protect soil and water sources against pollution such as nitrate leaching which is responsible for soil erosion.
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analyse samples of food and beverages
Examine 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 samples of food and beverages comply to specific standards or procedures.
assess crop damage
Identify 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 weather factors.
comply with agricultural code of practice
Adhere to a decree which talks about a series of rules and practices in business transactions between horticultural growers and sellers.
create crop protection plans
Monitor 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 of chemicals. Manage pesticide resistance.
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develop irrigation strategies
Plan 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, improve efficiency in the use of the water for irrigation and preserve the status of water bodies during the creation or expansion of new or existing irrigation systems.
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develop personal skills
Set 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 his/her abilities, possibilities and feedback.
develop scientific theories
Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.
liaise with crop growers
Give 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.
maintain plants' growth
Support growth, appearance and intended purpose of the plants.
make decisions regarding plant propagation
Decide on issues regarding business management and further advice for the cultivation of crops and plants.
manage agricultural staff
Recruit 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 needs of the company and individuals. Ensure health and safety of the staff, including the implementation of all relevant health and safety procedures and relatations with regular follow-up procedures.
manage crop production
Perform crop production duties such as planning, tilling, planting, fertilising, cultivating, spraying, and harvesting. Supervise all steps of the crop production and ranging process, including planting, fertilising, harvesting, herding as well as controlling pests or weeds.
manage farm supplies
Manage 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.
monitor crops
Monitor the growth of the crops to ensure the crops are free from diseases, harmful chemicals and organisms.
prevent crop disorders
Advise on how to prevent and limit particular crop disorders with the appropriate methods. Select corrective treatments.
Cross-sector
11 competencesarchive scientific documentation
Store 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 their research.
collect samples for analysis
Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
- Scope note
- Follow the procedures required for the collection of materials and products for laboratory analysis.
communicate with customers
Respond 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.
create solutions to problems
Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings about practice.
develop scientific research protocols
Develop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication.
keep task records
Organise and classify records of prepared reports and correspondence related to the performed work and progress records of tasks.
supervise laboratory operations
Supervise 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.
use communication techniques
Apply techniques of communication which allow interlocutors to better understand each other and communicate accurately in the transmission of messages.
write research proposals
Synthetise 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 relevant subject and field of study.
write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
research
write technical reports
Compose technical customer reports understandable for people without technical background.