Learn Agronomic Practices | Apply Valuable Knowledge in Crop Production
Agronomy can be broadly defined as the practice and study of field crops for use as human food, animal feed, fibre, oilseed production and some industrial products.
- Learn the principles and practices that underpin commercial broad acre crop production (agronomy).
- Develop an ability to interpret and apply information practically, on a farm.
- Complement your farming studies or experience and seek employment in this highly sought after field.
- This course is listed on the UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) Capacity Building Marketing Place.
COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
Course Duration: 100 hours.
Start Date: Start at any time - study at a pace that suits you, and with tutor support for the duration of your studies.
The course comprises 8 lessons.
Lesson 1. Introduction To Agronomic Practices
- Introduction
- Crop Types
- Plant Structure and Function
- Transpiration Rate
- Selection Criteria for Plants
- Understanding Monoculture
- Row Crops
- Cover Crops
- Crop Operations
- Planter Types
Lesson 2. Culture - What Influences Crop Growth
- Soils
- Problems with Soils
- Loss of Soil Problems
- Erosion
- Salinity
- Soil Sodicity
- Soil Acidity and Alkalinity
- Improving Soils
- Cultivation Techniques
- Plant Nutrition
- Nutrient Deficiencies
- Organic Fertilisers
- Soil Life
- Insect Pests
- Diseases
Lesson 3. Crop Husbandry Practices
- Operations
- Identifying Weeds
- Ways to Control Weeds
- Spraying
- Irrigation
- Chemical Crop Protection
- Preparing Plant Pathogens for Microscopic Observation
- Culturing Pathogens
- Natural Pest and Disease Control
- Physical Controls
- Organic Sprays and Dusts
Lesson 4. Seed And Seed Management
- Seed Storage
- Types of Seed Storage
- Seed Vigour Testing
- Dormancy Factors Affecting Germination
- Germination Treatments
- Types of Media
- Media Derived from Rock or Stone
- Media Derived from Synthetic Materials
- Organic Media
- Diseases
- Salinity Build Up
Lesson 5. Arable Cereal Crops
- Cereal Crops
- Zadock Scale
- Wheat
- Barley
- Oats
- Triticale
- Sorghum
- Maize
- Rice
- Millet
- Sugar Cane
- Ryegrass
- Hay and Silage
- Quality Control
- Storage and Handling
- Hydroponic Fodder
Lesson 6. Arable Broadleaf Crops
- Characteristics of Broadleaf Crops
- Oil Crops
- Chickpeas
- Narrow-leafed Lupins
- Canola
- Faba Beans
- Cover Crops
- Common Legumes
Lesson 7. Harvesting
- Crop Preparation for Harvest
- Crop Harvest Equipment
- Forage Harvesting Equipment
- Cereal Harvesting Equipment
- Root Crop Harvesting Equipment
- Grain Storage
- Contract Harvesting
Lesson 8. Crop Management - Special Project
- Crop Management from planting to post harvest handling
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Here are just some of the things you will be doing:
- Go to your local department of primary industries (or equivalent), collect cropping guides on crops grown locally in your area.
- Obtain pictures of the seed and mid season crop and mature crop. Become familiar with agronomic terms and start a glossary, use library, text and internet searches to complete this task.
- Having looked at what crops are grown in your region, now look at the soil types.
- Collect photos of the various planting, cultivating and harvesting equipment used in your country and write brief notes.
- Collect samples of your own seed (for 4 different crops), from a local farmer or produce store.
- Perform your own germination test using the cotton wool method. Take photos on day 2, and the final day.
- Develop a management plan for a crop from planting through to post harvest handling.
LEARNING AIMS
- Develop your understanding and confidently describe the nature and scope of agronomic practices within your country and others.
- Discuss what is grown, where it is grown and the diversity of practices used to grow a wide range of crops.
- Learn how to identify factors that affect the success of a crop; including soil condition, climate factors and biological influences such as pests and diseases.
- Clearly describe significant practices used by farmers in the growing of an agronomic crop; including the management of soils, water, cultivations and crop protection.
- Explain how to achieve successful seed germination for different agronomic crops under different conditions in the field.
- Discuss practices used to farm cereals for harvest and sale as cash crops.
- Discuss practices used to farm broadleaf crops for harvest and sale as cash crops.
- Understand the use of different harvesting equipment and techniques including post harvest handling for a range of different crops.
- Demonstrate your knowledge by producing a management plan for a crop from planting to post harvest handling.
HOW THE COURSE WORKS
The Agronomy online course is studied online, so you can study in the comfort of your own home, this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies. Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are within reach to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help.
Each lesson includes tasks and an assignment which learners submits to their course tutor. The tutor will review the assignment and return this to the student with comments and suggestions for further reading.
WHY STUDY WITH ACS?
- Quality - Our courses are written and taught by experienced professionals, so you know you can expect a high quality of teaching and support.
- Flexibility - Study at your own pace and fit your studies around your own busy lifestyle - we provide full tutor support for all the time you are studying.
- Improve, update and expand your knowledge of agronomy with this detailed and specific qualification.
- Improve your job and career opportunities in the agricultural industry with a knowledge of agronomy practices.
Any Questions?
Our agronomy tutors are happy to answer any questions.