RD10420 - SOIL CONDITIONS AND CROP GROWTH

Module Identifier

RD10420

Module Title

SOIL CONDITIONS AND CROP GROWTH

Academic Year

2005/2006

Co-ordinator

Dr Alun Davies

Semester

Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)

Course delivery

Lecture

1 X 2 HOUR LECTURE PER WEEK

Practical

18 x 2 hour practicals

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Exam	3 Hours	35%
Semester Assessment	Crop report	30%
Semester Assessment	Soil report	25%
Semester Assessment	Oral presentation	10%
Supplementary Assessment	Candidates will be required to re-take the element(s) that resulted in failure of the module. Because of the complexity of the two reports (Soils and Crops), an alternative assignment in the form of an essay will be set.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

Outcome I
Describe the soil profile and initial requirements for cereal production

The range of cereals and their markets in the UK
Influence of climate on cereal production- soil moisture deficits and photosynthesis
Soil texture
The processes involved in soil formation and soil profile development
Identification of the major local soil groups and suitability for grassland or arable production.

Outcome 2
Identify the key factors for crop establishment

Seedbed requirements for cereal production (eg sowing date, sowing depth, tilth and seed rate)
Crop establishment
pH and drainage
Appropriate varieties
Seed dressing

Outcome 3
Identify the key factors in crop husbandry following establishment.

Weed, pest and disease identification
Principles of herbicide use
Financial implications

Outcome 4
Identify the key factors in crop husbandry during spring growth

Weed, pest and disease identification
Principles of herbicide and fungicide use
Financial implications

Outcome 5
Identify the nutrient transformations in the soil leading to plant food availability

Behaviour and role of major and minor plant nutrients- N Cycle
Principles of inorganic fertilizer use
Fertiliser programmes appropriate to the crop growth stages,
Principles of organic based nutrients ? FYM, slurry and green manures

Outcome 6
Discuss the late protection and harvesting of the crop

Plant growth regulators
Late crop protection decisions re flag leaf and heading
Projected harvest and yield
Financial performance of crops are assessed

Content

The relationship between the plant and the soil is highly complex. The module aims to introduce students to the principles of soil structure and soil chemical/biological processes necessary for the supply of plant nutrients. These principles will be applied by the students in the management of their own winter cereal plots for crop establishment, crop nutrition, crop protection and crop yield.

Through an integrated programme of lectures, laboratory practicals and field plot work students will be made aware of the management requirements accorded to cereal crop production underpinned with an understanding of the importance of soil conditions.

Module Skills

Problem_solving	The student must be responsible for growing his/her own individual plot of w.wheat and w.barley and solve any problems which may arise
Research skills	Writing in an academic context. Coursework will require own research and reference to published information
Communication	Oral presentation and discussion
Improving own Learning and Performance	Independent project work. Coursework will be based on an individually compiled written presentation
Team work	Laboratory practicals and fieldwork will contain group activity
Information Technology	Presentation of coursework will entail the development of word processing, spreadsheet and editing/presentation skills
Personal Development and Career planning	Preparation of coursework will require attendance at timetabled lectures and practicals and good time management to ensure the submission deadline is met

Reading Lists

Books
BATEY, T (1988) Soil husbandry Soil and Land Use Consultants
RUDEFORTH, C et al (1984) Soils and their use in Wales Soil Survey of England and Wales
WHITE, R E (1987) Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Soil Science Blackwell Scientific Publications

Technical Reports
NIAB Cereals variety handbook NIAB, Cambridge

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4