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 the use of Plant Protection Products on farms. 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
The correct use of plant protection products on farm to ensure human, animal and environmental safety.
LO4
Have an understanding of the modes of action of plant protection products and how to apply this to sustainable crop production
LO5
Knowledge of crop physiology and how this attributes to distinctive management strategies for each crop.
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
Crop Physiology
Photosynthesis.
How crops partition biomass.
Yield components.
Source vs. Sink crops.
Plant Protection Products
Active ingredients.
Modes of action.
Application rates.
Spray timings.
Resistance issues
Human, Animal and Environmental Health
The impacts of PPPs on health.
Correct usage.
Knowledge of product labels.
Legislation governing PPP use
Sustainable Use Directive.
Registered Users.
Registered Advisors.
Equipment Testing.
Integrated Pest Management.
Assessment Breakdown
%
Continuous Assessment
70.00%
End of Module Formal Examination
30.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Case Studies
Students will create an Integrated Pest management strategy to cover a number of pests for a farm they are familiar with.
1,2,3
30.00
n/a
Practical/Skills Evaluation
Students will be required to critically assess and show an understanding of plant protection product labels
1,3,4
10.00
n/a
Essay
An essay with a detailed review of literature concerning physiology of crops currently grown in Ireland and how these physiological features effect crop management
1,5
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
1,2,4,5
30.00
End-of-Semester
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment