- Description
- Students explore different field crop species in Alberta. Using basic equipment, students demonstrate practical skills in planting, growing and harvesting field crops.
- Prerequisite
- AGR3000: Agriculture Safety
- Parameters
- Access to a land laboratory. Facilities and equipment should permit students to perform practical skills in two or more areas of crop production; e.g., soil preparation, seeding/propagation, cultivation, irrigation, fertilizing, pest and disease control, harvesting.
- Supporting courses
- AGR1050: Plant Propagation HCS3000: Workplace Safety Systems
Outcomes The student will:
1 identify and describe field crop species suited to Alberta climates
1.1 identify field crops grown in western Canada according to:
1.1.1 common name
1.1.2 general characteristics/growth habits
1.1.3 basic structural parts
1.2 describe the structure, function and growth habits of field crop species and the significance of these characteristics to the producer, considering:
1.2.1 cells and tissues
1.2.2 roots
1.2.3 stems
1.2.4 leaves
1.2.5 flowers and fruits
1.3 explain basic plant processes and related terminology, including:
1.3.1 water and nutrient intake
1.3.2 respiration
1.3.3 photosynthesis
1.3.4 transpiration
1.4 identify field crops that are suited to specific applications in Alberta; e.g., vegetable and fruit crops, pulse crops, oil seeds, specialty crops
2 identify and describe basic equipment used in crop production
2.1 identify types of equipment that are used at each stage of production; e.g., hand and/or power equipment used in seeding/planting, tillage, water/fertilizer application and harvesting
2.2 identify and describe criteria relevant to the selection and/or design of production equipment, including:
2.2.1 function, operation and maintenance
2.2.2 safety
2.2.3 efficiency
2.2.4 ethical, legal and environmental factors
2.2.5 economics and cost
2.3 identify policy, legislation and safe practices relevant to the use of equipment and crop inputs
3 demonstrate practical skills in planting, growing and/or harvesting a field crop
3.1 identify basic cultural requirements for producing field crops, including:
3.1.1 water
3.1.2 light (quantity, quality, duration)
3.1.3 temperature
3.1.4 air
3.1.5 space variables
3.1.6 nutrients
3.2 describe how weather and climate may affect production activities
3.3 relate principles of nutrition to production practices, considering:
3.3.1 the function and sources of essential nutrients
3.3.2 the consequences of nutrient excesses and deficiencies
3.3.3 fertilizer formulation
3.4 describe the symptoms, treatment and prevention of major pests, diseases and ailments that affect the health of plants, considering cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical methods of control
3.5 demonstrate safe use of equipment
3.6 perform basic field crop production activities; e.g., soil preparation, seeding/propagation, crop cultivation, irrigation/fertilization, pest/weed/disease control, harvesting
4 demonstrate basic competencies
4.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
4.1.1 communicate
4.1.2 manage information
4.1.3 use numbers
4.1.4 think and solve problems
4.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
4.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
4.2.2 be responsible
4.2.3 be adaptable
4.2.4 learn continuously
4.2.5 work safely
4.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
4.3.1 work with others
4.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
5 identify possible life roles related to the skills and content of this cluster
5.1 recognize and then analyze the opportunities and barriers in the immediate environment
5.2 identify potential resources to minimize barriers and maximize opportunities
Program of Studies 2010. Source document, © Alberta Education.