Well..the term "Horticulture" is probably of recent origin and it first appeared in writings of 17th century. This word is derived frmo the Latin word 'Hortus' meaning garden and 'cultura' meaning cultivation. Today horticulture encompasses more than garden cultivation. The modern horticulture may be defined as the crop science which deals with the production, utilization and improvement of fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, spices and plantation crops including medicinal and aromatic plants.
The term 'agriculture' refers broadly to the technology of raising plants and animals. On the other hand 'horticulture' which is a part of agriculture in the present context is concerned with raising of so called 'garden crops'. Horticulture deals with enormous number of crops. Garden crops traditionally include fruits, vegetables, spices and plantation crops, ornamental crops including medicinal and aromatic plants.
General characteristics of Horticulture that i consider the most:
> Horticultural produces are utilized in the fresh state and are highly perishable. In contrats, field and forestry crops are often utilized in the dried state and they are usually high in dry matter content.
> Horticultural crops generally require intensive cultivation warranting a large input, capital, labour and technology per unit area of land whereas agricultutal crops require only extensive cultivation.
> Cultural operations such as propagation, fertilizer application, training, pruning, harvesting, post harvest handling and marketing are skilled operations and are specific to horticultural crops
> Horticultural crops are the richest sources of vitamins and minerals whereas agricutural crops are generally rich in carbohydrates or proteins.
> Aesthetic sense or gratification is an exclusive phenomenon of horticultural science.
Science of horticulture consists of the following divisions:
* Pomology
* Olericulture
* Floriculture
* Spices
* Plantation crops
* Aromatic and medicinal plants
Many people percieve that horticulture or agriculture can only be carried out under a large piece of a land. NO. Thats not true, there are several ways to cultivate and earn money in the smallest piece of land that you already have, like a roof, porch or backyard or any piece of land. If not for money value, they can be cultivated for our own consumption which is totally a fun thing to do! because, i am more interested in home gardening and relishing my own fruits and vegetables THE ORGANIC WAY :)
I am going to discuss a lot about HOME GARDENING in my next few blogs :) so look forward to get benifited and to know more about this recreational activity :) Kindly post your comments and let me know more about your perceptions about gardening :)
The term 'agriculture' refers broadly to the technology of raising plants and animals. On the other hand 'horticulture' which is a part of agriculture in the present context is concerned with raising of so called 'garden crops'. Horticulture deals with enormous number of crops. Garden crops traditionally include fruits, vegetables, spices and plantation crops, ornamental crops including medicinal and aromatic plants.
General characteristics of Horticulture that i consider the most:
> Horticultural produces are utilized in the fresh state and are highly perishable. In contrats, field and forestry crops are often utilized in the dried state and they are usually high in dry matter content.
> Horticultural crops generally require intensive cultivation warranting a large input, capital, labour and technology per unit area of land whereas agricultutal crops require only extensive cultivation.
> Cultural operations such as propagation, fertilizer application, training, pruning, harvesting, post harvest handling and marketing are skilled operations and are specific to horticultural crops
> Horticultural crops are the richest sources of vitamins and minerals whereas agricutural crops are generally rich in carbohydrates or proteins.
> Aesthetic sense or gratification is an exclusive phenomenon of horticultural science.
Science of horticulture consists of the following divisions:
* Pomology
* Olericulture
* Floriculture
* Spices
* Plantation crops
* Aromatic and medicinal plants
Many people percieve that horticulture or agriculture can only be carried out under a large piece of a land. NO. Thats not true, there are several ways to cultivate and earn money in the smallest piece of land that you already have, like a roof, porch or backyard or any piece of land. If not for money value, they can be cultivated for our own consumption which is totally a fun thing to do! because, i am more interested in home gardening and relishing my own fruits and vegetables THE ORGANIC WAY :)
I am going to discuss a lot about HOME GARDENING in my next few blogs :) so look forward to get benifited and to know more about this recreational activity :) Kindly post your comments and let me know more about your perceptions about gardening :)
