The professions of Agronomist and Horticulturist are much related to each other.  Agronomy acts as a subdivision under the main stream of Horticulture. Horticulture is the division of Agriculture that deals with diverse aspects of plant production, plant breeding activities, its nutritional values and its maintenance.

Horticulturist strives to generate good quality plant products with high quality and yield. The Agronomist is one who tries to achieve all these through better management of soil. As soil is one of the important factors that determine the growth, Agronomist conducts research in the soil to identify new ways to make it appropriate to the growth of plants. Both the professions require adequate knowledge in scientific methods and they should also possess the ability to relate these in to plant studies and research activities.

Horticulturist Courses and Career Opportunities

The candidate should possess at least a graduation in Biology or Agriculture to get in to the job profile of Horticulturist. Most of the firms insist Master’s Degree in Horticulture as the qualification preferable for the job profile of Horticulturist. They should have in depth knowledge in the field in which they are applying. The Masters degree in Horticulture will enable one to do a doctorate level course in the same field. They can find job opportunities with plant production, landscape installation, pest management, plant inspection, and so on.

Agronomist Courses and Career

The graduation is Agronomy can be considered as the basic qualification required for the post of Agronomist. Pursuing higher study options in the field may help one to have further research in the area or they can obtain a lucrative career in the segment. They should possess sufficient knowledge and research skills in soil conservation activities. The postgraduate courses improve the skill and knowledge of the individual in the related area to perform well. They can find enormous opportunities in research or in any of the reputed firms operating in the same.

Key differences between an Agronomist and Horticulturist

• Though Agronomist and Horticulturist act as related fields in Agriculture, Agronomy is a sub specialization under the main stream of Horticulture.
• Horticulturist identifies diverse aspects in plant cultivation, its resistance to diseases, its nutritional values, its quality, quantity of yield and so on. The agronomist on the other hand deals with soil conservation activities necessary for better plant growth and maintenance.

The education, the skills, and knowledge required for both the professions are much different. Moreover they differ also on the basis of the techniques and equipments employed for achieving the intended requirements.