Module content
- The basic husbandry of combinable and root crops
- Crop inputs and requirements for different cropping systems
- Farm soil management
- Grassland and forage production and grazing management
Students will learn through participation in a programme of lectures, farm walks and visits covering all those areas listed above.
Module outcomes
To achieve credit for this module, students must be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the agronomic factors involved in the production of a wide range of crops
- Demonstrate an understanding of how to manage soils and crops in a sustainable manner
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate knowledge effectively
Assessment
Assessment | Description | Weighting |
---|---|---|
Coursework | Group video assessment | 50% |
Coursework | Cropping systems portfolio | 50% |
Assessments may differ in 2020/21 due to adjustments for Covid-19. Please check Gateway for the latest regulations.
Key texts
Students should be familiar with the content of at least one of the following:
- Environment Agency (2008) Think Soils: Soil assessment to avoid erosion and runoff. Environment Agency
- Finch H J S, Samuel A M & Lane G P F (2014) Lockhart and Wiseman’s CropHusbandry including Grassland (9th edn) Woodhead Publishing Ltd
- AHDB Various publications http://www.ahdb.org.uk/ (esp Wheat Growth Guide, Oilseed rape guide, Barley growth guide etc. etc.)
- DEFRA website http://www.defra.gov.uk
- LEAF http://www.leafuk.org/leaf/
- Malting information http://www.ukmalt.com/homepage.html
- Milling information http://www.nabim.org.uk
- McConnell, P. and Soffe, R.J. (2003) The Agricultural Notebook. (20th edition). Blackwell Science. (crops and soil management sections)
- Martin, J.H., Waldren, R P. and Stamp, D.L. (2006). Principles of Field Crop Production. (4th edition). Pearson Education
- Nix, J. (Annual). Farm Management Pocketbook. Agro Business Consultants
- NIAB TAG – Login required
- Other agronomy websites including Agrii, Agrovista, Bayer, BASF, Frontier, Syngenta, Yara etc
- Additional references will be given during the conduct of the module