Module Identifier |
RD20320 |
Module Title |
CROP AND GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT |
Academic Year |
2003/2004 |
Co-ordinator |
Dr Iwan G Owen |
Semester |
Semester 2 |
Other staff |
Dr Peter D Jenkins |
Mutually Exclusive |
RD20210 |
Course delivery |
Lecture | 40 Hours 40 x 1 hour lectures |
|
Practical | 30 Hours 10 x 3 hours |
Assessment |
Assessment Type | Assessment Length/Details | Proportion |
Semester Exam | 3 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 | 50% |
Semester Assessment | Pasture management assignment Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | 35% |
Semester Assessment | Crop evaluation assignment Outcomes assessed: 7, 8 | 15% |
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 should be able to:
1) Identify and describe the range and distribution of grasslands in the UK and the characteristics of common herbage species
8 Range and distribution of UK grasslands are described (semi-natural, cultivated, permanent, temporary)
-
Influence of climate and soil on species distribution is described (rainfall, temperature, drainage, fertility)
-
Common pasture species are identified and agronomic features described (grasses, legumes, herbs, weed
species)
2) Identify the influence of management and environment on pasture composition and plan a programme of pasture improvement / renovation
-
Principles of pasture ecology are identified and applied (climate, fertility, grazing animals)
-
Need for pasture improvement is identified (yield, seasonality, nutritional quality)
-
Appropriate improvement techniques are identified and evaluated (management, partial reseeding, complete
reseeding)
-
Impact of improvement is assessed (productivity, environment)
3) Identify and evaluate the nutrient requirements of grassland and forages and recommend appropriate manuring practices
-
Roles of plant nutrients are identified and soil analyses interpreted (major, minor, trace elements, lime)
-
Composition of fertilizers and manures is described (inorganic, organic, lime)
-
Grassland manurial programmes are constructed (manure type, quantities, timing of application)
-
Impact of manurial practices is assessed (productivity, environment)
4) Describe the range and use of forage crops in the UK and recommend appropriate forage cropping programmes.
-
Distribution and use of forage crops are described (cereals, root crops, leafy brassicas)
-
Husbandry, utilisation and integration of forage crops are described (cereals, root crops, leafy brassicas)
5) Identify and appraise grazing and forage conservation systems and their components.
-
The roles of grazing and forage conservation management are recognized (nutrition, pasture, internal parasites)
-
The principles of grazing and forage conservation management are described and evaluated (animal behaviour,
nutrition, pasture, preservation, storage)
-
Appropriate grazing and forage conservation strategies are selected (systems, integration)
6) Integrate grazing and forage conservation requirements and systems to create grassland and forage management plans.
-
Pasture production is evaluated (soil, climate, pasture composition)
-
Appropriate pasture improvement and nutrient application measures are recommended (soil fertility, locality,
system)
-
Pasture utilisation by grazing and conservation is fully integrated (system, locality)
7) Identify and appraise the critical factors that determine the yield and quality of non-cereal arable crops.
-
Key factors involved in crop establishment are described (soil, seedbed, varieties, seed rate, sowing date and
method)
-
Management of crop nutrition is described and evaluated (major, minor, trace elements, lime, inorganic, organic,
manure type, quantities, timing of application)
-
Approaches and strategies for crop protection are identified (weeds, pests, diseases, cultural, chemical, integrated
control)
-
Crop growth and development are described (physiology, management)
-
Factors influencing the appropriate time of harvesting and successful storage are described (yield, quality)
8) Discuss the need for and recommend appropriate, planned cropping programmes.
-
The principles of sound rotation planning are identified (weeds, pests, diseases, fertility, inputs, marketing,
environment)
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 Lists
Books
FRAME, J (1992) Improved grassland management
HODGSON, J (1990) Grazing management
HOPKINS, A (ed) (2000) Grass: its production and utilisation
3rd.
HARRIS, P M (Editor) (1992) The potato crop : the scientific basis for improvment
COOKE, D A and SCOTT, R K (Editors) (1993) The sugar beet crop
Kimber D and McGregor D I (Editors) (1995) Brassica oilseeds: production and utilisation
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 5