Module Identifier RD20320  
Module Title CROP AND GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT  
Academic Year 2003/2004  
Co-ordinator Dr Iwan G Owen  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Dr Peter D Jenkins  
Mutually Exclusive RD20210  
Course delivery Lecture   40 Hours 40 x 1 hour lectures  
  Practical   30 Hours 10 x 3 hours  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam3 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8  50%
Semester Assessment Pasture management assignment Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6  35%
Semester Assessment Crop evaluation assignment Outcomes assessed: 7, 8  15%
Supplementary Assessment Candidates will be required to re-take the element(s) that resulted in failure of the module. 

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1) Identify and describe the range and distribution of grasslands in the UK and the characteristics of common herbage species
8 Range and distribution of UK grasslands are described (semi-natural, cultivated, permanent, temporary)

2) Identify the influence of management and environment on pasture composition and plan a programme of pasture improvement / renovation

4) Describe the range and use of forage crops in the UK and recommend appropriate forage cropping programmes.

7) Identify and appraise the critical factors that determine the yield and quality of non-cereal arable crops.

8) Discuss the need for and recommend appropriate, planned cropping programmes.


Aims

Arable and forage crops and grassland play a pivotal role in agricultural production systems. This module aims to introduce students to the principles and practices contributing to the husbandry of grassland, forages and non-cereal arable crops. Through an integrated programme of lectures and visits, students will be made aware of the precise management requirements of a range of forage and arable crops and the factors that underpin a range of cropping programmes.

Transferable skills

.1 Independent project work   
Coursework will be based on an individually compiled written presentation.

.2 IT and information handling
Presentation of coursework will entail the development of word processing, spreadsheet and editing/presentation skills.

.3 Use and analysis of numerical information
Numerical information will be an integral part of the coursework and appropriate understanding, use and analysis of this information will be essential.

.4 Writing in an academic context
Coursework will include reference to published information.

.7 Self-management
Preparation of coursework will require attendance at timetabled lectures and practicals and good time management to ensure the submission deadline is met.

.8 Group activity
Aspects of fieldwork associated with coursework

Reading Lists

Books
FRAME, J (1992) Improved grassland management
HODGSON, J (1990) Grazing management
HOPKINS, A (ed) (2000) Grass: its production and utilisation 3rd.
HARRIS, P M (Editor) (1992) The potato crop : the scientific basis for improvment
COOKE, D A and SCOTT, R K (Editors) (1993) The sugar beet crop
Kimber D and McGregor D I (Editors) (1995) Brassica oilseeds: production and utilisation

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5