Welcome to Cropping Systems! In this course we will learn a version of crop science that takes into account the interplay between i) the management decisions farmers make (individual agency) and ii) the larger structural forces beyond farmer control (e.g. climate, soil type, commodity prices). Together, the interaction between these two variables results in a cropping system. In this course we will analyze the design of cropping systems for specific livestock, poultry and cash crop enterprises. We will discuss the major factors that affect crop yields, quality and economy of production such as choice and interchangeability of crops, crop sequence, tillage, pest control, cover crops, harvesting, drying and storage. The goal of this course is to develop a mental toolkit and habits of mind to assist you in agriculture-related careers.
CROP*4220 Cropping Systems
course node page
Instructors:
Teaching Assistant:
Credit Weight:
Course Level:
- Undergraduate
Academic Department (or campus):
Campus:
Semester Offering:
- Winter
Class Schedule and Location:
Please see WebAdvisor for class schedule and location.
Learning outcomes:
At the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Explain causes of complexity, diversity and dynamics of field crop production systems.
- Identify and describe components of crop production, including how these components are organized and optimized into a production system given constraining factors such as climate, soil type, livestock, species adaptation and morphology, and economics.
- Analyze how these components and their interactions influence resource use efficiency, crop physiology, soil properties, carbon balances, the nitrogen cycle, water and air quality and identify feedback mechanisms that producers can manipulate to improve system productivity.
- Explain how the above production systems concepts are currently utilized in Ontario, as well as systems used in Western Canada, the US Midwest and other developed and developing regions of the world.
- Find accurate and authentic information, synthesize it, and apply it to real-world problems.
Lecture Content:
Topics to be covered in lectures include:
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Definition of cropping systems - goals and objectives / overview of factors affecting cropping system choice
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Is Agronomy a Science? Hard inference/ The D-Q problem in agriculture/Case Studies
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Genotypes in Agriculture: Mechanisms of yield improvement of corn and soybeans varieties in Ontario, oats in Finland and Australia (comparison).
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Genotypes over time and space: Crop rotation, intercropping
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Environment (Climate): water budgets, radiation, temperature, photothermal quotient. Climate comparisons between Ontario, Prairies, Great Plains, Mid-West USA. Environment (Soil): Carbon and nutrient cycling, new understanding of soil organic matter formation, role of soil organic matter in cropping system productivity.
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Fundamentals of crop physiology: Review of key features of crop physiology that dictates appropriate crop management.
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Management Case Studies: Management choices in Ontario crop production, interactions with genotype and environment.
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Technology: Law of Technology and applications in agriculture
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Grain Quality: Review of grain quality
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Climate Change: Review of impacts of climate change on temperate cropping systems, emphasis on grain quality
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Ontario Case Studies: Wheat and corn quality issues in Ontario
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How to read a scientific Paper: How to read agronomy papers.
n/a
Course Assignments and Tests:
Assignment or Test | Contribution to Final Grade | Learning Outcomes Assessed |
---|---|---|
Participation Discussions |
20%
|
|
Group Discussion Leaders | 25% | |
Weekly Quiz | 20% | |
Midterm | 15% | 1, 2 |
Final Exam - Take Home
|
20%
|
1, 2, 3, 4 |
Final examination:
Final exam (Take Home)
The take-home exam will be made available immediately after our last class on April 7. It will be due the night of April 14.
Course Resources:
Required Texts:
Other Resources:
Additional readings consisting primarily of peer-reviewed journal articles will be provided on CourseLink.
Additional Costs:
None.
Course Policies:
Course Policy regarding use of electronic devices and recording of lectures:
Presentations that are made in relation to course work - including lectures - cannot be recorded or copied without the permission of the presenter, whether the instructor, a student, or guest lecturer. Material recorded with permission is restricted to use for that course unless further permission is granted.
Other Course Information:
University Policies
Academic Consideration
When you find yourself unable to meet an in-course requirement because of illness or compassionate reasons, please advise the course instructor in writing, with your name, id#, and e-mail contact. See the academic calendar for information on regulations and procedures for Academic Consideration:
- For Graduate Students: https://calendar.uoguelph.ca/graduate-calendar/
- For Undergraduate Students: https://calendar.uoguelph.ca/undergraduate-calendar/
- For Diploma Students: https://calendar.uoguelph.ca/associate-diploma/
Academic Misconduct
The University of Guelph is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and it is the responsibility of all members of the University community, faculty, staff, and students to be aware of what constitutes academic misconduct and to do as much as possible to prevent academic offences from occurring.
University of Guelph students have the responsibility of abiding by the University's policy on academic misconduct regardless of their location of study; faculty, staff and students have the responsibility of supporting an environment that discourages misconduct. Students need to remain aware that instructors have access to and the right to use electronic and other means of detection. Please note: Whether or not a student intended to commit academic misconduct is not relevant for a finding of guilt. Hurried or careless submission of assignments does not excuse students from responsibility for verifying the academic integrity of their work before submitting it. Students who are in any doubt as to whether an action on their part could be construed as an academic offence should consult with a faculty member or faculty advisor.
The Academic Misconduct Policy is detailed in the University Calenders:
- For Graduate Students: https://calendar.uoguelph.ca/graduate-calendar/general-regulations/academic-misconduct/
- For Undergraduate Students: https://calendar.uoguelph.ca/undergraduate-calendar/undergraduate-degree-regulations-procedures/academic-misconduct/
- For Diploma Students: https://calendar.uoguelph.ca/associate-diploma/associate-diploma-regulations-procedures/academic-misconduct/
Accessibility
The University of Guelph is committed to creating a barrier-free environment. Providing services for students is a shared responsibility among students, faculty and administrators. This relationship is based on respect of individual rights, the dignity of the individual and the University community's shared commitment to an open and supportive learning environment. Students requiring service or accommodation, whether due to an identified, ongoing disability or a short-term disability should contact the Student Accessibility Services (SAS), formerly Centre for Students with Disabilities (CSD), as soon as possible.
For more information, contact CSD at 519-824-4120 ext. 56208 or email sas@uoguelph.ca or visit the Student Accessibility Services website: http://www.uoguelph.ca/csd/.
Course Evaluation Information
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