Module Title:Soil and Nutrient Management on Organic Farms
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:8
Module Delivered In 2 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Formal lectures, field studies and laboratory work will be used engage the student in the importance of soils in a sustainable organic agriculture system. Where appropriate, case studies will be used to demonstrate the benefit of soil remediation on crop growth.
Module Aim: This module aims to build upon Soil Science 1, further enhancing the students understanding of the importance of soils in a sustainable agricultural system. Specifically, this module will focus on the maintenance of soil organic matter and its importance in soil structure and soil nutrient cycling. Completion of a nutrient balance and options for nutrient additions to organic farms will also be studied.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of soil management in organic farming
LO2 Demonstrate an understanding of nutrient management in organic agriculture
LO3 Demonstrate how to improve soil organic matter in a range of different organic farming enterprises
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
8636 FARM H2703_1 Concepts in Soil Science
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Soil Fertility
The learner will explore the properties that contribute to soil fertility including characteristics, qualities, and processes. Practical soil profiling will assist in the identification of soil types and fertility potential which will enhance the classroom-based learning
Macro and Micro-nutrients
Identification of the role of the macro and micro nutrients required for organic plant production will be explored. Learners will interpretate results of soil analysis. Key nutrient organic materials such as composting, farmyard manure management, grain and forage legumes, green manures and other nutrient applications permitted under the organic regulations will be explored. Practical applications will include the completion of nutrient budgets for selected organic farms. Farm visits and case studies will assist in the practical learning.
Organic Matter
The importance of soil organic matter and the role it plays in nutrient management will be explored. Key aspects affecting soil organic matter such as cultivation techniques, mulches, drainage systems, soil protection and actions to prevent erosion and preserve soil organic matter will be examined. Practical work and field visits will be used to supplement formal lectures.
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Complete a nutrient management plan for a farm based on a soil analysis and all management factors including the long term improvement of soil organic matter. 1,2,3 50.00 n/a
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam Terminal Examination 1,2,3 50.00 End-of-Semester

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

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Every Week 1.50
Practicals Every Week 1.50
Independent Learning Time Every Week 3.00
Total Hours 6.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_SWOAG_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Organic Agriculture 5 Mandatory
CW_SWOAG_D Bachelor of Science in Organic Agriculture 5 Mandatory