AHT254 Organic Agriculture and Horticulture (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Agricultural and Horticultural Studies (AGHOR)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
The organic approach to the production of food and fibre is based on clearly defined philosophy and ecological principles. Organic agriculture and horticulture is founded on an ethic of stewardship towards the land and the biological systems that interact with it. A key focus of an organic farmer is the stewardship of the soil - the preservation and building of its physical characteristics and biological processes. This subject explores the philosophy, ecological basis, practices and certification processes of organic agriculture and horticulture.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 1 | |
|---|---|
| Distance * | Orange |
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: AHT254
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Assumed Knowledge:
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
be able to appraise the philosophy and ecological basis of organic agriculture and horticulture
be able to evaluate the certification standards that apply to organic agriculture and horticulture
be able to identify and appraise the practices used in the management of organic agricultural and horticultural systems
be able to plan strategies for the conversion to an accredited organic system of management
be able to plan and monitor strategies for the management of farms according to the organic standard.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
introduction to organic farming principles of organic farming soil management managing plant nutrition animal management pest, disease and weed management conversion to accredited organic agriculture and horticulture certification marketing future directions
Residential School
This subject contains a compulsory 3 day residential school.
A number of farm inspections will take place over the three days on a variety of enterprises.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.