Module Details

Module Code: AGRI C4F02
Module Title: Arable Fodder Crops
Title: Arable Fodder Crops
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Stephen Whelan
Module Author:: John Carroll
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to provide learners with an insight into the main types of arable fodder crops grown on Irish farms. Students will be introduced to the agronomy and physiology of these crops and be shown management programmes to optimise production
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Knowledge of the commonly grown animal fodder crops and their utilisation on Irish farms
LO2 Demonstrate an understanding of the physiological components that lead to efficient management of these crops
LO3 Demonstrate knowledge of agronomy practices associated with optimum productivity of these crops
LO4 Explain the benefits of cover and catch crops to efficiency and sustainability on Irish farms
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Arable fodder types
Knowledge of the arable fodder crops grown on Irish farms to include Fodder beet, Maize, Fodder rape, etc. Understanding of markets and utilisation of these crops
Physiology of fodder crops.
Understanding of the differing growth and developmental stages of C4 crops, root crops, cover crops. Knowledge of how each crop utilises resources to create biomass.
Agronomy of arable fodder crops
Management programmes for each crop. Optimisation of resources to improve yield. Harvest and utilisation strategies.
Integration of Catch/Cover crops into rotations
How cover crops can be used to maximise productivity on arable farms. The crops used. The agronomy of these crops. How they can benefit the entire production system in terms of nutrient, soil structure, chemical use. Their value as a feed source.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment70.00%
End of Module Formal Examination30.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Case Studies % of Total Mark 35
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Case Study: Learners will be required to conduct relevant case studies in fodder crop production and utilisation
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Project on the use of cover crops to enhance nutrient use and sustainability
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 10
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Reports on site visits and practical work.
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 30
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Terminal Examination
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 Including visits by guest lecturers Every Week 2.00 2
Practicals Contact Field Visits Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Learning Non Contact Including websites of machinery manufacturers 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.
  • Teagasc. Maize Growth Guide.
  • BBRO. Sugar Beet Reference Book.
  • Teagasc. Major and Minor Nutrient Advice for Agricultural Crops.
  • Margaret McMahon,Anton M. Kofranek,Vincent E. Rubatzky. (2011), Plant Science, Pearson, p.674, [ISBN: 0-13-501407-7].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: