AGR583 Alternative Agriculture (8)
AbstractThis 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
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+ Subject Availability Modes and Location
Session 2 | Internal | Orange Campus | Distance | Orange 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.
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Subject informationDuration | Grading System | School: |
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One session | HD/FL | School of Rural Management |
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Learning OutcomesUpon 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.
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SyllabusThe 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.