Course

10090382 Principles of Sustainable Soil and Crop Management
Course Information
Description
The soil is the foundation on which farming is based. Creating a soil and crop management system that enhances the soil health and quality is one of the most fundamental practices a farmer can do. This class will provide a basic understanding of the nature of soil, and the impacts our management has on the health and productivity of the soil. Students will gain an understanding of soil fertility and learn how to management soil nutrients to meet crop needs and will evaluate the economic impacts of various soil and crop management systems.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Define your land ethic
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Use Aldo Leopold’s vision for land ethic
    Demonstrate the connection to your soil and crop management practices
    Develop your land ethic in connection with the principles of sustainable agriculture
    Explain how you demonstrate your land ethic in your soil and crop management practices

  2. Characterize soil requirements and their relation to crop production
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product
    Criteria
    Soil analysis is done using soil samples
    Describe the important influence soil texture has on crop adaptation
    Explain the importance of soil structure
    Analyze soil classifications and their relation to crop production
    Describe soil constituents including water, field capacity, air, nutrients, and pH
    Explain crops that can be produced in the Midwest

  3. Assess the role of organic matter and microbes in the soil
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product
    Criteria
    Define soil organic matter
    Explain soil organic matter formation process
    Describe sources of soil organic matter
    Determine appropriate methods or procedures for adding and maintaining soil organic matter
    Describe the effect of organic matter on plant growth
    Compare the relationship between soil organic matter and soil nutrient supplying ability
    Identify organisms found in the soil
    Explain the function of soil organisms in the decomposition process
    Describe how soil organisms affect soil structure
    Explain how temperature, soil moisture, pH, aeration, and food supply affect soil microbes
    Recognize the use of growth media and soils in landscaping and urban situations
    Contrast composting principles of an individual to that of industry and/or business use

  4. Analyze crop plants in relation to the environment
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product
    Criteria
    Examine factors that affect plant growth
    Assess soil water conditions
    Explain why climate is the dominating factor in determining suitability for crops
    Discuss types of climate in relation to latitude, altitude, winds, and locations of waters
    Explain the importance of precipitation and its influence on soil fertility and crop success
    Describe the effect of temperature, light, humidity, and air on plants
    Describe the hydrologic cycle
    Identify sources of soil water depletion
    Recognize the impact of cultural practices on soil and soil water
    Recognize nutrient management planning's impact on surface and subsurface waters

  5. Create a nutrient management plan
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product
    Snap Plus Plan http://snapplus.wisc.edu/planning/nm-resources
    Criteria
    Interpret results of a soil sample test
    Determine nutrient requirements of crops to be planted
    Calculate economic value of alternative nutrient sources
    Nutrient plan compliments overall business plan
    Adhere to regulations applicable to business plan
    Calculate nutrient application to land in terms of manure, fertilizer, and crop nutrient crediting
    Create a cropping plan
    Crop plan considers soil characteristics, seasonal conditions, livestock needs, crop nutrient requirements, crop markets, and government programs
    Crop plan considers crop acreage, water quality, highly-erodible land, and rotation necessary for the business enterprise
    Establish tillage and conservation plan
    Evaluate the economics of various tillage and conservation plans

  6. Create an integrated pest management plan
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product
    Criteria
    Pest management plan compliments existing cropping and nutrient plan
    Pest management plan considers short and long term environmental issues
    Pest management plan considers costs incurred
    Pest management plan aligns with existing equipment, facilities and available labor
    Identify pest management options
    Discuss the process used to determine the pest control needs for the business, including weed, insect, and disease
    Compare control options, including chemical, mechanical, management, and biological methods

  7. Manage crop harvest and storage
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product
    Criteria
    Organize plan for storage and harvest
    Plan compliments cropping and nutrient plans
    Complete periodic assessment of potential crop harvest
    Align with existing equipment, facilities and available labor
    Consider custom storage or custom harvesting opportunities
    Plan identifies alternative methods in case of unforeseen weather and storage problems
    Production amounts and harvest costs are accurately recorded
    Develop plan for machinery/equipment repair and maintenance
    Summarize strategies used to handle harvest and storage
    Evaluate crop storage capacity

  8. Determine impact of alternative cropping methods on business
    Criteria
    Assess needs for alternative cropping methods for business
    Identify several alternative methods
    Compares identified alternatives methods
    Determine if alternative would improve current farm business
    Examine alternative crops and farming systems for Wisconsin, including rotational grazing, organic farming, vegetables, use of cover crops, and soil health cropping systems, and other options
    Compare economics of alternative methods with more conventional methods of farming
    Identify criteria to consider when making alternative cropping plan decisions
    Recognize reasons for exploring alternative cropping methods

  9. Develop a soil health restoration cropping system
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product
    Criteria
    Define soil health
    Identify key soil characteristics related to soil health
    Examine soil characteristics
    Identify methods of soil degradation
    Differentiate between nutrient cycles and flows
    Explore farming practices that restore soil health
    Identify characteristics of ecological soil management system
    Describe the relationship between soil health, plant health, and pests
    Create a soil health restoration management plan including use of management, cover crops, crop rotations, nutrient and pest management, and soil conditioning additives

  10. Integrate crop and nutrient production records into the business
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product
    Criteria
    Interpret production records
    Identify sustainable practices suitable for your farm business
    Evaluate crop and nutrient records and their impact on business financials
    Plan expansions or new enterprises and investments, if appropriate
    Make adjustments to improve quantity and quality of production, if appropriate
    Make adjustments to improve future profitability, if appropriate
    Compare methods for measuring production
    Investigate options for keeping records

This Outline is under development.