WHAT IS AGRICULTURAL AND BIO-ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING ALL ABOUT??
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These coming days, most of my articles will be centered on Agricultural Engineering. My assignments,research and summary from what I read will be updated here. This will help me stay focused in school while I steem on. Mostimes when I tell people my course of study,they give me that "WHAT IS THAT??" look. To clear the air and also help students that might find themselves in this department or are in search of department to apply for, I will give an intensive introduction.
WHAT IS AGRICULTURAL AND BIO-ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Agricultural Engineering can not be well defined without making emphasis on Agriculture and Engineering.
~AGRICULTURE is the act of cultivating,harvesting and raising livestock to produce plants and animals for human. Agriculture also includes horticulture,seed production,diary farming,livestock production and management of land that supports the activities.
~ENGINEERING is the art and science by which the properties of matter are made useful to man,either in living organisms,chemical substances,machines or structures.
~AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING according to ASABE is the application of any or all branches of Engineering knowledge for use in farming and all its ramifications. AE is often referred to as the bedrock of Agricultural development. We are JACK OF ALL ENGINEERING PROFESSION,MASTER OF ALL.
SPECIALIZATION
Agricultural Engineering have 5 major areas of specialization:-
- SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION:- This entails the effective use of soil,maximum output,drainage,irrigation,erosion and flood control,surface and ground water management.
- CROP PROCESSING AND STORAGE:- This entails the various operations for processing harvested produce,adding value to the market and storage of crops.
- FARM POWER AND MACHINERY:- This entails the source of energy besides human muscle that is used in the farm. Machine design,construction,fabrication,operation and maintenance.
- RURAL OR FARM ELECTRIFICATION:- This entails the availability of electricity,electricity for domestic use,water supply,milking,milkprocessing,heating of brooder houses,operation of machines.
- FARM STRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENT:- This entails providing a conducive farming environment,maintenance of farm structures such as fence,road,barn,silo,farm dwelling,water house and machine shop.
OBJEACTIVES OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
- Ensure availability of Agricultural produce all year round.
- Reduction of drudgery in Agricultural operations.
- Reduction of farming hazards
- Enhancement of the quality of life for the farmer.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS
- Industries
- Research work
- Field practice
- Teaching
- Self employment
The beautiful thing about Agricultural Engineering is that an Agricultural Engineer can choose to swap to any of the other Engineering departments I.e Mechanical Engineering,Civil Engineering,Petroleum Engineering and Electrical Engineer. A BSC holder in Agricultural Engineering can choose to do his masters in any of the Engineering departments listed above but people from other Engineering departments can not swap to Agricultural Engineering.
QUALITIES OF A GOOD AGRICULTURAL ENGINEER
- Must have interest in RURAL areas
- Must have a background knowledge of Agricultural science, physics,mathematics,biology and chemistry.
- Must be tolerant
- Must be accomodative
- Must be a good team member.