Course overview
This course delivers an overview of agronomic production systems for dryland pastures and crops. In particular the course provides a practical understanding of selection, establishment, management and utilisation of crops and pastures in the main rainfall and soil environments encountered in southern Australia. Topics include: weed, pest and disease management; species and cultivar identification and selection; selection and use of crops and pastures; rotations; tillage; nutrition and fertilisers; and the interrelationship of agronomy and the environment.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe basic production characteristics of the major crop and pasture production systems in Australian agriculture
- Explain how important management practices influence productivity and sustainability of crops and pastures
- Identify important species of crops, pastures and weeds using established frameworks and tools, and explain growth and development patterns of major crop species and their control by genetic, environment and management factors
- Select crops and pastures according to their suitability to production system, environmental factors and animal production needs, and effectively communicate the basis for their selection based on adaptation attributes
- Collect, analyse, interpret, critically evaluate and communicate information related to performance of crop and pasture production systems effectively