AP3A89-Water, Agriculture and Irrigation

Module Provider: Agriculture
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Gillian Rose
Email: g.rose@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Globally agriculture uses approximately 70% of the available freshwater therefore responsible water management is key to global sustainability. In this module you will gain an understanding of the soil and plant processes which contribute to the management of water for crop production and how these are used to schedule irrigation. After learning about the different irrigation methods you will use your knowledge to design an irrigation system and schedule using the Aquacrop simulation model.

Aims:
To provide an understanding of the soil and plant processes which contribute to the management of water for crop production, and how these are used to schedule irrigation.
To investigate different irrigation systems and the circumstances in which they are best used.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module students will be able to:
£ Scrutinise the role of water in agriculture and development.
£ Calculate evapo-transpiration using the Penman-Monteith equation and understand how soil and atmospheric factors affect evapo-transpiration
£ Critically analyse the relation between crop growth and yield and water use, and how to use water efficiently
£ Evaluate different irrigation systems

Additional outcomes:
Students will learn how to use the Aquacrop computer programme to plan and schedule irrigation.

Outline content:

Introduction water use in agriculture and development - Analysis of irrigation systems and their design - Penman-Monteith and crop evapotranspiration

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
This module will use a range of methods including lectures, team work, in-class discussions, and supportive material on Blackboard.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	18
Practicals classes and workshops	2
Guided independent study:	80
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Set exercise	45
Class test administered by School	55

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Aquacrop simulation set exercise, 45%

Test, 55%

Formative assessment methods:

Formative MCQs based on pre-learning material will allow students to check their understanding of the material.

A formative test will be set in week 6 for students to complete and receive feedback on.

Taught sessions will include interactive group work that will provide formative feedback relevant to the class test.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
By coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 22 September 2022