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Butler Community College
Don Gronau
Business,Technology and Workforce Development
Spring 1994

Crop Science

Course Outline

COURSE DESCRIPTION
AG 220 Crop Science. 4 Credit Hours. Principles underlying practices used in the culture of corn grain sorghum, wheat, and soybeans. A basic course for those in crop and livestock production as well as related agri-business areas.

TEXTBOOK
Working notes for Crop Science. Gronau \ Ehler

COURSE OBJECTIVES
After completion of this course the student will be able to:

A.Trace the history and development of the crop production industry and its role in society.
B. Describe the effect of climate on crop distribution and the relationships involved.
C. Describe soil structure, soil formation, and soil properties as related to plant growth.
D. List plant nutrients, their functions and sources.
E. Explain tests used for determining plant nutrient needs.
F. Identify methods of tillage and seedbed preparation and reasons for performing these operations.
G. Explain monocot and dicot growth and development.
H. Identify monocot and dicot seed and plant structures and their functions.
I. List functions of water, light, and temperature in plant growth.
J. Identify flower parts and their functions.
K. Describe the cultural practices and genetic principles used in crop development.
L. Identify seeding rates and dates of common crops and the factors influencing seeding practices.
M. Describe common pest and diseases of crop plants and methods of control.
N. List methods of weed control including common herbicides and their function.
O. Identify common crop and weed seeds and plants.

TOPICAL OUTLINES OF UNITS
I.  After completing their study of Unit 1, students should be able to:

  1. Describe the development of crops and explain the process of photosynthesis.
  2. Describe the integrated functioning of various groups of cell germination, growth and. reproduction.
  3. Explain the movement of nutrients and the manufacturing of food.
  4. Explain how the plant stores nutrients and its affect on following generations.
  5. List the requirements for good seed germination.
  6. Identify plants high in nutrients.
  7. Explain the classifications of crops based on their life habitat.
II.  After completing their study of Unit 2, students should be able to:
  1. Explain how elements of the climate affect crop production.
  2. Describe precipitation and its impact on crop production including hail.
  3. List techniques used to improve crops and relate to performance testing.
  4. Compare types of reproduction in crops.
  5. Define characteristics of good crop seed.
  6. Explain the use of and importance of native of natural vegetation.
  7. Identify the most limiting factors in crop production.
  8. Explain effects of management on the relationship of the needs of the crop plant community to the ability of the environment to supply those needs.
III.  After completing the study of Unit 3, students should be able to:
  1. Explain advancements in crop improvement, variety preservation, and quality.
IV.  After completing their study of Unit 4, students should be able to:
  1. Explain plant relationships with water and translocation.
  2. Describe water management and functions within the environment.
  3. Account for water shortages in crops, disease problems, and drainage affect.
  4. Explain efficient use of water in crops.
  5. Define fallowing systems.
  6. Describe a strategy for managing crops in arid or humid climates
V.  After completing their study of Unit 5, students should be able to:
  1. Describe affects of temperature on crops.
  2. Define vernalization.
  3. Explain growing degree units.
  4. Explain importance of date of planting.
  5. Explain hybrid vigor, disease and insect control, and residue management, and residue management.
  6. Describe factors involved in choice of crop.
VI.  After completing their study of Unit 6, students should be able to:
  1. Explain solar radiation and light management for best weed control.
  2. Explain how plant spacing and populations affect production of crops.
  3. Explain how some herbicides block crop development.
  4. Describe affect of on crop growth.
  5. Explain light as a limiting factor in croption.
  6. Explain maturity group classifications.
VII.  After completing their study of Unit 7, students should be able to:
  1. Identify crops flowering parts and describe their functions.
  2. Describe the cultural practices of crop production.
  3. Explain soil relationships in crop production.
  4. Describe soil classifications.
  5. Explain factors influencing the development of soil.
  6. Explain soil fertility and crop growth.
  7. List primary soil nutrients.
  8. Explain availability of nutrients to crops.
  9. Describe visual nutrient deficiency symptoms in crops.
  10. Describe technique used in collecting soil samples for testing.
  11. Explain tissue testing in crop production.
VIII.  After completing their study of Unit 8, students should be able to:
  1. Identify a selected list of weeds.
  2. List methods of weed control.
  3. Describe common pests and diseases of crop plants.
  4. Describe proper crop storage conditions.
  5. Recognize indications of overgrazing range and pastureland.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
  1. Lecture
  2. Demonstrations
  3. Practical Exercises
  4. Questions and Answers
  5. Laboratory Assignments
  6. Slides and Videos
METHODS OF EVALUATION
  1. Exams
  2. Quizzes
  3. Homework Assignments

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