INTEGRATED CROP MANAGEMENT
AGR3IPM
2018
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject students will extend and apply knowledge of agronomy and agricultural enterprises to the management of agricultural systems. The place of 'organic' and 'biodynamic' farming in an integrated model will be considered. Students will examine the interrelationships between technology, production efficiency and sustainability using simulation software. Attention will be paid to the management of production enterprises, including broad-acre cereal cropping and grazing pastures; use of genetically-modified crops in agricultural systems; pest management and their economic impact on farm enterprises, local markets and international trade. Students will analyse integrated crop management information to set management priorities; prepare and present concise industry-ready reports; and develop skills in recognising and reflecting on ethical, social and environmental issues applicable to crop management.
School: School of Life Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Penelope Smith
Available to Study Abroad Students: No
Subject year level: Year Level 3 - UG
Exchange Students: No
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: Admission into SBATE
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Fertiliser Essentials | Recommended | Brouwer, D 2006 | NSW DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES, NSW. |
| Readings | Field Crop Herbicide Guide | Recommended | Chambers, A & Dean, N 2004 | KONDININ GROUP, CLOVERDALE, W.A. |
| Readings | Internet field days : helpding farmers to make better decisions | Recommended | Patton, L, Rees, H 2007 | RURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, BARTON, A.C.T. |
| Readings | Interpreting soil test results : what do all the numbers mean? | Recommended | Hazelton, P & Murphy, B 2007 | CSIRO PUBLISHING, COLLINGWOOD, VICTORIA. |
| Readings | Sustainable Pastures In Marginal Environments | Recommended | Li, G 2007 | CSIRO PUBLISHING, COLLINGWOOD, VICTORIA. |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Identify principle aspects of crop management and apply concepts to crop yield and crop quality.
- Activities:
- Students will further their understanding of crop management through lectures, on-farm practical sessions and case studies applying new techniques and technology to various agronomic situations and the afeect passed the farm gate. Group interaction with industry and advisory bodies such as Southern Farming Systems will help consolidate knowlegde and confidence in the students' decisions. Issues of quality throughout the supply chain will be included.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
02. Analyse integrated crop management information to set management priorities
- Activities:
- Students in groups will use a variety of technology and sensing equipment in the field and supply chain to analyse critical parameters. They will then formulate management priorities and present them in both written and oral form.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Ethical behaviour)
03. Prepare and present concise industry-ready reports, focused on management priorities
- Activities:
- From the information gathered above, students will prepare and present professional reports. These will be done in consultation with other students, staff and industry personnel.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Ethical behaviour)
04. Recognise and reflect on ethical, social and environmental issues applicable to crop management from both a local and global perspective
- Activities:
- Issues both on-farm and passed the farm gate in quality, logistics and environmental aspects will be considerd by case study. Discussion of findings and arguments will be undertaken in tutorials.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Personal and Professional Skills(Ethical behaviour)
Epping, 2018, Week 29-43, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Penelope Smith
Class requirements
Laboratory ClassWeek: 29 - 42
One 3.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 29 to week 42 and delivered via face-to-face.
WorkShopWeek: 29 - 42
One 2.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 29 to week 42 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral presentation series (4 x 10 minutes, 500 words equivalent each) | 4 oral presentations (10 minutes each, 500 words equivalent each), delivered face to face, or posted as a podcast | 50 | 01, 02, 04 |
| Production System Management Plan (1 x 2500 words) | Written assessment (2500 words) | 50 | 03, 04 |