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AGRONOMY BAG306

Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification
Statement of Attainment

Study Arable Farming & Crop Production 

Agronomists manage agricultural soils and crops - their culture, pest & disease control, and other aspects of growing to optimise yields. Agronomists are sought by farmers and other growers for their expert knowledge.

Study this course to:

  • Learn the biological and physical factors in crop production - such as crop physiology, plant breeding, pest control, soil science and management, crop rotation and tillage.
  • Gain skills and improve your prospects for work in agronomy. 
  • Confidently apply agronomic practices in your existing work.

It's easy to enrol...

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Learn Agronomic Practices | Apply Knowledge in Crop Production

During study you will:

  • Learn the principles and practices that underpin commercial broad acre crop production.
  • Develop an ability to interpret and apply information practically.
  • Complement other farming studies or experience. 
  • Confidently seek employment in this highly sought after field.

       

       COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

      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 some of the things you will be doing:

      • 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, also 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. 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.
      • 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

      This course is studied online, 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 Learning - Study with courses developed and supported by experienced industry professionals.
      • Flexible Study - Learn at your own pace with ongoing tutor support.
      • Build Agronomy Expertise - Expand your knowledge of crop production, soils, and agronomic practices.
      • Advance Your Career - Enhance your skills and employment opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness.

       

      Got Questions?

      Click here to contact a tutor or Request a course handbook here.
    Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

    Meet some of our academics

    Marie Beerman B.Sc.,M.Hort.Marie has been involved in horticulture since 2003. She completed a Masters degree in Horticulture at Hannover University in Germany in 2007, and has worked with ACS since 2011 She has co-authored of several ebooks including one on Roses and has a very sound knowledge and experience with horticultural science and research ranging from plant taxonomy and plant breeding to pest, disease and soil management.,
    Maggi BrownMaggi is regarded as an expert in organic growing throughout the UK, having worked for two decades as Education Officer at the world renowned Henry Doubleday Research Association. She has been active in education, environmental management and horticulture across the UK for more than three decades. Some of Maggi's qualifications include RHS Cert. Hort. Cert. Ed. Member RHS Life Member Garden Organic (HDRA) .
    Diana Cole (Horticulturist)Horticulturist, Permaculturist, Landscaper, Environmentalist. Holds a Diploma in Horticulture, degree in geography, permaculture certificate and various other qualifications. Between 1985 and 94, Diana was a task leader with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. Since 2001 she has been chairperson of the Friends of Mellor Park (with Stockport MDC). From 2005 she has worked exclusively in horticulture as proprietor of her own garden design and consultancy business in and around Derbyshire; and at the same time as part time manager of a small garden centre. Diana has been an enthusiastic and very knowledgeable tutor with ACS since 2008.


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