Basic Knowledge in Agriculture #73

Explain in detail the term Horticulture

Source

The term Horticulture is a branch of agriculture that takes good care of cultivation, production, improvement, and marketing of garden crops like vegetables, fruits, ornamental plants, spices, and flowers.

Horticulture focuses more on growing of plant on a smaller and more intensive scale compared to the local way of farming. This is because horticulture makes use of modern techniques, proper means of plant care, fertiliser, irrigation, improved varieties, and pest control.

Branches of Horticulture:
There are different branches of horticulture which some of which are:

• Pomology: This is the branch of horticulture that deals with the cultivation of fruits like banana, orange, Apple, and mango.

• Olericulture: This is the branch of horticulture that deals with the production of vegetables like tomato, carrot, cabbage, and pepper.

• Landscape horticulture: This is the branch of horticulture that deals with designing and maintaining gardens, lawns, and parks.

• Floriculture: This is the branch of horticulture that deals with the growing of flowers and ornamental plants.

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What is the importance of Horticulture?

In agriculture horticulture plays an important role in ensuring there is a supply of food.

Source

• Source of food: Horticulture provides vegetables and fruits on a large scale which are an important source for mineral, nutrients and minerals needed for healthy living.

• Employment opportunities: Horticulture create jobs opportunities for people to earn a living through vegetable production, fruit, flower farming, and several others.

• Income Generation: A farmer makes more money from a small area of land.

• Environmental protection: Horticulture helps to protect our environment from pollution and prevent soil erosion.