Course code LauZ2054

Credit points 3

Crop Production

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures16

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes16

Independent study hours49

Date of course confirmation17.03.2015

Responsible UnitInstitute of Soil and Plant Science

Course developer

author Augsnes un augu zinātņu institūts

Dzidra Kreišmane

Dr. agr.

Course abstract

In the study course students are gaining insight into crop production and necessary resources. They are getting a new sense about crop production methods, suitability of the agro-climatologically and soil conditions, as well as the cross-compliance requirements. Gets basic knowledge about factors affecting productivity of crops: soil fertility, nutrient security for crops and harmful organisms in field cropping and horticulture production. Students are gaining insight into the use of crop diversity and assurance capabilities of the quality of agricultural products.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge – general knowledge about crop production methods, their compliance with the soil and agro-climatological situation, maintenance of soil fertility, yield formation of agricultural crops grown in Latvia and the use of production for quality products;
Skills – to understand suitability of crop cultivation methods to particular conditions, to calculate the necessary area for the production of arable crops and horticulture production and create a plan of measures for certain arable and horticulture production;
Students are competent to use knowledge in their professional activities at the level of concept

1. Knowledge of the crop production methods - quiz 1
2. Skills to recognise arable crops and grassland species and their seeds – practical work
3. Knowledge of soil fertility, crop rotation and soil tillage aspects – quiz 2
4. Capable to prepare presentation and information materials on the cultivation technology of the field crop or vegetable species selected by the student - Seminar presentations
5. Knowledge of arable crop cultivation technology and use them for production and the ability to assess the quality of production as well as to argue a point of view – quiz 3.

6. Knowledge of the growing technology of garden plants, cultivation and use them, ability to assess their yield and quality – quiz 4.

Requirements for awarding credit points

A test with a mark consist of:
• successful tests during the semester;
• performance of practical works;
• presentation in the workshop.

All quizzes and practical jobs must be successfully completed.

The missed practical work should be done according to the procedure defined at the LLU, failed tests should be repeated during the lecturer’s planned time.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Presentation of the cultivation technology of arable crops or garden plants.
Literature studies, processing and presentation of results of practical works.
Group work during practical classes.
Preparation for tests.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The assessment of the end-of-study test depends on the cumulative assessment of the study course quizzes presentation.

Practical works must be carried out in accordance with the instructions; assessment — credited/uncredited

All quizzes and practical works must be successfully completed.

Compulsory reading

1. Augkopība. A. Ružas red. Jelgava: LLU, 2004.. 374 lpp.
2. Bankina B., Gaile Z. Ziemāju labības un to slimības. Jelgava: LLU, 2014. 104 lpp.
3. Dārzeņkopība: lauka dārzeņu audzēšana: rokasgrāmata. A. Dembovskis, I. Drudze, M. Gailīte u.c. Pūre : Pūres Dārzkopības izmēģinājumu stacija, 2007. 284 lpp.

4. Intensīvās augļkopības rokasgrāmata. M. Skrīvele, L. Ikase, E. Kaufmane u.c. Dobele: Valsts Dobeles Dārzkopības selekcijas un izmēģinājumu stacija, 2000. 281 lpp.

Further reading

1. Agronomijas pamati. Sast. A. Ruža u.c. Rīga: Zvaigzne, 1994. 352 lpp.
2. Bioloģiskās augkopības pamati. Sast. I. Miške, D. Brutāne, I. Žola. Nordik, 2004. 254 lpp.

3. Riekstiņš A. Laukkopība. Talsi: Valsts Stendes GSI, 2008. 416 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Agro Tops. Rīga: Aģentūra Agro apgāds. ISSN 1407-5164
2. Saimnieks LV. Rīga: TEE BIO, 2004. ISSN 1691-1598

3. Dārzs un Drava: dārzkopības un biškopības žurnāls. Rīga: Dārzs un Drava ISSN 0132-6457.