Module Title:Organic Pulse Production
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:8
Module Delivered In 1 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Formal lectures will be accompanied by specific practical, field work, and site visits. This will enable a deeper understanding of theoretical and practical applications examining best practice in the sector. Classroom based theory will concentrate on requirements for field scale organic pulse production including crop production, management and harvesting techniques. Specialised equipment and machinery requirements will be explored as will market specifications. Practical, field work and site visits will be used to give students insight into a variety of aspects of production at farm and retail level.
Module Aim: The module will focus on the key parameters of the agronomy, processing and marketing of a range of organic pulse crops. Students will examine the scope of production in terms of crop rotations, fertility requirements and nutrient composition of various pulse corps. A further aim of this module will be to explore organic pulse production within the wider scope of organic crop production and mixed farming systems.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Demonstrate a detailed understanding of organic pulse production.
LO2 Demonstrate knowledge of field scale management techniques including soil cultivation, weeding, and harvesting of pulse crops
LO3 Illustrate an ability to advise organic farmers about organic pulse production.
LO4 Demonstrate an understanding of production of organic pulses and other minor arable crops for animal feed, and opportunities for production for human consumption.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
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
Organic pulse production
The learner will explore the range of pulses that can be grown organically in Ireland. This covers crop specifics such as rotation, nutrition requirements, soil cultivation, sowing, pest and disease monitoring, and weed control. Lectures will be complimented by site visits to appropriate producers and processors.
Processing organic pulses
The harvesting, separation, processing, and storage of organic pulses will be explored by students. The integration of pulses into a wider farm system will be examined. Suitable crop varieties and potential new varieties for use in organic farming will be integrated into the module as will evaluation of pulse production in a wider context.
Marketing organic pulses
The learner will explore the market opportunities for organic pulses. This includes potential market development for organic pulses and other minor crops for human consumption. Nutrient status of pulse crops will be examined to ascertain the value of pulse crops to supply a domestic protein component for animal rations. The incorporation of site visits to complement classroom-based learning will be introduced into the structure of this module.
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Students are required to design a crop plan for pulse production for a mixed organic farm. 1,2,3,4 20.00 Ongoing
Practical/Skills Evaluation Students will record field sessions including soil analysis, crop growth, pest and disease monitoring. 1,2,3,4 30.00 n/a
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam Terminal Exam 1,2,3 50.00 End-of-Semester
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Students are required to design a crop plan for pulse production for a mixed organic farm. 1,2,3,4 20.00 n/a
Practical/Skills Evaluation Students will record field sessions including soil analysis, crop growth, pest and disease monitoring. 1,2,3,4 30.00 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 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00
Practicals 12 Weeks per Stage 1.00
Independent Learning Time 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00
Total Hours 72.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00
Practicals 12 Weeks per Stage 1.00
Independent Learning Time 12 Weeks per Stage 3.00
Total Hours 72.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_SWOAG_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Organic Agriculture 8 Group Elective 2