Understanding the Science of Agronomy

The Agronomy Essentials non-credit course is delivered 100% online to meet the needs of professionals in all areas of agriculture. The course provides a comprehensive baseline understanding of agronomy for growers and employees of agricultural service and supply companies. Agronomy Essentials promotes important knowledge that will expand your understanding and communication skills.

25 CEUs
25 CEUs

Certified Crop Advisers receive 25 continuing education units.

100+ Videos
100+ Videos

Over 100 video lessons along with additional educational materials.

Award f​or Excellence
Award f​or Excellence

2015 Award f​or Excellence in Distance Learning For Professional Development​​​​​.

25 CEUs
25 CEUs

Certified Crop Advisers receive 25 continuing education units.

100+ Videos
100+ Videos

Over 100 video lessons along with additional educational materials.

Award f​or Excellence
Award f​or Excellence

2015 Award f​or Excellence in Distance Learning For Professional Development​​​​​.

Agronomy Essentials is designed for learners to complete one unit every two weeks, but they can work ahead as they choose. The course is open for 12 weeks and each unit requires approximately four to five hours of study. Once a learner completes a module and its test, the next module opens. Once opened, the modules within the six units remain open for review. The course contains over 100 video lessons along with supplemental reading, graphics, glossaries, links to additional information, downloadable slides, and tests after each module. This allows additional flexibility to meet individual work, home, and life demands. Course materials are available for the duration of the course session allowing student review as each section is completed.

After completion, course graduates receive a personalized certificate from Purdue Online suitable for framing.

Agronomy Essentials Europe

The Agronomy Essentials course is also offered for European agriculture. The course offers insight and understanding to meet the needs of agricultural producers and professionals whose focus is specifically European based.  The topics mirror the Academy’s original course, Agronomy Essentials, but details European agronomic practices and crops rather than North American.  The course is beneficial to those who live and work in Europe, as well as, agricultural professionals who interact with European counterparts.

Download the Syllabus

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Hear From Our Graduates

"Great experience overall. Covering these basics has been extremely helpful to my understanding of the field and makes me feel better informed when talking with customers and equipment dealers." 
"I found the entire course covers crucial knowledge that is necessary to have to be successful in any agricultural work field."

Course Syllabus

Modules are due every second Wednesday at 11:59 EDT. Learners may work ahead to finish early if desired.

  • Soil Texture and Structure, Biological, and Chemical Properties
  • Water and Solute Movement in Soils, Irrigation, Drainage Methods
  • Site Characterization, Legal Land Descriptions, Understanding Soil and Field Maps
  • Tillage and Residue Management, Soil Restrictive Layers
  • Soil Conservation, Water and Air Quality

  • Essential Elements, Plant Functions and The Nitrogen Cycle
  • Soil and Plant Nutrient Assessment
  • Fertilizers and Manures
  • Fertilizer Application, Placement and Timing
  • Fertilizer Additives and Soil Amendments

  • Crop Types and Cropping Systems, Crop Improvement
  • Seed Selection and Characteristics of Corn, Soybeans and Wheat Crop Testing
  • Planter and Drill Operation
  • Corn, Soybean, Wheat and Forage Management Practices
  • Precision Farming

  • Corn Growth and Development
  • Soybean Growth and Development
  • Small Grains and Forages Growth and Development
  • Photosynthesis and Plant Growth, Cell and Leaf Anatomy
  • Crop Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

  • Weed Identification and Management Principles
  • Insect Identification and Management Principles
  • Disease Identification and Management Principles
  • Pesticide Application and Stewardship

  • Crop Harvest, Storage and Quality
  • Marketing and Basic Economics

E-Learning Environment

Explore how online courses will fit into your professional schedule.

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