The Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC)
was set up as a statutory body on 11 June 2001
by the Minister for Education and Science.
Under the Qualifications (Education & Training) Act, 1999,
FETAC now has responsibility for making awards
previously made by NCVA.
Module Descriptor
Soil and Crop Production
Level 5 C20213
www.fetac.ie
1
Module Title
Soils and Crop Production
2
Module Code
C20213
3
Level
5
4
Credit Value
1 credit
5
Purpose
This module is a statement of the standards to be achieved to
gain a FETAC credit in Soils and Crop Production at Level 5.
This module is mandatory for FETAC Level 5 Certificate in
Organic Agriculture
The module is designed to provide the learner with a
fundamental understanding of soil and crop properties and
processes that are required to ensure optimum utilisation now
and in the future
6
7
8
Preferred
Entry Level
Special
Requirements
Level 4 Certificate, Leaving Certificate or equivalent
qualifications and/or relevant life and work experiences.
None.
General Aims
Learners who successfully complete this module will:
8.1
understand the optimum conditions for soil fertility maintenance
and plant growth
8.2
acquire the skills to assess soil quality and its crop production
potential
8.3
develop the skills necessary to establish and manage a grass or
arable crop
8.4
develop an awareness of the environmental consequences of
organic farming
1
9 Units
The specific learning outcomes are grouped into 5 units.
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 5
10
Soil Types and Formation
Soil Cultivation and Improvement Methods
Soil Fertility Management
Grassland Establishment and Management
Crop Rotations, Management and Storage
Specific Learning
Outcomes
Unit 1
Soil Types and Formation
Learners should be able to:
10.1.1
explain how soils are formed
10.1.2
identify a soil profile and horizon
10.1.3
identify the main soil types that exist in Ireland and their
potential
10.1.4
outline the composition of soil and how it can be influenced.
10.1.5
evaluate soil texture class
10.1.6
explain the suitability of different soil texture classes for
different crops
10.1.7
outline the importance of good soil structure
10.1.8
outline how soil structure is maintained
Unit 2
Soil Cultivation and Improvement techniques
Learners should be able to:
10.2.1
describe the main drainage problems in Ireland
10.2.2
evaluate ways of improving the permeability of soils
10.2.3
outline the causes of soil compaction
10.2.4
identify the consequence of soil compaction
10.2.5
explain methods to improve organic matter content of the soil
10.2.6
evaluate ploughing and tilling operations
10.2.7
identify the implements required to cultivate a seedbed
10.2.8
recognise when a seedbed is suitable for sowing
10.2.9
describe the
management
influence
2
of
weather
conditions
on
soil
Unit 3
Soil Fertility Management
Learners should be able to:
10.3.1
recognise the importance of maintaining an appropriate pH in
the soil
10.3.2
state the appropriate pH for different crops
10.3.3
outline the functions of the major elements for animal and plant
growth
10.3.4
describe the nitrogen cycle and its relevance to organic farming
10.3.5
describe the management of animal manures to maintain the
major element content
10.3.6
identify suitable green manures to maintain soil fertility
10.3.7
state the importance of leguminous crops in organic farming
10.3.8
balance the inputs and outputs of nutrients on the farm
10.3.9
recognise areas where nutrient losses may occur on the farm and
the consequences for the environment
10.3.10
identify the soil fertility products allowed on organic holdings
10.3.11
be able to take a soil sample
10.3.12
interpret a soil analysis report
Unit 4
Grassland Establishment and Management
Learners should be able to:
10.4.1
outline the importance of clover in grassland swards
10.4.2
identify a range of clover, grass and grassland weed species
10.4.3
assess sward quality.
10.4.4
describe the growth habit and annual production pattern of
grass/clover swards
10.4.5
describe different grazing and conservation systems suitable to
organic farming
10.4.6
implement a management programme to improve sward growth
and quality
10.4.7
outline methods for reseeding and establishing grass or clover
swards
10.4.8
describe seed bed quality and suitability for the grass or clover
establishment
10.4.7
define the principles for grass or clover conservation
10.4.8
describe the production and management of quality silage
10.4.9
outline the process involved in making quality hay
3
Unit 5
Crop Rotations, Management and Storage
Learners should be able to:
11
10.5.1
describe the basic structure of plants and their function
10.5.2
identify the main arable crops, field vegetables and arable weeds
growing on Irish farms.
10.5.3
distinguish between wheat, oats and barley grass at corn stage
10.5.4
identify the factors to be taken into account when designing a
crop rotation
10.5.5
devise a crop rotation for an organic arable farm with livestock
10.5.6
outline the preferred sites and soils for the main arable crops
10.5.7
evaluate the difficulties of crop establishment for a range of
crops
10.5.8
describe the role of crop monitoring throughout the growing
season
10.5.9
describe the management of three arable crops for weed control,
pest control, disease control.
