Module Title:Advanced Agronomy
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:8
Module Delivered In 2 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Formal lectures will be supplemented by case study and group work. A mixture of formal lectures along with polytunnel practicals and facilitated crop walks and discussion group type activity to encourage the learner to critically analyse aspects of crop production. Learners will follow crop management on their own farms or selected farms in the area and critically analyse the inputs required as well as the production and financial returns. Where changes in management are being made a critical appraisal through group learning will be used. Visiting Lecturers on aspects relating to crop production will be used to broaden the learning experience. Students will also visit selected farms and agri-businesses/seed suppliers to discuss grassland management, identification of productivity and utilization problems and their solution. Cases will be appropriate to the learner group
Module Aim: The module aims to build upon the skills acquired from the previous crop production modules. Students will acquire the skillset necessary to sustainably manage crops at farm level. This knowledge will be applicable to cereal, oilseeds, legume, root and grassland production.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 The use of integrated pest management as it applies to sustainable agricultural systems.
LO2 Have an appreciation of the most up to date regulations in the area of crop production including environmental and health issues. Critically, the student will acquire the skills necessary to keep abreast of various legislation as it evolves and impacts upon their business.
LO3 Learners will have knowledge of agronomic plans for the production of cereal crops.
LO4 Have an understanding of sustainable management strategies for the production of oilseeds and legumes
LO5 Knowledge of how farmers allocate time and resources to crop production strategies.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
7833 FARM H2716 Crop production and weed science
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.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Integrated pest management
• Rotations • Alternative forage selection • Cultural control • Establishment of critical thresholds for the control of crop pests and diseases
Cereal Crop Agronomy
Strategies around the key agronomic practices for cereal crops. Site selection. Seed rates. Sowing Dates. Weed, insect and disease control.
Oilseed and legume crop agronomy
Details of key agronomic practices for oilseeds and legumes. Site selection. Seed rates. Sowing dates. Weed, disease and insect control.
Resource allocation
How to correctly plan the use of resources around key agronomic timings. Machinery. Labour. Resource allocation.
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 create a detailed agronomy plan for the production of up to 3 crops on their farm. 1,2,3,4,5 30.00 n/a
Practical/Skills Evaluation Students will be required to conduct plant counts, tiller counts, identify growth stages. 1,3,4 20.00 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 1,2,3,4,5 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 8 Elective
CW_SWSFM_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness 8 Mandatory