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304044 (v.2) Agricultural Production Systems 501


 

Area:

Muresk Institute

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

5.0

Lecture:

1 x 2 Hours Weekly

Practical:

1 x 3 Hours Weekly

Prerequisite(s):

303292 (v.2) Plant and Soil Resources 101 or any previous version
AND
303297 (v.2) Animal Science 102 or any previous version
AND
303301 (v.2) Plant and Soil Systems 102 or any previous version

Syllabus:

Examination of the profitability and sustainability of dry land agricultural systems including crop, livestock and forestry components. Models used to analyse and modify systems components and systems. Statistics includes comparison of means and non-parametric analysis such as t-tests, tests of independence and goodness of fit using chi-square. Interpretation of results and use of SPSS.
 

Unit Outcomes:

Upon completion of this unit students will have- Analysed the strengths and weaknesses of the agricultural systems in WA, Australia and globally. Described the basis of agricultural production systems considering the interaction between climate, soil crops, pastures, animals, machinery, capital and management. Analysed the linkages and relationships between systems components [animals and crops etc] in given farming system as a basis of optimisation of farm productivity. Described the basis of selected computer models in agriculture and their use to optimise the performance of the systems and /or sub-systems. Gained knowledge on the management of soil resources for sustainable agricultural production, pasture production and utilisation, and grazing animal production, integrating trees into farming systems, organic production systems, rangeland and intensive animal production systems.Gained skills in retrieval of information and clear, concise and organised oral and written presentation.

Texts and references listed below are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Some units taught offshore are modified at selected locations. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information and approved offshore variations to unit information before finalising study and textbook purchases.

Unit References:

Kemp, D.R. and Michalk, D.L., (1993). Pasture Management: Technology for the 21st Century. Melbourne, CSIRO. Loomis, R.S. and Connor, D.J., (1992). Crop Ecology: Productivity and Management in Agricultural Sstems. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.Lovett, J.V. and Scott, J.M., (1997). Pasture Production and Management. Port Melbourne, Intaka Press. Roberts, B., (1995), The Quest for Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use. Sydney, UNSW Press. Spedding, C.R.W., (1998). Introduction to Agricultural Systems, 2nd ed. Essex, United Kingdom, Elsevier Applied Science Publication. Squires, V. and Tow, P., (1991), Dryland Farming- A System Approach. Sydney, Sydney University Press. Wilson, J., (1992), Changing Agriculture: An Introduction to Systems Thinking, 2nd ed. Kenthurst, Kangaroo Press.

Unit Texts:

Anderson, W.K. and Garlinge, J.R., (2000), The Wheat Book- Principles and Practice, Agriculture Western Australia, Bulletin 4443.
 

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Assignment (1) 15%, Assignment (2) 15%, Assignment (3) 10%, Examination 30%, Practical Book 20%, Seminar 10%. This is by grade/mark assessment.

Field of Education:

 50100 Agriculture (Narrow Grouping)

HECS Band (if applicable):

2  

Extent to which this unit or thesis utilises online information:

 Supplemental  

Result Type:

 Grade/Mark


Availability

YearLocationPeriodInternalArea ExternalCentral External
2004Northam CampusSemester 1Y  

Area
External
refers to external course/units run by the School or Department, offered online or through Web CT, or offered by research.
Central
External
refers to external course/units run through the Curtin Bentley-based Distance Education Area

 
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