Agronomy can be broadly defined as the practice and study of field crops for use as human food, animal feed, fibre, oilseed production and some industrial products.
- Learn the principles and practices that underpin commercial broad acre crop production (agronomy).
- Develop an ability to interpret and apply information practically, on a farm.
- Complement your farming studies or experience and seek employment in this highly sought after field.
- This course is listed on the UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification) Capacity Building Marketing Place).
E-Learning Structure
The duration of this online course is 100 hours. This consists of 8 in-depth lessons:
Lesson 1. Introduction To Agronomic Practices
- Introduction.
- Crop Types.
- Plant Structure and Function.
- Transpiration Rate.
- Selection Criteria for Plants.
- Understanding Monoculture.
- Row Crops.
- Cover Crops.
- Crop Operations.
- Planter Types.
Lesson 2. Culture – What Influences Crop Growth
- Soils.
- Problems with Soils.
- Loss of Soil Problems.
- Erosion.
- Salinity.
- Soil Sodicity.
- Soil Acidity and Alkalinity.
- Improving Soils.
- Cultivation Techniques.
- Plant Nutrition.
- Nutrient Deficiencies.
- Organic Fertilisers.
- Soil Life.
- Insect Pests.
- Diseases.
Lesson 3. Crop Husbandry Practices
- Operations.
- Identifying Weeds.
- Ways to Control Weeds.
- Spraying.
- Irrigation.
- Chemical Crop Protection.
- Preparing Plant Pathogens for Microscopic Observation.
- Culturing Pathogens.
- Natural Pest and Disease Control.
- Physical Controls.
- Organic Sprays and Dusts.
Lesson 4. Seed And Seed Management
- Seed Storage
- Types of Seed Storage.
- Seed Vigour Testing.
- Dormancy Factors Affecting Germination.
- Germination Treatments.
- Types of Media.
- Media Derived from Rock or Stone.
- Media Derived from Synthetic Materials.
- Organic Media.
- Diseases.
- Salinity Build Up.
Lesson 5. Arable Cereal Crops
- Cereal Crops.
- Zadock Scale.
- Wheat.
- Barley.
- Oats.
- Triticale.
- Sorghum.
- Maize.
- Rice.
- Millet.
- Sugar Cane.
- Ryegrass.
- Hay and Silage.
- Quality Control.
- Storage and Handling.
- Hydroponic Fodder.
Lesson 6. Arable Broadleaf Crops
- Characteristics of Broadleaf Crops.
- Oil Crops.
- Chickpeas.
- Narrow-leafed Lupins.
- Canola.
- Faba Beans.
- Cover Crops.
- Common Legumes.
Lesson 7. Harvesting
- Crop Preparation for Harvest.
- Crop Harvest Equipment.
- Forage Harvesting Equipment.
- Cereal Harvesting Equipment.
- Root Crop Harvesting Equipment.
- Grain Storage.
- Contract Harvesting.
Lesson 8. Crop Management – Special Project
- Crop Management from planting to post harvest handling.
Course Aims
- Develop your understanding and confidently describe the nature and scope of agronomic practices within your country and others.
- Discuss what is grown, where it is grown and the diversity of practices used to grow a wide range of crops.
- Learn how to identify factors that affect the success of a crop; including soil condition, climate factors and biological influences such as pests and diseases.
- Clearly describe significant practices used by farmers in the growing of an agronomic crop; including the management of soils, water, cultivations and crop protection.
- Explain how to achieve successful seed germination for different agronomic crops under different conditions in the field.
- Discuss practices used to farm cereals for harvest and sale as cash crops.
- Discuss practices used to farm broadleaf crops for harvest and sale as cash crops.
- Understand the use of different harvesting equipment and techniques including post harvest handling for a range of different crops.
- Demonstrate your knowledge by producing a management plan for a crop from planting to post harvest handling.
How Does A Warnborough Online Course Work?
You can start the course whenever is convenient for you. You will be studying from home and have access to support from our qualified tutors. Practical exercises and research tasks will be set at the end of each lesson – including an assignment. You will submit this assignment to your course tutor, who will mark your work and give you constructive feedback and suggestions.
If you have any questions please contact us.
