Agronomy & Cropping Systems

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 Hours

Eligibility for honours or graduate degree

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

This subject will discuss material and energy balances under a range of modern Australian cropping systems as well as examples from Asian and European farming systems. The course will focus on the agronomic concepts essential to understand the impact of management on production and product quality of plant systems, and the impact of environmental, economic and social factors on both dryland and irrigated plant production. The objective of this subject is to understand how climate, water and nutrient availability affects the productivity and sustainability of plant production systems using lectures, practical examples, computer simulation exercises and field trips.

n/a

• A 1000 word practical report based on field trip due approximately Week 4 worth 15%
• A 1000 word practical report based on field trip due approximately Week 8 worth 15%
• A 1000 word practical report based on field trip due approximately Week 12 worth 15%
• A small plant collection requiring the collection, presentation and short description of approximately 16 plants due towards end of semester worth 15%
• A two-hour end-of-semester exam worth 40%

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• A profound respect for truth, intellectual and professional integrity, and the ethics of scholarship
• The capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research
• An ability to derive, interpret and analyse social, technical or economic information from primary and other sources
• Awareness of and ability to utilise appropriate communication technology and methods for the storage, management and analysis of data
• The capacity for creativity and innovation, through the application of skills and knowledge
• An ability to integrate information across a relevant discipline to solve problems in applied situations
• Highly developed computer - based skills to allow for effective on-line learning and communication
• Highly developed written communication skills to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
• Highly developed oral communication skills to allow informed dialogue and liaison with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
• An appreciation of social and cultural diversity from a regional to a global context
• The ability to participate effectively as a member of a team
• The ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects