Module Details

Module Code: AGRI S7014
Full Title: Crop and Forage Science
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2021/22 ( September 2021 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Joseph Lynch
Departments: Agriculture, Food and Animal Health
Module Description: This module explores the scientific principles that underpin the interaction between plants, crop inputs and the environment in primary production, and details the application of these principles in modern and emerging sustainable grass and crop production systems.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Detail and monitor the critical yield-limiting stages of growth for commonly sown grasses, forages and field crops.
MLO2 Explain the diversity in mechanisms of common plant protection products and evaluate their functions in an effective and sustainable Integrated Pest Management plan in arable land and grassland.
MLO3 Discuss methods to improve nutrient use efficiency in grass and crop production systems and their contributions to sustainable production systems.
MLO4 Appraise pre- and post-harvest and grazing technologies in relation to potential benefits to yield, production efficiency and profitability.
MLO5 Develop skills in variety selection and utilising data to support crop husbandry and grass management decisions.
Pre-requisite learning
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 DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Agronomy and Yield Formation
Plant physiology, planting material, germination, sink and source limitation, fertilisation and yield formation in the primary plants grown in the Irish agricultural sector.
Nutrient Management
Soil physical, chemical and biological health, chemical fertilisers and application splitting, multi-species swards, cover crops/green manures, protected fertilisers, organic manures.
Integrated Pest Management
Pesticide mode of action, pesticide resistance in pathogens and weeds, determining pesticide application rates, legislation for the sustainable use of plant protection products, crop rotation, variety selection, crop hygiene, residue management, biological and microbial plant protection products
Plant Pathology
Disease monitoring, pathogen life cycles, reproduction and dispersal mechanisms of fungi, viruses and bacteria.
Pre- and Post-Harvest Emerging Technologies
Grass cover determination, grass and crop yield prediction models, remote imaging, biological additives, silage inoculants, meteorological data, pathogen identification.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Project30.00%
Practical20.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Part Time On Campus

No Course Work
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcome 4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
An investigation into the feasibility of integrating a recently developed scientific technology into a conventional crop or grass production system (e.g. yield estimation/monitoring, additives, sensors etc.)
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcome 2,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Practicals focused on the use of yield monitoring and IPM techniques in grass and crop production systems, including grass cover measuring, pest identification, variety selection and the responsible use of plant protection products.
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 100 Pass Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
n/a
Reassessment Requirement
A 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.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

This module has no Full Time On Campus workload.
Workload: Part Time On Campus
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Weekly lecturers and class exercises on crop and forage science topics Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact Independent and group based study on module content facilitated through online platforms Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Reading Non Contact Directed reading on weekly selected topics Every Week 2.00 2
Online Contact Contact Online contact to support continuous assessment assignments and lecture exercises. Every Week 0.50 0.5
Practical Contact Practical on IPM use in grass and crop production systems Every Week 0.50 0.5
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Collins, M. et al.. (2017), Forages, Volume 1, John Wiley & Sons, p.432, [ISBN: 978-1-119-30064-9].
  • McMahon, M.. (2019), Plant Science, Pearson, p.752, [ISBN: 978-0135184820].
  • Lynch, J.P. et al.. (2016), The Winter Wheat Guide, Teagasc.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Collins, C. and Phelan, S.. (2020), Crop Costs and Returns, Teagasc.
  • Wolf, B., Snyder, G. (2003), Sustainable Soils, Hawort Press Inc, [ISBN: 1560229179].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Adamson, H., et al.,. (2020), Review of evidence on Integrated Pest Management, DEFRA, Project No.: 27269.
  • European Comission. (2009), Directive 2009/128/EC - Sustainable Use of Pesticides.
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • Muck, R.E. et al. (2018), Silage review: Recent advances and future uses of silage additives, Journal of Dairy Science, 101, p.3980.
  • Teagasc. (2016), Teagasc Technology Foresight 2035.
Other Resources
  • Link, Library Catalogue,
    http://tinyurl.com/of7euvp
  • Research Journal, Field Crops Research, Elsevier.
  • Research Journal, (2021), Grass and Forage Science, John Wiley and Sons, Inc..