Skip to main content

Module

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 ActivitiesLecture182:0036:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical22:004:00Utilising data analysis in the planning of crop production integration and economic efficiency
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops38:0024:00Undertaking analysis of the data produced by precision farming data systems, including visits
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesFieldwork45:0020:00On farm opportunities to utilise and implement precision farming technologies
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1116:00116:00Including directed reading and research and exam revision
Total200:00
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 Examination1202A50Combination of Multiple choice, short answer and essay answer questions in 2 or more sections.
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Oral Examination2M50Alternative 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 Presentation1MIn 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