Module Details

Module Code: AGRI C4F01
Module Title: Advanced Agronomy
Title: Advanced Agronomy
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Stephen Whelan
Module Author:: John Carroll
Domains:  
Module Description: The module aims to build upon the skills acquired from the previous crop production modules. Students will acquire the skillset necessary to sustainably manage crops at farm level. This knowledge will be applicable to cereal, oilseeds, legume, root and grassland production.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 The use of integrated pest management as it applies to sustainable agricultural systems.
LO2 Have an appreciation of the most up to date regulations in the area of crop production including environmental and health issues. Critically, the student will acquire the skills necessary to keep abreast of various legislation as it evolves and impacts upon their business.
LO3 Learners will have knowledge of agronomic plans for the production of cereal crops.
LO4 Have an understanding of sustainable management strategies for the production of oilseeds and legumes
LO5 Knowledge of how farmers allocate time and resources to crop production strategies.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
7833 FARM H2716 Crop production and weed science
7844 FARM H1717 Introduction to Crop Production
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Integrated pest management
• Rotations • Alternative forage selection • Cultural control • Establishment of critical thresholds for the control of crop pests and diseases
Cereal Crop Agronomy
Strategies around the key agronomic practices for cereal crops. Site selection. Seed rates. Sowing Dates. Weed, insect and disease control.
Oilseed and legume crop agronomy
Details of key agronomic practices for oilseeds and legumes. Site selection. Seed rates. Sowing dates. Weed, disease and insect control.
Resource allocation
How to correctly plan the use of resources around key agronomic timings. Machinery. Labour. Resource allocation.
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 30
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will create a detailed agronomy plan for the production of up to 3 crops on their farm.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will be required to conduct plant counts, tiller counts, identify growth stages.
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Terminal Examination

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 Polytunnel based practicals to discuss and demonstrate the use of PPPs. Farm visits to show IPM strategies. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Learning Non Contact Selected websites and journals. Continuous assessment. Study Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Department of Agriculture. Guidance Notes on Integrated Pest Management.
  • Department of Agriculture. Sustainable Use Directive.
  • Teagasc. Major and Minor Nutrients for Agricultural Crops.
  • Teagasc. Winter Wheat Growth Guide.
  • Teagasc. Spring Barley Growth Guide.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: