AGRN 1003\10044 - Basic Crop Science

4 Semester Hours
Dr.David Weaver
Auburn University

Delivery Systems:

Dr. Weaver is available to answer questions or assist students with problems associated with the course. The best way to reach him is by E-mail.

Electronic Mail: weavedb@auburn.edu

Address:
Dr. David Weaver
Department of Agronomy and Soils
249 Funchess Hall
Auburn , AL 36849

Text: Waldren. 2003. Introductory Crop Science , 5 th Edition. Pearson Custom Publishing.

Course Material: Additional course material will be available on the course Web site in Blackboard.

Lab Manual: Available on Blackboard. Lab Manual is required.

There are 19 topics spread across four units including three closed-book exams and a proctored final examination. You are expected to read the assigned textbook readings, lecture outlines, watch lecture presentations in the form of Microsoft PowerPoint, take self-quizzes, work on and watch videos of laboratory demonstrations. More information is given about these activities in the Course Requirements section in this document. The proctored final examination is taken under the supervision of an approved proctor. The Distance Learning & Outreach Technology (DLOT) office of Auburn University verifies the proctors for the examinations. More information about the proctors is given in the Examination Process section in this document.

A variety of media provided by Blackboard are used for communication among class members and the instructor. These are online submission of assignments, email, and discussion board.

Independent study courses require special discipline. To be successful you must be organized and consistent in your study habits. We suggest that you schedule definite times to work on the course and adhere to that schedule. We recommend that you follow the course schedule found in Blackbaord.

3 exams during semester @ 100 pts = 300 pts

10 lecture quizzes @10 pts = 100 pts

1 final exam @ 100 pts = 100 pts

Class Participation = 50 pts

Lab grade = 200 pts

     Lab Homework (5 @ 4 pts) = 20 pts
     Experiment 1 Report = 20 pts
     Experiment 2 Report = 20 pts
     Experiment 3 Report = 20 pts
     Crop Seed ID Exam = 20 pts
     Weed ID Exam = 20 pts
     Midterm Lab Exam = 25 pts
     Final Lab Exam = 25 pts
     Lab entrance Quizzes (6 @ 5 pts) = 30 pts
     Total Lab Points = 200 pts

Total = 750 pts

Your final course grade will be based on the above criteria. You cannot pass the course without achieving a passing grade in the laboratory section as well. The grading scale for the course will be as follows: A=90% and above, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, and F=59% and below.

1. History of Agriculture and Importance in Today's World

•  Definition of a Crop
•  Pre-agricultural Procurement of Food
•  Origins of Agriculture
•  Agricultural Revolution and its Consequences

2. Human Population Dynamics

•  History
•  Malthusian Concept
•  World Population Growth

3. Resources Available for Crop Production

•  Land Use and Classification
•  Land Resources

4. Classification and Structure of Higher Plants

•  Agronomic and Use Classifications
•  Taxonomic Classifications
•  Morphology
•  Anatomy

5. Plant Growth and Metabolism

•  Photosynthesis
•  Respiration
•  Transpiration
•  Translocation
•  Light and Temperature Effects on Crop Growth

6. Flowering and Reproduction

•  Flower structure
•  Methods of reproduction

7. Soils

•  Definition
•  Composition
•  Formation
•  Properties
•  Profile

8. Water

•  Properties
•  Functions in Plant Growth
•  Biological Importance of Water Stress
•  Water Use Efficiency
•  Management Practices to Increase Water Use Efficiency
•  Rainfall

9. Mineral Nutrition and Fertilizers

•  Essential Elements and Their Discovery
•  Functions of Essential Elements in the Plant
•  Composition and Formulation of Fertilizers

10. Tillage and Cropping Systems

•  Purposes of Tillage
•  Tillage Methods
•  Cropping Systems

11. Pests and Their Control

•  Weeds
•  Diseases
•  Insects

12. Plant Breeding

•  Goals
•  Methods

13. Evaluation of Agricultural Products and Practices


14. Corn and Sorghum

•  Origin and Botany
•  Production
•  Harvest
•  Utilization

15. Peanut

•  Origin and Botany
•  Production
•  Harvest
•  Utilization

16. Cotton

•  Origin and Botany
•  Production
•  Harvest
•  Utilization

17. Soybean

•  Origin and Botany
•  Production
•  Harvest
•  Utilization

18. Wheat and Small Grains

•  Origin and Botany
•  Production
•  Harvest
•  Utilization

19. Forages

•  Types
•  Quality
•  Production
•  Utilization

Course Laboratory Sessions:

1. Introduction to Laboratory
2. Crop Terminology and Classification
3. Lab Report Preparation
4. Crop Nutrition
5. Crop Seeds and Germination
6. Crop Vegetative Characteristics
7. Crop Growth
8. Crop Flowers and Fruits
9. Plant Genetics
10. Seed Certification and Grain Grading
11. Pesticides and Their Application
12. Vegetative Identification of Grain Crops

Auburn University is committed to providing accommodations and services to students with documented disabilities. Any learner with a qualified disability which requires accommodations should contact The Program for Students with Disabilities, 1244 Haley Center, Auburn University, AL 36849, 334-844-2096 PH, 334-844-2099 FAX. More information is available on their website at www.auburn.edu/disability. The office will fax or mail the required forms to learners to apply for services. Learners who have questions to participate in this course should contact the above office in advance to ensure proper accommodations.