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 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 6210 - Agriculture
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
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
Clover
varieties, characteristics of clover, benefits of clover, nitrogen cycling, nutritive value of clover, limitations of clover at high stocking rates, current clover research
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
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%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Questions on recommended grass and clover cultivars and their characteristics
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 2
Assessment Description
Complete a nutrient management plan for a dairy farm, and discuss the factors which affect this plan.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final 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].
  • 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].
  • 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
Other Resources
  • Website, Recommended Grass Varieties, Department of Agriculture.
  • Computer Programme, Teagasc. Grass Budget Programme.
  • Computer Programme, Teagasc. Grass Calculator.
  • Grass Wedge Software, Excel file - Wedge 500.
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BAGRI_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agriculture 2 Elective