In agricultural science, "Agronomy" is best described as the branch that deals with the practice and science of raising which of the following?

Introduction / Context:
Agricultural science is divided into several specialised branches, each focusing on particular aspects such as soil management, plant breeding, horticulture and livestock. "Agronomy" is one of the core disciplines within agriculture and is frequently mentioned in competitive examinations, especially those with rural development or agricultural components. Understanding what agronomy specifically deals with helps distinguish it from related fields like horticulture and animal husbandry. This question asks you to identify what Agronomy is primarily concerned with raising.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The term under consideration is "Agronomy."
• Options include plants and animals, crop plants, agriculture in general, and fruit plants only.
• Standard textbook definitions of agronomy are assumed.
• The focus is on practical and scientific management of field crops.

Concept / Approach:
Agronomy is defined as the science and practice of crop production and soil management in the field. It focuses on field crops such as cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and fibre crops, and studies how factors like soil fertility, water management, cropping systems, and nutrient application affect yield. It does not primarily concern raising animals (that is animal husbandry), nor is it restricted only to fruit plants (which fall under horticulture). Although agronomy is a major part of agriculture, the option that simply says "agriculture in general" is too vague. Therefore, the most precise description is that agronomy deals with crop plants, especially field crops.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
In agricultural curricula, subjects are often divided into agronomy, soil science, horticulture, agricultural engineering, and animal husbandry. The syllabus for agronomy focuses on crop production techniques and field management rather than on orchards or livestock. Course titles like "Principles of Agronomy" or "Field Crop Production" further confirm that agronomy is centred on crop plants and their cultivation in fields, not on animals or garden crops alone.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Plants and Animals: This broad description mixes plant and animal production and does not match the crop focused nature of agronomy.
• Agriculture in general: Too vague; agriculture includes many branches (including agronomy), but agronomy itself is specifically about crop plants and field practices.
• Fruit plants only: Fruit cultivation belongs more to horticulture, particularly pomology, and does not represent the full scope of agronomy.

Common Pitfalls:
Because agronomy is a central branch of agriculture, some students mistakenly think it covers every aspect of farming, including livestock. Another pitfall is to confuse horticulture and agronomy, especially when fruit crops are considered. To avoid these errors, remember that agronomy is primarily about field crops and their management, while horticulture covers fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamentals, and animal husbandry deals with livestock.

Final Answer:
"Agronomy" is the practice and science of raising Crop plants, especially field crops, along with managing the soils in which they grow.