SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE: SOME LESSONS OF HISTORY

Abstract

This study basically focuses special aspects related to the history of agronomy, the evolution of agriculture and the economic factors responsible for the adoption of these activities. The predominant utilization of agricultural chemistry and the concern with a scientific analysis of the soil/plant/weather complex suggest utilization of agriculture practices that, in many ways, coincide with the recommendations made for organic or biological agriculture. The text deals with the example of American agriculture, of a speculative character, in relation to European agriculture, where the relationship between man and land was marked by a strong respect. It mentions the usage of chemical fertilization and the simplification of tillage systems through critical analysis, it emphasizes Brazilian agriculture, similar to American agriculture in its highly speculative aspect and in its lack of an European-style farmer class. It limits itself mainly to agricultural research on the "cerrado". Based on results obtained by the Center for Agricultural Research on the "Cerrados" (CPAC): low soil fertility, water availability, soil conservation and insect control.