Agronomy Degree Practice Exam

Which term refers to the quantity of marketable plant parts?

1. Economic yield

2. Biological yield

3. Harvest index

4. Biomass

The correct answer is: Economic yield

The term "economic yield" specifically refers to the quantity of marketable plant parts, which are the portions of the plant that can be sold or have value in the market. This can include fruits, seeds, and other plant materials that are harvested and utilized for economic benefit. This concept is crucial in agronomy as it helps farmers and agronomists assess the profitability and sustainability of crops. Economic yield focuses on the products that have direct financial value, as opposed to simply measuring the overall growth of the plant. This allows for a more targeted analysis of agricultural productivity, emphasizing the importance of optimizing the yield of parts that contribute directly to revenue. In contrast, biological yield refers to the total biomass produced by a plant, which includes both marketable and non-marketable parts. The harvest index is a ratio that describes the proportion of economic yield to biological yield and is an important metric for assessing crop efficiency but does not define the quantity itself. Biomass refers more generally to the total mass of living material, without focusing on marketability. Understanding economic yield helps in making informed decisions related to crop production, resource allocation, and overall agricultural management.