Fertiliser Management

Subject 208-320 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Intensive 22/9/2008 - 26/9/2008

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty-six hours of lectures and tutorials including a five-day block at Dookie - 22/9/2008 - 26/9/2008
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

202-201 Plant Function, 202-203 Soil and Water Resources
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Ken Young
Subject Overview:

The objectives of this subject are to provide specialist knowledge on the fertiliser and soil ameliorant industries in Australia, and on systems of recommending and applying fertilisers to crops (grain, horticultural and vegetable) and pastures. This unit is designed specifically for students considering a career as an extension and/or research agronomist.

Subject content includes:

  • factors affecting availability of macro- and micro-nutrients from soil and fertiliser; major nutrient and carbon cycles; role of major nutrients in plant and farm animal growth, with specific reference to grain, horticulture and vegetable crops and pasture-based livestock production;

  • overview of the Australian fertiliser and soil ameliorant industries; chemical fertiliser production and distribution; alternative fertilisers - biosolids, green manures, mineral fertilisers, other organic fertilisers; types and forms of fertilisers; physical and chemical characteristics and standards of fertilisers and soil ameliorants;

  • interpretation of plant nutrient status including visual assessment and soil and foliar analysis; prediction of fertiliser responses using a range of systems including response curves, yield targets, nutrient mass balance and other predictive models; economics of fertiliser use;

  • factors affecting availability of macro- and micro-nutrients from soil and fertiliser; major nutrient and carbon cycles; role of major nutrients in plant and farm animal growth, with specific reference to grain, horticulture and vegetable crops and pasture-based livestock production;

  • fertiliser application technologies for different forms and types of fertilisers; fertiliser mixtures and compatibilities; site specific application; time of application; risks and problems in fertiliser use and application systems; and

  • environmental issues in fertiliser use; high or low input systems; nutrient transfer and off-site effects; interactions between plant nutrition and protection, sustainability issues associated with fertiliser use including soil acidification, structural decline, organic matter decline.
Assessment:

One 3-hour examination (60%), two assignments equivalent to 3000 words (20% each).
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

Recommended Texts:

  • Australian Soil Fertility Manual (J S Glenndinning), CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, 2000
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Information Not Available
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Bachelor of Agricultural Science

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