Agronomy III - Root Crops


Agronomy III - Root Crops

Course Code BAG310
Qualification Statement of Attainment
Payment Options Upfront & Payment Plans
Delivery Online & Correspondence
Duration 100

Learn how to grow root vegetables, some of the world's most vital crops. Start a new enterprise or increase and improve your farm's output.
 

Learn how to grow root vegetables, some of the world's most vital crops!

Add to what you are already growing on your farm or start a new enterprise with this comprehensive course in root crop growing.

Root crops are the second most important staple crop in the world. They are an essential source of carbohydrates for people all over the world. They are also important food security crops for both humans and animals - as climate changes the agricultural environment, we will need to turn to resilient, carbohydrate and protein rich, easily grown crops to replace those that are highly dependent on water (e.g. rice) for their productivity and survival.

Root crops include:

  • potatoes
  • sweet potatoes
  • yams
  • turnips
  • carrots
  • swedes

In developing countries, some types of root crops (for example yams and cassava) which are relatively high in protein (about 6%), contribute to the diet as a substitute for other, less obtainable, protein foods such as fish or meat; root crops are also becoming very popular in the developed world as people begin to understand the benefits to their health and to the environment by growing and eating root vegetables.

This course will help you discover different varieties of root vegetables, learn best growing practices and understand different harvesting techniques.

Lesson Structure

There are 10 lessons in this course:

  1. Scope and Nature of Root Cropping and the Botany of Roots
  2. Cultural Practices A: Soil Management, Crop Scheduling and Soil Water
  3. Cultural Practices B: Weed control, Pest Management
  4. Potatoes
  5. Carrots and their Relatives
  6. Turnips and their Relatives
  7. Beets
  8. Taro, Yams and Sweet Potato
  9. Other Root Crops
  10. Harvest and Post-Harvest Management

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

  • Describe root vegetables, their variations and nutritional value and the morphological internal and external structures of roots.
  • Outline the cultural practices needed to produce vegetable crops.
  • Outline methods of weed and pest management and the use and range of specialised machinery used in root crop production.
  • Outline the cultural requirements and growing techniques for potatoes.
  • Outline the cultural requirements and growing techniques for carrots and their relatives.
  • Outline the cultural requirements and growing techniques for turnips and their relatives.
  • Outline the cultural requirements and growing techniques for beets and their relatives.
  • Outline the cultural requirements and growing techniques for Yams, Taro and Sweet Potato
  • Outline the cultural requirements and growing techniques for a range of other root crops not studied earlier this course.
  • Describe the harvest and post-harvest requirements of root vegetable crops.

What You Will Do

  • Cultivate a root vegetable bed
  • Create and update a log book recording your bed's details
  • Conduct experiments to determine moisture range
  • Discuss ways to improve soil for a set of root crops
  • Discuss crop rotation systems
  • Discuss seed treatments and planting techniques
  • Prepare a weed collection
  • Develop pest and disease control programs from planting through to harvest
  • Write a crop production schedule
  • Discuss timing of varieties and harvest

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS COURSE? 

  • Farmers and farm workers
  • Farm equipment and service suppliers
  • Agriculture students and professionals
  • Small farm or hobby farm owners considering new 'niche' crops
  • Livestock owners/managers, wanting to produce animal feeds

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Student support

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As an enrolled student at Learning Cloud, you are entitled to access a variety of non-academic support services from the Student Services Unit. These supports are designed to walk beside you throughout your studies they will assist you in life’s ups and downs to provide you the best opportunity to successfully complete your chosen course.

STUDENT SERVICES PROGRAMS INCLUDE:

  • Careers Counselling Service
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  • Parent support
  • Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAP)

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How will this course advance my career?

Learning Cloud programs have been developed in response to industry demand and are specifically designed to equip graduates with work-ready skills. Each participant will be trained and assessed in theory and in practical tasks and Real-world exercises are used throughout the program.

Studies prove, time and again, that college-educated workers earn more than those with only a high school qualification. College graduates often enjoy additional benefits, including greater job opportunities and promotions. Though the proof for greater earning potential exists, some might wonder whether the cost of the education warrants the overall expense in the long run.

College Graduate vs. Non-Graduate Earnings

The National Centre for Education Statistics (NCES) analyses employee earnings data biennially, according to education level. Findings indicate that workers with a qualification earn significantly more than those without. Since the mid-1980s, education has played a large part in potential wages, with bachelor's degree holders taking home an average of 66% more than those with only a high school diploma do. While college-educated workers' wages have increased over the past two decades, those with only a high school education have seen decreases in annual salaries in the same time period (nces.ed.gov).

How else will I benefit from studying with Learning Cloud?

  • Studying online or distance means you can study where you want and at your own pace.
  • Receive career-focused training with practical, hands-on learning.
  • All course materials are provided and all digital platforms are interactive, work on any device and designed to be fun.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning or Skills Recognition may be available for previous work experience, formal training or qualifications in this field.

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