Module Information

Module Identifier
RD25110
Module Title
Equine Grassland Management
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Mutually Exclusive
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Practical 2 x 3 Hour Practicals
Field Trip 2 x 3 Hour Field Trips
Lecture 22 x 1 Hour Lectures
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 2 Hours   50%
Semester Assessment Pasture Improvement Assignment  (1500 words)  50%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.   50%
Supplementary Assessment Students must take elements of assessment equivalent to those that led to failure of the module.  50%

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Describe the range and distribution of grassland within the UK and globally.

2. Evaluate the characteristics and potential roles of a range of grass and legume species and varieties and assess and compare the suitability of a range of methods of pasture improvement.

3. Determine pasture nutrient requirements and recommend appropriate manurial strategies.

4. Describe and evaluate principles and systems of grazing and forage conservation.

5. Integrate relevant aspects of grassland management to describe, plan and evaluate grassland management techniques.

Brief description

This module will provide an understanding of the underlying scientific principles of grassland management and equip students with the knowledge to manage grassland in order to utilize its full potential.

Aims

To provide Equine Studies students with a sound, basic understanding of the principles and practice of grassland management and forage conservation, with particular reference to UK conditions. Through a series of integrated lectures, practicals and visits, students will be introduced to underpinning concepts and principles and examples of best practice.

Content

A total of 22 lectures, 2 laboratory practicals and 2 field visits.
Lectures
1. Introduction
2. Range and distribution of grassland
3. Factors affecting growth
4. Factors affecting nutritive value
5. Pasture species
6. Herbage varieties
7. Pasture composition
8. Manipulation of pasture composition
9. Weed control
10. Reseeding
11. Soil fertility
12. Fertiliser and manure use
13. Fertiliser and manure use
14. Grazing management
15. Grazing management
16. Grazing management
17. Forage conservation
18. Forage conservation
19. Forage conservation
20. Alternative forages
21. Forage systems planning
22. Module review and revision
Practicals
1. Grass identification
2. Grass identification
3. Field visit
4. Field visit

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Not developed
Communication Students will be expected to be able to express themselves appropriately in both assessments.
Improving own Learning and Performance Detailed feedback will be given for assignment work and in the forum assessment.
Information Technology Students will be required to source information from a variety of scientific publication databases.
Personal Development and Career planning Not developed
Problem solving Through coursework – the pasture improvement assignment will be based on a 'real life' scenario with numerous questions and challenges posed.
Research skills Students will be required to undergo directed self study and work towards their assignment and so will develop their literature research skills.
Subject Specific Skills The underlying principles of equine grassland management.
Team work Not developed

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5