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.

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 BIOL30006 Plant Health and Improvement

This subject outlines the methods used to identify pathogens causing plant diseases, the consequences of diseases for plant productivity, and control of plant diseases. The links between classic plant pathology and modern molecular pathology techniques are explored as plant breeders and pathologists seek novel integrated disease management procedures to control 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
• Evolutionary processes and genetic variability of plant and pathogen populations
• 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

Irrigation and Water Management presents the technical, economic, environmental and policy aspects of water for irrigation in agriculture and further discusses the case study of Murray Darling Basin, the most significant agricultural areas in Australia. The key components covered in this course are: irrigation scheduling and drainage; different types of irrigation techniques; water salinity and other issues with quality of irrigation water; environmental impact of irrigation; Institutions, water markets, policy and governance issues discussed in the context of Murray Darling Basin; alternate sources of irrigation – wastewater recycling; and impact of climate change on water for irrigation. The course is delivered as - lectures from academics, research scientists and industry experts; field trips and through short online educational videos. Dookie campus, being located in the heart of a major irrigation district of MDB, offers the opportunity to see some major irrigation infrastructure of the region and interact with industry experts on the field trip.

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.

Previously DASC30017

In this subject, students will develop their understanding of the major factors influencing the health of production animals and understand how management of a production system is key to maximizing health, productivity and profitability. Students will learn about some of the important infectious agents that can affect the major production animal species in Australia with a particular focus on the importance of parasites. This will include obtaining an understanding of the economics of these parasitic diseases within various Australian production management systems and the need for a holistic approach to management to ensure optimal health and productivity.

Students will also learn to interpret data from production systems, in order to evaluate productivity as well as develop an understanding of the financial limitations on production systems, and how health and management strategies must fit within an economical framework, otherwise the business is not viable.

Precision Agriculture can be broadly defined as site-specific soil-crop or animal-specific management of agricultural production systems by leveraging on technology and data. This subject will build students’ knowledge and skills in the key principles and practices of Precision Agriculture in a range of agricultural production contexts including broadacre cropping, horticulture and dairy farming. Frameworks and case studies of technological innovation, adoption and diffusion in the agricultural sector will be an integral component of the curriculum. Through a series of seminars, practicals, fieldwork excursion activities coupled with industry involvement, students will be equipped to work effectively in the increasingly networked, digital, automated and data-rich environment of primary production, and gain experience with Precision Agriculture equipment. Adopting a ‘Big Data’ perspective, students will acquire skills in agricultural/environmental data management and analysis, and their application to crops and animals