Module Identifier
RD20320
Module Title
CROP AND GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Dr Iwan G Owen
Semester
Semester 2
Mutually Exclusive
RD20210

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Practical 1 x 3 hour practical per week
Lecture 4 x 1 hour lectures per week
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Crop evaluation assignment  Outcomes assessed: 7, 8  15%
Semester Assessment Pasture management assignment  Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6  35%
Semester Exam 3 Hours   Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8  50%
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 will be able to:

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

3. Identify and evaluate the nutrient requirements of grassland and forages and recommend appropriate manuring practices.

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

5. Identify and appraise grazing and forage conservation systems and their components.

6. Integrate grazing and forage conservation requirements and systems to create grassland and forage management plans.

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 List


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

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5