208-255 Crop Management

202-154 Introductory Biology for Land and Food

On completion of the subject, students should:

• understand the growth phases of crops and how to monitor and measure these growth stages;

• understand the determinants that drive plant growth and yield of crops;

• have a working knowledge of plant nutrient requirements for the major crops of southern Australia and how to determine plant nutrient requirements;

• be able to develop a pre-season plan for crops including forecasting potential yields;

• understand the major constraints to plant growth including soil limitations, plant disease, insect and weed management; and

• understand the different harvesting/grazing methods of crops and why they are used.

Three-hour end-of-semester examination (50% of final marks), two 1500-word assignments (20% each of final marks) and one oral presentation (10% of final marks).