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303368 (v.2) Sustainable Agronomic Systems 301
Area: | Muresk Institute |
Credits: | 25.0 |
Contact Hours: | 5.0 |
Lecture: | 1 x 3 Hours Weekly |
Tutorial: | 1 x 2 Hours Weekly |
Prerequisite(s): | 303292 (v.2) Plant and Soil Resources 101 or any previous version
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303301 (v.2) Plant and Soil Systems 102 or any previous version
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303319 (v.2) Agricultural Production Systems 201 or any previous version
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Syllabus: | Exploration of agronomic systems in terms of social, economic and environmental sustainability - the triple bottom line. Sustainable agronomic systems appropriate for land management units including intensive, rangeland and broadacre examples. Impacts onWestern Australian agriculture caused by national and global changes. Sustainable practice adoption and social capacity for change. |
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Unit Outcomes: | On successful completion of this unit students will have - Explained the concept of sustainability as related to agronomic systems for broadcare farming, farm forestry, intensive and rangeland agronomic systems. Analysed present production systems in aim to achieve greater sustainability including an understanding of the challenges and strengths for each. Discussed the importance of soil microbiology, soil fertility, soil health as biophysical factors affecting sustainability. Explored recent advances in sustainable agriculture including the application of biotechnology and analyse the implications of recent advances in agricultural science to farmers and society (including consumers). Described how the sustainability of Western Australian agriculture is affected by national and global changes that affect paddock scale decision making. Developed critical thinking skills to become more strategic and proactive in the workforce. Critically evaluated information and modified the production to meet goals. Delivered a project report orally and in writing using new media which demonstrated a high level of professional communication and information literacy skill. |
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: | Roberts B., (1995), The quest for sustainable agriculture and land use, Sydney, UNSW Press. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation., (1997), Design Principles for Farm Forestry: A Guide to Assist Farmers to Decide Where to Place Trees andFarm Plantations on Farms, South Australia, Finsbury Press Pty Ltd. |
Unit Texts: | Cary J, Webb T, Barr N., (2002), Understanding landholders' capacity to change to sustainable practices: insights about practice adoption and social capacity for change,Canberra, Beaureau of Rural Sciences. Ghassemi F, Jackman A. J and Nix H. A, (1995), Salinisation of Land and Water Resources - Human Causes, Extent, Management and case studies, Sydney, University Press. Nair P.K.R., (1993), An Introduction to Agroforestry. Netherlands, Kluwer Academic Publishers. Pretty J, (1995), Regenerating agriculture: policies and practice for sustainability and self reliance, Earthscan. |
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Unit Assessment Breakdown: | Continous Assessment 70%, Final Examination 30%. This is by grade/mark assessment. |
Field of Education: | 50100 Agriculture (Narrow Grouping) | HECS Band (if applicable): | 2 |
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Extent to which this unit or thesis utilises online information: | Informational | Result Type: | Grade/Mark |
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Availability
| Year | Location | Period | Internal | Area External | Central External | | 2004 | Northam Campus | Semester 1 | Y | | |
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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