Summer Cropping System

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Abstract

This subject has been designed and is delivered in partnership with Australia's major summer cropping industries and aims to prepare students with the skills and knowledge to advise growers on the intricacies of planning and managing irrigated summer cropping enterprises. Students will develop detailed knowledge of major summer crops, sustainable system design and integration within the engineered environment of an irrigated cropping zone. Students use the latest in technology to interact with Industry experts in both virtual and in-situ Field Schools located within the southern irrigated summer cropping region. With ready access to the latest industry research, students will learn to adapt these summer cropping systems to a changing environment.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: Major summer crops and their requirements;Principles of systems design in irrigated cropping zones;The "engineered environment";Key factors affecting crop choice and sequencing;Managing biophysical constraints; andSummer cropping system management and adaptation in a changing environment.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

demonstrate and apply knowledge of the development and growth requirements of key summer crop species to the planning and management of irrigation systems in southern Australia;

identify management practices and decisions critical to the implementation of sustainable rotations;

critically evaluate a summer cropping system with respect to its sustainability, profitability and yield;

design and justify appropriate cropping rotations for irrigated summer cropping systems; and

demonstrate their ability to critically evaluate and integrate knowledge to real/current summer cropping systems and communicate this knowledge to external audiences.

Assumed knowledge

Students are expected to have studied subjects in the fields of plant production systems, plant protection (including weeds, diseases and invertebrate pests), crop physiology and agronomy prior to enrolling in this subject.

Enrolment restrictions

Restricted to students enrolled in Bachelor of Agriculture, Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours), Master of Sustainable Agriculture Articulated Set and Master of Agricultural Business Management Articulated Set.

Students undertaking cross-institutional study can apply for approval from the Course Director.

Learning activities

Intensive School

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

Students will be attending an off-campus compulsory intensive school close to the location of summer crops to enable easy access. Travel to and accommodation near to the intensive school will be required for students attending.