Module Details
| Module Code: |
AGRI8007 |
| Title: |
Sustainable Forage Production
|
|
Long Title:
|
Sustainable Forage Production
|
| NFQ Level: |
Advanced |
| Valid From: |
Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 ) |
| Field of Study: |
6210 - Agriculture
|
| Module Description: |
This module is designed to enable the learner to use up to date research on grass cultivars and alternative forage production to maximise forage output on farm and support sustainabilty.
|
| Learning Outcomes |
| On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: |
| # |
Learning Outcome Description |
| LO1 |
Critique the characteristics of different grass and clover cultivars. |
| LO2 |
Analyse a Nutrient Management strategy to maximise forage production and sustainability. |
| LO3 |
Evaluate the advantages of clover on Dairy production systems and its contibution to nitrogen cycling. |
| LO4 |
Discuss the principles of alternative forage production and sustainability. |
| Dependencies |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
|
| 6499 |
AGRI6005 |
Crop Science 2 |
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
|
| No incompatible modules listed |
Co-requisite Modules
|
| No Co-requisite modules listed |
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
|
| No requirements listed |
| Indicative Content |
|
Grass varieties
monocultures, grass mixes, heading date, tetraploid, diploid, yield, persistance, nutritive value of different cultivars, current research, varieties for conservation and grazing, seasonal/regional variation in growth and sustainable production.
|
|
Nutrient Management
nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur requirements for forage production, lime requirements, trace element requiremetns, soil indexes, soil tests, legal requirements, computer aided nutrient management, compliance with EU legislation regarding N derogation
|
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Clover
varieties, characteristics of clover, benefits of clover, nitrogen cycling, nutritive value of clover, limitations of clover at high stocking rates, current clover research
|
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Alternative forages
kale, rape, maize and fodder beet production, varieties, alternative wintering feeds, outwintering alternative forages, yields, nutritive values of alternative winter feeds, economic value of alternative winter feeds
|
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Grazing principles
interaction between grazing management and grass production, seasonal variation in best grazing management practices, computer aided grassland management, sustainable production.
|
|
Module Content & Assessment
|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
|---|
| Coursework | 40.00% |
| End of Module Formal Examination | 60.00% |
Assessments
| End of Module Formal Examination |
|
|
| Reassessment Requirement |
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
|
The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
| Workload: Full Time |
| Workload Type |
Contact Type |
Workload Description |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
Hours |
| Lecture |
Contact |
Lecture |
Every Week |
3.00 |
3 |
| Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) |
Non Contact |
Independent Study |
Every Week |
4.00 |
4 |
| Total Hours |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Learner Workload |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Contact Hours |
3.00 |
| Workload: Part Time |
| Workload Type |
Contact Type |
Workload Description |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
Hours |
| Lecture |
Contact |
Lecture |
Every Week |
2.00 |
2 |
| Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) |
Non Contact |
Independent Study |
Every Week |
5.00 |
5 |
| Total Hours |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Learner Workload |
7.00 |
| Total Weekly Contact Hours |
2.00 |
|
Module Resources
|
| Recommended Book Resources |
|---|
-
Frame J. and laidlaw S.. (2011), Improved Grassland Management, 2nd. Crowood Press, [ISBN: 9781847972613].
-
Finch H.J.S., Samuel A.M. and Lane G.P.F. (2014), Lockhart & Wiseman’s Crop Husbandry Including Grassland, 9th. Woodhead Publishing, [ISBN: 9781782423713].
| | Supplementary Book Resources |
|---|
-
Younie D.. (2012), Grassland Management for Organic Farmers, 1st. Crowood Press, [ISBN: 9781847973870].
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Eds Barnes R.F., Nelson J.C., Collins M. and Moore K.J.. (2003), Forages, Volume I, An Introduction to Grassland Agriculture, Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, [ISBN: 9780813804217].
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Barnes R.F., Nelson C.J., Moore K.J., and Collins M.. (2007), Forages, Volume II, The Science of Grassland Agriculture, 6th. Wiley Blackwell, Ames, Iowa, [ISBN: 9780813802329].
| | Recommended Article/Paper Resources |
|---|
-
J.P. Hanrahan, Teagasc. Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food
Research,
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Teagasc Grazing Notebook,
| | Other Resources |
|---|
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Website, Recommended Grass Varieties, Department of Agriculture.
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Computer Programme, Teagasc. Grass Budget Programme.
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Computer Programme, Teagasc. Grass Calculator.
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Grass Wedge Software, Excel file - Wedge 500.
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