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AGR583 Alternative Agriculture (8)

Abstract

This subject explores the ethics and value systems underlying a range of 'alternative' agriculture systems that forgo the use of such inputs as most synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Case studies examine some of the practices used by organic farming groups for agricultural production and marketing. The certification standards of these organisations and the transitions required from conventional systems to organic systems are studied. The subject focuses on three principal approaches to management of agricultural land and communities:

Permaculture principles and their application to agriculture
Biodynamic Agriculture
Organic Agriculture and Horticulture

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 2
InternalOrange Campus
DistanceOrange Campus
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: AGR583
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Rural Management

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
Be able to appraise the attitudes and reasoning underlying organic, biodynamic and permaculture systems of management
Be able to access information and critically evaluate the certification standards and processes of alternative agriculture organisations
Be able to identify and appraise practices used in the management of organic, biodynamic and permaculture systems
Be able to plan and monitor strategies for the transition from a conventional to an alternative farming system
Be able to plan and monitor strategies for the management of farms according to the standards or aims of the system being utilised.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
Biodynamic Agriculture Topic 1 The farm as an organism Topic 2 Background to biodynamic agriculture Topic 3 Soil mineral processes and organic matter formation Topic 4 Soil fertility Topic 5 Crop, pasture and animal husbandry Topic 6 Pest and weed control Topic 7 Planetary rhythms Topic 8 Research Topic 9 Marketing biodynamic produce Topic 10 Conversion to biodynamic methods Topic 11 Bidynamic organizations and activities Topic 12 Certification standards Permaculture principles and their application to agriculture Principles 1 - 12 Organic agriculture and horticulture Topic 1 Introduction to organic farming Topic 2 Principles of organic farming Topic 3 Soil management Topic 4 Managing plant nutrition Topic 5 Animal management Topic 6 Pest, disease and weed management Topic 7 Conversion to organic agriculture Topic 8 Certification Topic 9 Marketing Topic 10 Organic agriculture: today and the future

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The information contained in the 2015 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 01 October 2015. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.