Fields of agricultural science

Thirteen disciplines, from soils and crops to animals, food, economics and engineering - what each one studies, how fast it is growing and where its research happens.

Crop Science & Agronomy

How field crops grow, yield and respond to management, weather and stress.

169,868 papers 2021–2025
+13% vs. 2021–2022

Soil Science & Plant Nutrition

Soil fertility, nutrient cycles, fertilization and soil conservation.

181,515 papers 2021–2025
+9% vs. 2021–2022

Plant Breeding & Genetics

Genetic improvement of crops, from classical breeding to genomics.

112,483 papers 2021–2025
+2% vs. 2021–2022

Plant Pathology & Weed Science

Plant diseases, pathogens, nematodes and weeds - and how to control them.

153,308 papers 2021–2025
−7% vs. 2021–2022

Agricultural Entomology & Pest Management

Insect pests, beneficial insects, biological control and apiculture.

139,788 papers 2021–2025
+5% vs. 2021–2022

Horticulture & Controlled Environments

Fruit, vegetables, vines and ornamentals, greenhouses and postharvest.

122,559 papers 2021–2025
+13% vs. 2021–2022

Animal Science & Nutrition

Livestock nutrition, physiology, reproduction, breeding and husbandry.

137,588 papers 2021–2025
+3% vs. 2021–2022

Animal Health & Welfare

Livestock diseases, epidemiology, zoonoses and animal welfare.

87,729 papers 2021–2025
+11% vs. 2021–2022

Aquaculture & Fisheries

Fish and shellfish farming, aquatic animal health and fisheries science.

70,339 papers 2021–2025
+21% vs. 2021–2022

Food Science & Safety

Food composition, processing, quality, microbiology and safety.

177,622 papers 2021–2025
+21% vs. 2021–2022

Agricultural Economics & Rural Development

Farm economics, markets, policy, land, food security and rural livelihoods.

135,300 papers 2021–2025
+16% vs. 2021–2022

Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering

Machinery, irrigation, remote sensing, precision and digital agriculture.

118,394 papers 2021–2025
+56% vs. 2021–2022

Farming Systems, Climate & Environment

Whole-farm systems, sustainability, climate impacts and environmental effects.

141,697 papers 2021–2025
+18% vs. 2021–2022