Course Description

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.

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.

Meet some of our academics

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.

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) .

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.,

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AGRONOMY BAG306