Module Details

Module Code: SYST C2F03
Module Title: Sustainable Cropping Systems
Title: Sustainable Cropping Systems
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Stephen Whelan
Module Author:: John Carroll
Domains:  
Module Description: This module aims to build upon knowledge acquired during Year 1, specifically focusing on methods that can enhance the sustainability of crop production in Ireland. Students will learn how to critically assess various cropping options from an environmental and economic perspective.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Critically assess the economics of producing various cereal and break crops in Ireland
LO2 Identification and control of weeds in managed pasture and cropping systems
LO3 Management of cereal and break crops including the strategic use of rotations to enhance the sustainability of crop production
LO4 Application of nutrient managements strategies to optimise sustainable crop production
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
7844 FARM H1717 Introduction to Crop Production
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Crop Rotations
Why crop rotations are important. Soil, disease, environment, yield benefits
Weed control
Identification of common agricultural weeds. Knowledge of their life cycles. How to control common weeds.
Economics of crop production
Understanding of the costs associated with crop production. Fertiliser, pesticides, machinery, seeds etc.
Nutrient Management
Nutrients required for sustainable crop production. Artifical and non - artificial fertilisers. Planning of nutrient applications.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Portfolio % of Total Mark 25
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will be required to gather samples of weeds from agricultural locations. The weeds will be identified and information relating to the weeds and their control will be gathered.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will complete an integrated cropping plan for a farm that includes the division of work load, economics of production and the use of rotations. This plan will be delivered through oral presentation to peers.
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
An end of year exam will take place covering aspects of crop production delivered during the term
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Imparting knowledge and ideas and facilitating learners to learn independently Every Week 2.00 2
Practicals Contact Use of polytunnel and on farm visits to engage in the practical aspects of crop production Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Learning Non Contact Completion of field laboratory reports. Autonomous student learning and revision of concepts delivered through the lectures Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • McMahon. (2011), Plant science: Growth, development and utilisation of cultivated crops, 5. Pearson Education, [ISBN: 0-13-501407-7].
  • Morrison. (2003), A colour atlas of weed seedlings, Manson, [ISBN: 1840760389].
  • Finch. (2003), Lockhart and Wiseman's crop husbandry including grassland, 8. Woodhead Publishing in food science and technology, [ISBN: 1855735490].
  • Frame. (2011), Improved grassland management, 2. Crowood, [ISBN: 1847972616].
  • Teagasc. Major and Minor Nutrients for Agricultural Crops.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: