Module Identifier RD20320  
Module Title CROP AND GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Dr Iwan G Owen  
Semester Semester 2  
Mutually Exclusive RD20210  
Course delivery Practical   1 x 3 hour practical per week  
  Lecture   4 x 1 hour lectures per week  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Crop evaluation assignment Outcomes assessed: 7, 8  15%
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%
Supplementary Assessment Candidates will be required to re-take the element(s) that resulted in failure of the module.100%

Learning outcomes

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

1. Identify and describe the range and distribution of grasslands in the UK and the characteristics of common herbage species.
Performance criteria
a. Range and distribution of UK grasslands are described (semi-natural, cultivated, permanent, temporary)
b. Influence of climate and soil on species distribution is described (rainfall, temperature, drainage, fertility)
c. Common pasture species are identifed and agronomic features described (grases, legumes, herbs, weed species).

2. Identify the influence of management and environment on pasture composition and plan a programme of pasture improvement/renovation.
Performance criteria
a. Principles of pasture ecology are identified and applied (climate, fertility, grazing animals)
b. Need for pasture improvement is identified (yield, seasonality, nutritional quality)
c. Appropriate improvement techniques are identified and evaluated (management, partial reseeding, complete reseeding)
d. Impact of improvement is assessed (productivity, environment)

3. Identify and evaluate the nutrient requirements of grassland and forages and recommend appropriate manuring practices.
Performance criteria
a. Roles of plant nutrients are ifentified and soil analyses interpreted (major, minor, trace elements, lime)
b. Composition of fertilisers and manures is described (inorganic, organic, lime)
c. Grassland manural programmes are constructed (manure type, quantities, timing of application)
d. Impact of manurial practices is assessed (productivity, environment).

4. Describe the range and use of forage crops in the UK and recommend appropriate forage cropping programmes.
Performance criteria
a. Distribution and use of forage crops are described (cereals, root crops, leafy brassicas).
b. Husbandry, utilisation and integration of forage crops are described (cereals, root crops, leafy brassicas).

5. Identify and appraise grazing and forage conservation systems and their components.
Performance criteria
a. The roles of grazing and forage conservation management are recognised (nutrition, pasture, internal parasites)
b. The principles of grazing and forage conservation management are recognised (nutrition, pasture, internal parasites).
c. Appropriate grazing and forage conservation strategies are selected (systems, integration).

6. Integrate grazing and forage conservation requirements and systems to create grassland and forage management plans.
Performance criteria
a. Pasture production is evaluated (soil, climate, pasture composition)
b. Appropriate pasture improvement and nutrient application measures are recommended (soil fertility, locality, system).
c. Pasture utilisation by grazing and conservation is fully integrated (system, locality).

7. Identify and appraise the critical factors that determine the yield and quality of non-cereal arable crops.
Performance criteria
a. Key factors involved in crop establishment are described (soil, seedbed, barieties, seed rate, sowing date and method).
b. Management of crop nutrition is described and evaluated (major, minor, trace elements, lime, inorganic, organic, manure type, quantities, timing of application).
c. Approaches and strategies for crop protection are identified (weeds, pests, diseases, cultural, chemical, integrated control).
d. Crop growth and development are described (physiology, management).
e. Factors influencing the appropriate time of harvesting and successful storage are described (yield, quality).

8. Discuss the need for, and recommend appropriate planned cropping programmes.
Performance criteria
The principles of sound rotation planning are identified (weeds, pests, diseases, fertility, inputs, marketing, environment).

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

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5