Content (Syllabus outline)
History of the field crop production from prehistoric time till now. Importance and purpose of the field crop production: food, animal feed raw materials for industrial production, renewable energy sources, appearance of the landscape. Definition of the product. Definition of conventional, integrated and organic field crop production. Crops in relation to the environment: in regard to climate and weather, growing procedures in relation to the type of soil and crops requirements with examples.
Seed production (assessment of the quality of the seed crop on the field and seed value in the laboratory – ISTA control methods, seed for sale – certified seed). Economically important characteristics of varieties with examples, introduction of new varieties, importance of classifications (Common catalogue - EU and OSL). Quantity of seed for sowing, design of seeding and crop care (pest management, use of fertilizers) in regard to mechanization with examples. Morphological characteristics of crops, growth and development (BBCH) with examples. Characteristics of weeds (harmfulness, benefits), replication and spread: seed, plants. History and importance of crop rotation, basic rules of crop rotation, types and composition of crop rotations (Norfolk, old Slovene, Rhyne), hop fields in rotation and introduction and placement of other permanent crops into the crop rotation.
Monographic review of field crops in the world: agronomy and botanic classification, distribution. Morphological characteristics and basic technological procedures of production. Yield, biochemical composition and storage. Weaknesses and advantages of the present developmental strategy of the Slovene field crop production and its multifunctional role in the environment.
Introduction to the grassland farming and forage crop production (definition of basic terms, historical review, ecosystem services); presentation of grasslands as agricultural crop and as natural vegetation; grasslands in Europe and in Slovenia, presentation of the green cover as agricultural crop with emphasis on agro-botanical characteristics; profiles of the main grasses and their agricultural properties; basic technologies and production procedures, alternative use and organic farming.
Prerequisites
Conditions for inclusion in the work:
Enrolment in the appropriate academic year.
Conditions for performing study obligations
Prerequisite for exam is passing preliminary examinations and submission of seminar paper