Agricultural Science

Effective management of agricultural systems requires an appreciation of the context in which that management is carried out. This context may be predominantly social, environmental or commercial or combinations thereof.  The application of scientific knowledge in conjunction with an appreciation of context, individual- or societal-goals is the domain of systems analysis and thinking.  This subject aims to develop the skills required to analyse these interactions and support decision-making in agricultural enterprises.  Students will examine real world situations, and align the scientific with the social. Assessment work will see students required to clearly identify problems to be solved, analyse options for solving the problems and then provide evidence based assessment to support their decisions. It is designed to enable students to work effectively with the owners and managers of agricultural businesses in bringing about change in their system.

Pastures and grasslands comprise the dominant vegetation cover across the Australian continent. The way pastures and grasslands are managed is therefore central to the sustainable use of natural resources such as soil and water, as well as the economic development of the pasture-based livestock industries (meat and wool sheep, beef cattle, and dairy).

This subject will include:

• An overview of Australia's pasture and grassland resources
• The population biology of pasture plants, including the growth cycles of annual and perennial plants, and pathways of plant survival
• The major pasture plant species and pasture types, their agronomic and adaptive characteristics and management requirements
• Pasture improvement principles and practices
• Plant and pasture growth processes influencing the accumulation of yield in pastures, and implications for management
• The feeding and nutritive value of pastures and factors affecting animal intake
• The principles and practices of grazing management

This subject aims to provide an introduction to the principles and practices in effective operation and improvement of the major livestock industries in Australia. This subject will cover:

• The major livestock industries in terms of size, distribution and value
• Factors that determine the location of the different industries in southern Australia
• Basic annual and seasonal cycles of production
• The feedbase for ruminant and non-ruminant industries
• Basic inputs and outputs, i.e. the roles of genetics, environment, nutrition, reproductive efficiency and health in setting the opportunities and constraints
• Practices that influence profitability, environmental impact
• Product quality
• New and emerging animal industries
• Current and future issues affecting industry development, e.g. welfare and human health concerns

Formerly AGRI30032

This subject outlines the methods used to identify pathogens causing plant diseases, the consequences of diseases for plant productivity; and techniques used in breeding for plant disease resistance. The links between these two areas are explored as plant breeders and pathologists seek novel genetic material capable of resisting or tolerating plant pathogens.

Topics covered include:

• Taxonomy, identification and biology of the main groups of plant pathogens and abiotic causes of plant diseases
• Host pathogen relationships, and the nature of disease resistance and pathogenesis
• Methods to identify pathogens, and development of tools for diagnosis
• Processes leading to plant disease epidemics and their evaluation
• Principles and methodology of plant breeding for disease resistance
• Evolutionary processes and genetic variability of plant and pathogen populations
• World-wide distribution and conservation of plant genetic resources
• Methods of breeding self– and cross-pollinating plants
• Management and integrated control of plant diseases

Practical work includes:

• Identification and diagnosis of common diseases
• Development of skills in research techniques and methodology in plant pathology
  

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Describe the scale and distribution of the major irrigation systems in south-eastern Australia

• Evaluate plant water requirements in terms of water quality and frequency of supply

• Apply basic principles of hydraulics to the selection of irrigation systems appurtenances and structures

• Assess irrigation systems in terms of efficiency, economy, energy-use and environmental impact

• Recognise the advantages and disadvantages of common irrigation systems

• Recognise the need for efficient irrigation drainage as well as water supply

The content includes:

• Water supply potential for the development of irrigation systems, management planning and operation of water allocations, water law, cost benefit analysis, environmental and energy-use implications of resource utilisation and development, efficiency of irrigation systems and long-term viability

• Climatic factors in irrigation development, rainfall, evaporation, evapotranspiration and hydrology

• Plant physiology and plant water use, transpiration crop water requirements in terms of water quality and quantity

• Soils and water, soil moisture retention and movement, plant root zones and development, infiltration and leaching

• Irrigation scheduling, soil moisture measurement

• Types of irrigation systems, selection of irrigation systems, irrigation drainage, seepage, surface and subsurface drainage systems, salinity, conveyance and disposal of drained effluent, re-use systems, management of irrigation systems, operations and maintenance requirements

A knowledge of appropriate methods for management of our soils is vital for sustainable food production and environmental health. This subject will provide students with a thorough understanding of key soil chemical, physical and biological processes to enable practical solutions to soil management issues at appropriate scales. The subject will discuss major soil management issues such as: carbon storage; soil acidification; salinity; erosion and sodicity, including soil structure and its maintenance; the use of fertilizers, including composts, biosolids, manures and effluents from intensive animal industries and processing plants; the use of soil testing for maintenance of soil fertility and; offsite impacts of management on air and water quality. The role of the soil microbiome in improving plant productivity and the role of soil organisms in improving soil fertility and promoting nutrient transformations will also be explored. Practicals and excursions will be used to demonstrate methods of soil survey and land capability assessment.