Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Soils A description of a soil will be provided, using knowledge from the practical classes the soil will be evaluated based on different traits. 1500 Words | 20% |
| Semester Assessment | Crop Report A report written on the trial plots. Outlining the agronomic decisions made over the course of the year. 1500 Words | 20% |
| Semester Assessment | 2 Hours Forage ID Students will be in a lab under invigilation and will be asked to identify samples of forages (grasses, legumes and herbs). Students will have access to a flow chart with partial credit given for rationale behind identifying key features when identifying each sample. | 20% |
| Semester Exam | 1.5 Hours MCQ Exam | 40% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Crop Report A report written on the trial plots. Outlining the agronomic decisions made over the course of the year. 1500 Words | 20% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Soils A description of a soil will be provided, using knowledge from the practical classes the soil will be evaluated based on different traits. 1500 Words | 20% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 2 Hours Forage ID Students will be in a lab under invigilation and will be asked to identify samples of forages (grasses, legumes and herbs). Students will have access to a flow chart with partial credit given for rationale behind identifying key features when identifying each sample. | 20% |
| Supplementary Exam | 1.5 Hours MCQ Exam | 40% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Demonstrate retained knowledge of the structure, function, characteristics and importance of grassland, forages, cereals and non-cereal arable crops in UK and world agriculture
Demonstrate retained knowledge when identifying a range of forage plants.
Identify varietal characteristics of cereal crops and forage species, describe how they meet the demands of the market
Plan, evaluate and implement a cereal and forage crop's manure and crop protection requirements with due regard to their potential impact on the environment
Demonstrate retained knowledge of the different components of soils and their processes and relate to broader environmental concerns, conditions and key soil processes including moisture relations and nutrient cycling.
Apply understanding of soil physical characteristics to practical land management techniques including drainage and cultivation.
Identify the conservation value, status and current management of a range of farm habitats
Brief description
Through an integrated programme of lectures, demonstrations, practical sessions and visits, students will be made aware of the precise management requirements of agricultural grassland and cereal crops as well as the factors that underpin a range of cropping strategies. This module will introduce students to soil composition and key soil processes with an emphasis on how these vary between different soil types. Following the delivery of these fundamentals, the module will focus on their implications for land management and protection of the environment.
Content
Soil science is introduced, focusing on soil structure, texture and moisture. It explores nutrient cycling and management for soil health.
The importance of UK grasslands is discussed, including pasture species and herbage varieties. Workshops on seed mixtures and nutrient programs will link with the soil components.
Field trials will form the basis for the crop section. The lectures, workshops and practical classes are designed to follow the life cycle of the crop and guide crop management decisions. Topics covered include: yield, variety selection, crop protection and nutrient planning.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Co-ordinating with others | Students will work in groups on the crop plots |
| Creative Problem Solving | All the assignments in this module will involve the identification of problems associated with the growth of plants or management of soils in the field and the development of a subsequent management strategy in response to that problem. |
| Critical and analytical thinking | Students will have a range of calculation to perform. For example, seed rates, plant populations, nutrient requirement and application rates and yield. |
| Digital capability | Internet sources will be utilized routinely , in association with published information, in preparation of the assessed work. |
| Professional communication | The crop report and grassland planning assignment will require the production of a written report in an appropriate format. |
| Real world sense | In the Forage ID assessment, students will be identifying a range of forages that will be a transferable skill for individuals involved in agriculture, conservation management, consultancy etc. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4