303319 (v.2) Agricultural Production Systems 201

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 agricultural production systems in Western Australia, Australia and worldwide. Examination of the profitability and sustainability of dry land agricultural systems including crops, pasture, livestock and forestry components. Models used to analyse and modify systems components and systems. Managing soil resources for sustainable agricultural production.

Unit Outcomes:

On successful 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. Analysis of the linkages and relationships between systems components [animals and crops etc] in given farming systems as a basis for 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. 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. Retrieval of information and clear, concise and organised oral and written presentation.

Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.

Unit References:

Kemp, D.R. and Michalk, D.L.., (1993), Pasture management: Technology for the 21st Century, CSIRO, Melbourne. Loomis, R.S. and Connor, D.J., (1992), Crop ecology: Productivity and management in agricultural systems, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.Lovett, J.V. and Scott, J.M., (1997), Pasture production and management, Intaka Press, Port Melbourne. Roberts, B., (1995), The quest for sustainable agriculture and land use, Sydney, UNSW Press. Spedding, C.R.W., (1998), Introduction to agricultural systems, Second Edition, Elsevier Applied Science Publication, United Kingdom, Essex. 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, Second Edition, Kenthurst, Kangaroo Press.

Unit Texts:

Anderson, W.K. and Garlinge, J.R., (2000), The Wheat Book-Principles and Practice, Agriculture Western Australia, Bulletin 4443. Moore, G., (1998), Soil Guide-A Handbook for understanding and managing agricultural soils, Agriculture Western Australia, Bulletin 4343.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Assignment (1) 15%, Assignment (2) 15%, Examiniation 40%, Practical book 20%, Seminar 10%. This is by Grade/Mark assessment.

Year	Location	Period	Internal	Area External	Central External
2004	Northam Campus	Semester 1	Y