207-278 Resource Management (Soil and Water)

The content includes:

• land degradation and reclamation, and strategies for maintaining soil structure and nutrient status on farms;

• evaluation of sustainability in a range of farming systems;

• farmer and urban attitudes to sustainable land use issues;

• principles and benefits of farm planning;

• description of the farm environment;

• aerial photography;

• conservation farming and roles of trees on farms;

• role of natural habitat in farm systems, present and potential land and capital values;

• strategies for change on the farm - management practices, layout changes;

• planning changes to farm layout;

• planning changes to farm practices, for more efficient use of resources; and

• water conservation and reticulation.

At completion of this subject students should be able to:

• understand ecological principles influencing management of sustainable systems;

• analyse the practices and management strategies for natural resource management for sustainable farm productivity and lifestyles;

• competently develop a plan for a property, which incorporates considerations of long-term sustainability, flexibility, labour efficiency and economic viability; and

• plan and develop farm water supply systems for both stock and domestic use and irrigation.

One 2,5-hour written examination (40% of final marks), two mid-semester assignments each equivalent to 3000 words (30% each of final marks).