Agronomy primarily relates to the biological and physical factors related to field crop production. This course is ideal for those involved in the agriculture sector – from farmers, agricultural suppliers and farm product agents – to agricultural students and professionals like educators, research scientists and plant breeders.
The Certificate of Agronomy is an online program that will teach you how to grow grain, oil and fibre crops on a broad acre farm, and understand the nature and scope of a range of agronomic practices around the world.
In this professional development course, you will learn how to identify factors and practices that affect crop success and learn how to achieve seed germination for different crops under different conditions in the field.
You will also study the practices used to farm cereals and broadleaf crops for sale as cash crops, understand the different harvesting techniques and equipment used, and use your knowledge to produce a successful crop management plan.
On completion of this course, farmers will broaden their understanding of land usage, and those in the agricultural industry will gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by clients, customers and colleagues.
Course Structure
Unit - Agronomy I
Unit 1 – Introduction to agronomic practices
- Introduction
- Crop types
- Plant structure and function
- Transpiration rate
- Selection criteria for plants
- Understanding monoculture
- Row crops
- Cover crops
- Crop operations
- Planter types
Unit 2 – Culture – what influences crop growth
- Soils
- Problems with soils
- Loss of soil problems
- Erosion
- Salinity
- Soil sodicity
- Soil acidity and alkalinity
- Improving soils
- Cultivation techniques
- Plant nutrition
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Organic fertilisers
- Soil life
- Insect pests
- Diseases
Unit 3 – Crop husbandry practices
- Operations
- Identifying weeds
- Ways to control weeds
- Spraying
- Irrigation
- Chemical crop protection
- Preparing plant pathogens for microscopic observation
- Culturing pathogens
- Natural pest and disease control
- Physical controls
- Organic sprays and dusts
Unit 4 – Seed and seed management
- Seed storage
- Types of seed storage
- Seed vigour testing
- Dormancy factors affecting germination
- Germination treatments
- Types of media
- Media derived from rock or stone
- Media derived from synthetic materials
- Organic media
- Diseases
- Salinity build up
Unit 5 – Arable cereal crops
- Cereal crops
- Zadock scale
- Wheat
- Barley
- Oats
- Triticale
- Sorghum
- Maize
- Rice
- Millet
- Sugar cane
- Ryegrass
- Hay and silage
- Quality control
- Storage and handling
- Hydroponic fodder
Unit 6 – Arable broadleaf crops
- Characteristics of broadleaf crops
- Oil crops
- Chickpeas
- Narrow-leafed lupins
- Canola
- Faba beans
- Cover crops
- Common legumes
Unit 7 – Harvesting
- Crop preparation for harvest
- Crop harvest equipment
- Forage harvesting equipment
- Cereal harvesting equipment
- Root crop harvesting equipment
- Grain storage
- Contract harvesting
Assessment
Assessment Information
When you study with Australian Online Courses, you will be assessed using a competency-based training method.
Competency-based training focuses on the achievement of skills and knowledge against set criteria to meet industry-standard and is not benchmarked against other students’ work.
In this course, the assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, which may include short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks.
If you do not achieve a competency result on your first attempt, you have two more attempts to pass your assessment. So, you have three attempts in total to obtain a competency result.
In this way, you can complete your course in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no entry requirements or pre-requisites for entry into this program.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Farmers
- Farm Contractors
- Agricultural suppliers
- Farm Produce agents and marketers
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