793-106 Plant Production

Credit Points

HECS Band

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Subject Description

The objective of this subject is to enable students to understand:

• the effects of climate and soil on plant growth;

• descriptions of the climatic and soil features of a location and relates their significance to the farming practices of that area and basic concepts of plant biology, with special reference to their influence in determining pasture and crop production husbandry practices;

• physical, chemical and biological properties of soils and the role of plant nutrients, their sources and recycling in soils.

The content includes: Climate and the influence of climatic parameters on plant growth, description and measurement of climate. Weather forecasting and its significance in farming. Overview of the climate of Australia and its relationship to farming zones. Description of soils and their features; texture, structure, soil pH, salinity, soil profiles and soil organic matter. Classification and description of the more common Australian soils. Plant biology, plant function, growth and life cycles of important pasture and crop species; identification and naming of herbaceous plants. Essential plant nutrients, their roles, sources and recycling. Soil testing procedures; sampling and interpretation of results. Fertiliser use.

Assessment

Internal students - Two 2500 word assignments; examination. External students - Two 3000 word assignments.