208-167 Introduction to Agricultural Systems

Encompassing both natural and social sciences, the subject provides a foundation to consider sustainable approaches to agricultural production, and the impact of agricultural systems on people and the environment. Students will be introduced to the nature of agricultural production systems as managed ecosystems, how they function, how they interact with the natural environment and how they are intimately connected with human society and social changes.

Through the introduction of sciences as they apply to agriculture, students will be further prepared for the theoretical concepts encountered in specific discipline areas in latter parts of the course.

Students will be introduced to the concepts of decision making and the evaluation of changes in terms of outcomes and consequences.

Topics include:

• Agriculture in the environment - air, land and water; natural and social;

• Natural cycles within food and fibre production - e.g. nutrients, reproduction, growth and development;

• Perpetuation of food and fibre production - sustainability, genetics;

• Productivity and Landscapes - use of technology, chemicals and fertilizers;

• Ecology of crops and pastures;

• Catchment ecology - factors impacting on water quality;

• Global Issues - issues associated with climate change and deforestation.

One two-hour examination 50%, students teams will also participate in, and submit a report on 3 practical field trials/experiments; each will contribute 10% to their final grade (total 30%). One individual literature-based assignment of 2000 words, 20%.