Module Identifier
RD10400
Module Title
SOIL CONDITIONS AND CROP GROWTH
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Dr Malcolm H Leitch
Semester
Semester 1

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 1 x 2 hour lecture per week
Practical 1 x 2 hour practical per week
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Crop report  30%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   35%
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

Outcome 2
Identify the key factors for crop establishment

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

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

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

Outcome 6
Discuss the late protection and harvesting of the crop

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

Skills Type Skills details
Communication Oral presentation and discussion
Improving own Learning and Performance Independent project work. Coursework will be based on an individually compiled written presentation
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
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
Team work Laboratory practicals and fieldwork will contain group activity

Reading List


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

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4