XII. Course Descriptions
Crop Science
Department of Plant Agriculture
| CROP*1050 Green Energy - Fuel from Plants W (3-0) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This course is a science-based examination of the potential for fuels derived from crops to contribute to sustainability of the energy supply, conservation of non-renewable resources and the mitigation of global climate change. This course covers fundamental principles underlying crop productivity and the conversion of plant biomass to various biofuels. This course applies scientific principles and quantitative analyses to evaluate the potential economic and environmental benefits of adoption of these alternative fuel sources. (Offered through Distance Education format only.) | |
| Restriction(s): | Not acceptable for students in the BSC, BSC-AGR or BSC-ENV programs. |
| CROP*2110 Crop Ecology W (3-0) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| CROP*2280 Crops in Land Reclamation F (2-2) [0.50] |
|---|
| 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. |
| CROP*3300 Grain Crops W (3-0) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| CROP*3310 Protein and Oilseed Crops F (3-0) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| CROP*3340 Managed Grasslands W (3-2) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| CROP*4220 Cropping Systems W (3-2) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| CROP*4240 Weed Science F (3-3) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| CROP*4260 Crop Science Field Trip F (0-4) [0.50] | |
|---|---|
| This field study course is designed to increase the student's knowledge of agricultural production, agricultural policy and agri-business. Students will tour the midwestern United States just prior to the start of the fall semester, visiting cash crop, horticultural and livestock farms, and supporting industries such as processing, manufacturing, elevators and stockyards. A student fee will be assessed to cover transportation and lodging. | |
| Prerequisite(s): | 12.50 credits including AGR*2470 |
| Restriction(s): | A cumulative average of 65% and instructor consent required. |