agr3agr agronomy 2
AGRONOMY 2
AGR3AGR
2019
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject will extend student knowledge of agronomy and apply understanding of plant structures and functions to the management of agricultural systems. Crop and pasture establishment and management options in both dryland and irrigated environments will be explored through measurement of plant performance at the appropriate growth stages. Students will also examine the interrelationships between technology, performance, production efficiency and sustainability, including genetic modification and precision agriculture. Students will use simulation software to determine the impact-of and interactions-between climate, components of crop and pasture production and plant nutrition to crop yields. Conventional and alternative weed and pest management options, along with pesticide resistance, will be explored, with a focus on ecology and ethics.
SchoolSchool of Life Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorMarisa Collins
Available to Study Abroad StudentsNo
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsNo
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites AGR1AGR and Admission into SBATE
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Advances in precision agriculture in south-eastern Australia. V. Effect of seasonal conditions on wheat and barley yield response to applied nitrogen across management zones | Recommended | Anwar, M, O'Leary, G & Rab, M 2009 | CROP AND PASTURE SCIENCE VOL. 60, NO. 9, PP. 901-911. |
| Readings | An introduction to geographical information systems | Recommended | Carver, S, Heywood, I & Cornelius, S 2006 | 3RD EDN, PEARSON EDUCATION, MELBOURNE. |
| Readings | Design of experiments for agriculture and the natural sciences | Recommended | Hoshmand, A 2006 | 2ND EDN, CRC PRESS, BOCA RATON, FL. |
| Readings | Guide to Australian landcare management system: designed from the ground up by landholders to improve natural resource management | Recommended | Gleeson, T 2006 | AUSTRALIAN LANDCARE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, LEGUME, N.S.W. |
| Readings | Integrated Pest Management for crops and pastures | Recommended | Horne, P & Page, J 2008 | LANDMARK PRESS, VICTORIA. |
| Readings | Pests of field crops and pastures | Recommended | Bailey, P 2007 | CSIRO PUBLISHING, COLLINGWOOD, VIC. |
| Readings | Productivity growth in Australian agriculture: trends, sources, performance | Recommended | Mullen, J 2007 | AUSTRALIAN FARM INSTITUTE, SURRY HILLS, NSW. |
| Readings | The adoption of precision agriculture in an Australian broadacre cropping system Challenges and opportunities | Recommended | Jochinke, D, Bernard, N & Wachsmann, N 2007 | FIELD CROPS RESEARCH, VOL. 104, NO. 1-3, PP. 68-76. |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Describe and explain agronomic practices of crops and pastures in both dryland and irrigated environments
- Activities:
- Practical workshop sessions and group discussion will explore the use of new technologies examining the relationships between the plants, soil and the environment. Site visits to the farm will be used to demonstrate some of these technologies. Management plans and case studies will be developed.
02. Evaluate and utilise different technologies including precision agriculture that are specific to Agronomical enterprises
- Activities:
- Practical workshop sessions and group discussion will explore the use of new technologies examining the relationships between the plants, soil and the environment. Site visits to the farm will be used to demonstrate some of these technologies. Management plans and case studies will be developed.
03. Analyse crop models, growth data and apply results of experimental trials to develop a crop or pasture management plan and present in a format suitable for a professional audience
- Activities:
- Practical workshop sessions and group discussion will explore the use of modelling examining the management between the plants, soil and the environment. Farm visits will be used to analyse and gather data for some of these models. Management plans and case studies will be developed.
04. Integrate aspects of crop/pasture production into sustainable management plans to improve yields and quality
- Activities:
- Management plans and case studies will be developed and presented to the class by small groups working together.
05. Discuss the ecological basis for weed, insect and disease impacts and their management including environmental and ethical issues
- Activities:
- Practical workshop sessions, case studies and group discussion will explore the use of integrated pest management with respect to plants, soil and the environment. Farm site visits will be used to demonstrate some aspects of IPM. Management plans and case studies will be developed.
Subject options
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Epping, 2019, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorPenelope Smith
Class requirements
WorkShopWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Laboratory ClassWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Study (1200 words) | 25 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| Demonstration of practical competency on farm (800 words equivalent) | 25 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 | |
| Management Plan (2000 words) | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |