XII. Course Descriptions
Crop Science
Department of Plant Agriculture
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CROP*2050 Gateway to Organic Agriculture F (3-3) [0.50]
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| Students taking this course will be exposed to the full spectrum of opportunities in the field of organic agriculture, from social policy and marketing to crop rotation and rare breeds. In addition to lectures provided by faculty from several departments, guest speakers will offer practical insights into the field. Experiential learning will be encouraged, through data collection and analysis from organically managed land and from site interviews with practitioners in the field. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
5.00 credits |
| Restriction(s): |
CROP*3400
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CROP*2110 Crop Ecology W (3-0) [0.50]
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| Fundamental ecological principles are applied to managed agricultural ecosystems. Crop selection and management are viewed as influencing interactions among species and the environment. Adaptation and distribution of temperate zone crops are related to both environmental constraints and human intervention. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
BIOL*1040
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CROP*2280 Crops in Land Reclamation F (2-2) [0.50]
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| The use of vegetation to reclaim land disturbed by human intervention, including mining and extraction, construction of right-of-ways, waste disposal, and logging, are introduced. Fundamentals of soil, plant, and associated microbial relations are reviewed, with emphasis on plant adaptation to soil constraints. Presentations by guest speakers and visits to nearby sites are used to identify the off as well as on-site environmental implications of land disturbance. |
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CROP*3130 Tutorials in Organic Agriculture II W (3-2) [0.50]
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| Building on the introductory exposure offered in CROP*2050, this course will rely on small group mentoring to stimulate independent, learner-centered analysis of selected topics in organic agriculture. Students will participate in an interdisciplinary analysis of case study topics offered in the form of two, 6-week modules in biophysical and social areas, including organic certification, non-chemical pest management, organics in an international context, and enhancing soil and crop health. The goal is to encourage holistic, systematic thinking in students learning to become self-directed analysts and decision-makers. Seminar periods will support both guest speakers and student presentations. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
CROP*2050
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CROP*3300 Grain Crops W (3-0) [0.50]
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| Management strategies and world production of the major temperate grain crops are studied relative to their botanical and physiological characteristics and to available environmental resources. The utilization of grain crops for human food, livestock feed, and various industrial products are examined. (Offered in odd-numbered years.) |
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of AGR*2451/2, AGR*2470, CROP*2110
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CROP*3310 Protein and Oilseed Crops F (3-0) [0.50]
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| Management strategies and world production of the major temperate protein and oilseed crops are studied relative to their botanical and physiological characteristics and to available environmental resources. The utilization of protein and oilseed crops for human food, livestock feed and various industrial products are examined. (Offered in odd-numbered years.) |
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of AGR*2451/2, AGR*2470, CROP*2110
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CROP*3340 Managed Grasslands W (3-2) [0.50]
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| Managed forage grasses and legumes provide grazing, conserved feed, and a wider range of services to the environment and society at large. Agro-ecological, genetic, and managerial considerations will be integrated toward addressing questions of ruminant production and environmental management. Species will be distinguished morphologically and physiologically, focusing on adaptation to climatic, edaphic, and managerial constraints. Topics will include: physiological attributes of forage species, sward lifespan, establishment and maintenance practices, forage quality indices and harvest management. (Offered in even-numbered years.) |
| Prerequisite(s): |
1 of AGR*2451/2, AGR*2470, CROP*2110
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CROP*4220 Cropping Systems W (3-2) [0.50]
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| Design of cropping systems for specific livestock, poultry and cash crop enterprises; integration of all factors affecting crop yields, quality and economy of production such as choice and interchangeability of crops, crop sequence, tillage, pest control, seasonal work programming, harvesting, drying and storage. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
(2 of CROP*3300, CROP*3310, CROP*3320, CROP*3330), (SOIL*3080 or SOIL*4090) |
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CROP*4240 Weed Science F (3-3) [0.50]
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| Weeds will be studied in relation to agricultural practices. Principles of chemical, mechanical and biological control will be outlined. Laboratories will include weed identification, weed control methods, and demonstrations of the effects of various herbicides. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
AGR*2451/2 or AGR*2470
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CROP*4260 Crop Science Field Trip F (0-4) [0.50]
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| A field study designed to increase the student's knowledge of agricultural production and agri-business. Students will tour a selected area of North America prior to the fall semester, visiting cash crop and livestock farms, supporting industries (e.g. processing, manufacturing) and markets (e.g. elevators, stockyards). A fee of approximately $750.00 per student will be assessed. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
12.50 credits including AGR*2451/2 or AGR*2470
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| Restriction(s): |
Instructor consent required. |
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CROP*4340 Seminar: Selected Topics in Crop Science F (2-0) [0.50]
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| This course is designed to permit students to study topics of current interest in the production of crops for feed and food purposes. Students will present seminars and prepare video presentations on the selected topics. |
| Prerequisite(s): |
0.50 credits at the 3000 level in Crop Science |
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