Module Details

Module Code: AGRI6022
Title: Crop Production
Long Title: Crop Production
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 6210 - Agriculture
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is an introduction to the primary concepts of agricultural grassland and cereal crops as well as the factors that underpin a range of cropping strategies. It will give a knowledge base to students wishing to purse a career in agri-business and farm management.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain the Principals of grass and crop growth stages.
LO2 Prepare the soil for Grass and Crop Production including Nutrient requirements.
LO3 Identify and describe Crop Pests/ Disease and Weeds
LO4 Describe and apply the principles of crop protection requirements with due regard to their potential impact on the environment.
LO5 Appraise the principles of grass conservation.
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).
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
Principles of Forage production
Principles of grass production Seasonal growth pattern, components of yield, grazing conservation, Fertiliser response, Grazing techniques.
Plant Physiology
Plant Classification and identification, structure and components of plants, identify pests, weeds and diseases.
Crop Management
Sowing, planting, nutrition, crop production techniques, harvesting of crops, economics of crop production.
Principles of Crop Protection
Cultural and Biological controls methods, pesticide types, formulations, mode of action, label interpretation and application techniques.
Nutrient Management
Fertiliser Programmes, EU regulations, Climate and weather, GHG's, pollution controls, eutrophication.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,3,4,5
Assessment Description
20 Questions
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,3,5
Assessment Description
Identify and evaluate a grassland sward, conserved forage and samples and diagrams
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 2,4
Assessment Description
Compile a Nutrient Management plan in accordance with GAEC Nitrates Directive.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Complete a grass/ forage management report.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

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 Class based instruction and tutorial session Every Week 4.00 4
Directed Learning Non Contact Learner follows guidelines as set in Lecturer Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Class Based Lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Tutorial Contact Tutorial session Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Learner follows guidelines as set in Lecturer Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Turley et al. (2001), Grass Conservation, 1. Teagasc.
  • O'Dwyer et al. (2013), Cominable Crop Production Workbook, Teagasc.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Raymond F, et. Forage Conservation and feeding, Hazell Watson and Viney LTD, [ISBN: 0852361394].
  • Frame John. (1992), Improved Grassland Management, Farming Press Books, [ISBN: 0852362463].
  • Bell et al. (2000), Winter and spring Cereal production, Teagasc.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BAGRI_7 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture 2 Mandatory
CR_BAGRI_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Agriculture 2 Mandatory