Module Title:Sustainable Cropping Systems
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In 4 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Formal lectures will be complemented by practical field sessions that allows for a balance of theory and hands on learning activities. Classroom activities will focus on the management of combinable crops and grassland including the economics of various crops that are grown in Ireland. Visiting lecturers will be used where appropriate to enhance the learning experience of the students and expose them to new concepts in crop production. Learners will brought to selected tillage and grassland farms in the South East to discuss the management concepts for crop production.
Module Aim: 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 should be able to:
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
Pre-requisite learning
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
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.
Students should have studied Introduction to Crop Production or an equivelant subject prior to this module.
 

Module Content & Assessment

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.
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Portfolio 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. 2 25.00 n/a
Project 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. 1,3,4 25.00 n/a
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam An end of year exam will take place covering aspects of crop production delivered during the term 1,3,4 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 2.00
Practicals Every Week 1.00
Independent Learning Every Week 3.00
Total Hours 6.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_EFARG_B Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Agricultural Systems Engineering 4 Mandatory
CW_EFARG_D Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural Systems Engineering 4 Mandatory
CW_SWSFM_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness 4 Mandatory
CW_SWSFM_D Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness 4 Mandatory