NES3014 : Precision Agriculture incorporating Non-Combinable Crops
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Dave George
- Lecturer: Professor Neil Boonham, Dr Paul Bilsborrow, Dr Ankush Prashar, Mr James Standen
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
- Capacity limit: 60 student places
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
To provide students understanding of the physiological, agronomic, environmental and genotypic factors which affect physical and financial performance of the major temperate non-combinable crops.
To integrate the main principles underlying the technologies and methodologies being used in Precision Farming (PF) in crop production systems, and the limitations and opportunities associated with different technologies and methodologies, utilising analytical skills and assisting decision making.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module will use the examples of non-combinable crops to manage an integrated crop production system that incorporates cultural methods of control for weeds pests and diseases, utilising precision farming technology to identify and implement control systems.
The module will incorporate the use of a variety of technological precision systems including global satellite navigation, remote sensing of crops and soils, incorporation of the impact of rotations in the application of data use in crop management, including variable-rate applications of seed, fertiliser and pesticide applications.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 18 | 2:00 | 36:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Utilising data analysis in the planning of crop production integration and economic efficiency |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 3 | 8:00 | 24:00 | Undertaking analysis of the data produced by precision farming data systems, including visits |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 4 | 5:00 | 20:00 | On farm opportunities to utilise and implement precision farming technologies |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 116:00 | 116:00 | Including directed reading and research and exam revision |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Specialist staff are involved to deliver up-to-date lectures, including permitting students to have the opportunity to review and utilise precision equipment. The intention of the module is that it is not separated into components associated with each specialism, more that the principles of production and crop management are incorporated into an holistic approach to non-combinable crop production systems that includes consideration for the entirety of the rotation, soil types, cost, availability of staff and equipment, aiming to minimise inputs whilst maintaining or improving yield and quality of outputs.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 50 | Combination of Multiple choice, short answer and essay answer questions in 2 or more sections. |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Examination | 2 | M | 50 | Alternative crop integration presentation |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Presentation | 1 | M | In Class micro-presentation on Agri-Tech use in crop of choice. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The examination is an opportunity for specific topics to be identified and singled out for further assessment in a confined parameter, by splitting the examination into two parts, the exam will be able to address learning outcomes that are specific to either non-combinable crops or to precision farming strategies and techniques.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES3014's Timetable