Module Title:Arable Fodder Crops
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:8
Module Delivered In 2 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Content will be delivered based around lectures, visits to farms and research centres. Practicals will take place in polytunnel and on farm to show students the production techniques commonly employed for these crops
Module Aim: The aim of this module is to provide learners with an insight into the main types of arable fodder crops grown on Irish farms. Students will be introduced to the agronomy and physiology of these crops and be shown management programmes to optimise production
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Knowledge of the commonly grown animal fodder crops and their utilisation on Irish farms
LO2 Demonstrate an understanding of the physiological components that lead to efficient management of these crops
LO3 Demonstrate knowledge of agronomy practices associated with optimum productivity of these crops
LO4 Explain the benefits of cover and catch crops to efficiency and sustainability on Irish farms
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
Arable fodder types
Knowledge of the arable fodder crops grown on Irish farms to include Fodder beet, Maize, Fodder rape, etc. Understanding of markets and utilisation of these crops
Physiology of fodder crops.
Understanding of the differing growth and developmental stages of C4 crops, root crops, cover crops. Knowledge of how each crop utilises resources to create biomass.
Agronomy of arable fodder crops
Management programmes for each crop. Optimisation of resources to improve yield. Harvest and utilisation strategies.
Integration of Catch/Cover crops into rotations
How cover crops can be used to maximise productivity on arable farms. The crops used. The agronomy of these crops. How they can benefit the entire production system in terms of nutrient, soil structure, chemical use. Their value as a feed source.
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment70.00%
End of Module Formal Examination30.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Case Studies Case Study: Learners will be required to conduct relevant case studies in fodder crop production and utilisation 1,2,3 35.00 n/a
Project Project on the use of cover crops to enhance nutrient use and sustainability 1,3,4 25.00 n/a
Written Report Reports on site visits and practical work. 1,2,3,4 10.00 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 30.00 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 Elective