10.5.10
outline harvesting techniques and conditions for different crops
10.5.11
describe the methods available and conditions required for crop
storage of a range of crops e.g. potatoes, cereals, swedes.
10.5.12
specify the labour and machinery requirements for different
crops
10.5.13
identify the range of machinery used in organic crop production
10.5.14
evaluate the availability of crops on the market and outline
marketing opportunities
Portfolio of
Assessment
Summary
Please refer to the glossary of assessment techniques and the
note on assessment principles at the end of this module
descriptor.
Project
Skills demonstration
Examination (Theory- Based)
4
40%
30%
30%
11.1
Project
The internal assessor will devise a project brief that requires
candidates to demonstrate
• understanding of the principles of organic soils and crop
production
• an ability to plan a crop rotation system
• ability to analyse, evaluate, draw conclusions and make
recommendations
• an ability to present information in a clear and easily
understood format
The candidates will set out in detail the procedures involved in
establishing a crop rotation system for a given farm. The
candidate must research the feasibility of setting up the system
and produce a plan setting out all the factors that must be taken
into account when designing a crop rotation system in an
organic environment. The plan will also include the key
management and production practices that are essential to a
good crop rotation system.
Evidence presented will include, a plan of the proposed rotation
system and a report following the procedure of survey, analysis,
objectives, proposals, implementation, monitoring and review.
The form in which the project is presented will allow for a
number of media to be used; written, oral, graphic, visual or a
combination of these as required.
The project may be undertaken as a group or collaborative piece
of work. The individual contribution of each candidate must be
clearly identified.
11.2
Examination
The internal assessor will devise a theory-based examination
that assesses the candidate’s ability to recall and apply theory
and understanding, requiring responses to a range of short
answer and structured questions. These questions may be
answered in different media such as in writing or orally.
The examination will be based on a range of specific learning
outcomes from all the units and will be 1.5 hours in duration.
The format of the examination will be as follows
Section A
12 short answer questions.
Candidates are required to answer 10 (2 marks each)
Section B
2 structured questions
Candidates are required to answer 1 (10 marks )
5
11.3
Skills Demonstration
In one or more skills demonstrations candidates will be observed
carrying out a range of practical tasks as outlined in the specific
learning outcomes.
Candidates will demonstrate adherence to safe working practices
throughout the skills demonstration.
The skills can be assessed at any time throughout the learning
process.
Candidates will submit supporting documentation as part of the
assessment
12
Grading
Pass
Merit
Distinction
50 - 64%
65 - 79%
80 - 100%
6
Soils and Crop Production
C20213
Individual Candidate
Marking Sheet 1
Skills Demonstration 30%
Project 40%
Candidate Name: ______________________________ PPSN: ________________________
Centre: __________________________________________________ Centre No.: _________
Maximum
Mark
Assessment Criteria
Candidate
Mark
Skills Demonstration
appropriate preparation and planning
effective carrying out of task demonstrating mastery of
tools and techniques
15
accurate recording of measurements, observations etc.
10
5
Sub-Total
30
Project
thorough investigation carried out with careful
observations and recording of relevant information
10
comprehensive plan drawn up with accurate description
of production and management requirements of the crop
rotation system
15
comprehensive analysis and evaluation of information
10
logical conclusions and recommendations based on
evaluation
5
Sub- Total
Total marks
This mark should be transferred to the Module Results Summary Sheet
40
70
Internal Assessor’s Signature: _________________________________ Date: ____________
External Authenticator’s Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________
7
Individual Candidate
Marking Sheet 2
Soils and Crop Production
C20213
Examination (Theory-Based) 30%
Candidate Name: ______________________________ PPSN: ________________________
Centre: _______________________________________ Centre No: _____________
Maximum
Mark
Assessment Criteria
Candidate
Mark
Section A: short answer questions
Twelve short answer questions, answer any 10 (2 marks each)
(Indicate questions answered)
Question No.:* _____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Sub-total
20
Section B: structured questions
Two structured questions, answer any one (10 marks)
(Indicate questions answered)
Question No.:* _____
10
Sub-total
Total marks
This mark should be transferred to the Module Results Summary Sheet
10
30
Internal Assessor’s Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _____________
External Authenticator’s Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ___________
*The internal assessor is required to enter here the question numbers answered by the candidate.
FETAC Module Results Summary Sheet
Module Title:
Soils and Crop Production
Module Code: C20213
Candidate Surname
Assessment Marking Sheets
Maximum Marks per Marking Sheet
Candidate Forename
Mark Sheet
1
70
Signed:
Internal Assessor: ___________________________________________ Date: ______________________
This sheet is for internal assessors to record the overall marks of individual candidates. It should be retained in
the centre. The marks awarded should be transferred to the official FETAC Module Results Sheet issued to
centres before the visit of the external Authenticator.
Mark Sheet
2
30
Total
100%
Grade*
Grade*
D: 80 - 100%
M: 65 - 79%
P: 50 - 64%
U: 0 - 49%
W: candidates entered who did not present for
assessment