Introduction 3. Whistle Blowing Policy 3. Dyslexia Policy 3. Course Delivery 4. Examination 4

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CONTENTS Page General Information Introduction 3 Whistle Blowing Policy 3 Dyslexia Policy 3 Course Delivery 4 Examination 4 Foundation Award in Agronomy (Grassland & Forage Crops) Syllabus Modules 1.

1 CONTENTS Page General Information Introduction 3 Whistle Blowing Policy 3 Dyslexia Policy 3 Course Delivery 4 Examination 4 Foundation Award in Agronomy (Grassland & Forage Crops) Syllabus Modules 1. Growth and Development of Grassland and Forage Crops, and Commercial Production 5 2. Weeds 6 3. Pests 7 4. Diseases 8 5. Soil and Crop Nutrition 9 6. Plant Protection Chemicals and Fertiliser Products Protecting People, Animals and the Environment Application of Plant Protection Products and Fertilisers 12 Sample Multi-Choice Questions for The Foundation Grassland and Forage Crops Examination 13 BASIS Approved Trainers 15 1

3 BASIS FOUNDATION AWARD IN AGRONOMY (GRASSLAND & FORAGE CROPS) SYLLABUS AND INFORMATION BOOKLET Introduction The course is a sound introduction to agronomy, integrated crop protection and crop nutrition. For some delegates with limited crop experience and knowledge it serves as a preliminary course for the BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection (Grassland & Forage Crops) Course. For others, who have a role which will not involve giving agronomy and crop protection advice, it is a stand alone course providing them with a level of understanding and knowledge appropriate for their work. This is a diverse group including some farm staff, quality assurance officers, machinery manufacturer personnel and others. The qualification, awarded to those successful in the examination, would be of particular value to those for whom this may be an end point in agronomy training. It would also serve to encourage those considering progression to other courses such as the BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection and FACTS. Whistle Blowing Policy BASIS Registration Ltd is committed to the highest standards of openness and accountability. Therefore, we expect employees, candidates and others who work with BASIS who have serious concerns about any aspect of our work voice those concerns. To this effect BASIS has a whistle Blowing Policy. This procedure is designed to allow concerns of a public interest kind within BASIS to be raised, investigated and where appropriate, acted upon. Complaints may be made by any member of staff, candidates or those contracted to provide services to BASIS. To view the full Whistle Blowing Policy go to: Dyslexia Policy BASIS Registration Ltd allows students diagnosed with Dyslexia to request special examination arrangements. Proof of dyslexia is required a minimum of 4 weeks before the exam date so that BASIS can provide special examination arrangements if required. For a full copy of our Dyslexia Policy please go to: 3

4 Course Delivery The course duration is between three and four days which are ideally spread over the calendar year so that farm crops can be seen at different stages. Participatory training techniques are to be used throughout. Examination The examination is a written paper consisting of 40 multiple choice questions (40% of the total marks) and three structured short-answer questions (60% of the total marks) with a time allowance of 90 minutes. A minimum of 70% is required to pass. On passing the examination candidates will be added to the BASIS Professional Register as Associate members. To retain their membership they will be required to ensure that their annual CPD Requirement and Membership Fees are kept up to date. 4

5 SYLLABUS CONTENT MODULE 1 - GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF GRASSLAND AND FORAGE CROPS, AND COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION For Grassland and Fodder Crops the following apply; 1.1 Competence Develop an ability to recognise the major grass and forage crops and to outline the crop cycles, production systems and livestock requirements. 1.2 Performance Criteria Recognise the major crops and outline their life-cycles. Provide knowledge of the factors contributing to yield and nutritional quality. Appreciate the factors involved in successful crop establishment, management and harvesting. 1.3 Essential Knowledge & Skills Identify the crops. State typical planting/sowing and harvesting dates for the different crops. List end uses and demonstrate an appreciation of crop quality requirements. Outline key factors in successful crop establishment. State key decisions and operations necessary for good crop management. Describe the important criteria for successful grazing and or harvesting of the crops. Analyse the profitability of different systems. 5

6 MODULE 2 WEEDS 2.1 Competence Ability to recognise the most important grass and broad-leaved species and have a basic understanding of the biology, importance and integrated control of weeds. 2.2 Performance criteria Identify some major weeds of grassland and forage crops. Develop an understanding of weed biology. Explain the reasons for weed control. Outline the components of integrated weed control. 2.3 Essential Knowledge & Skills Use keys and books to identify major weeds of grassland and forage crops. Explain key aspects of weed biology relevant to their importance, spread and control. State the problems caused by weeds. Communicate the importance of an integrated approach to weed control with reference to particular control techniques. 6

7 MODULE 3 PESTS 3.1 Competence Ability to recognise the main pest and beneficial animal types and have a basic understanding of the biology, importance and integrated control of pests. 3.2 Performance criteria Identify some major pests of grassland and forage crops. Identify beneficial insect species. Develop an understanding of pest biology. Explain the reasons for pest control. Outline the components of integrated pest control. 3.3 Essential Knowledge & Skills Use keys and/or books to identify major pests of grassland and forage crops. Explain key aspects of pest biology relevant to their importance, spread and control. State the problems caused by pests. Communicate the importance of an integrated approach to pest control with reference to particular control techniques. 7

8 MODULE 4 - DISEASES 4.1 Competence Ability to recognise the main types of grassland and forage crop diseases and have a basic understanding of the biology, importance and integrated control of plant pathogens. 4.2 Performance criteria Identify some major diseases of grassland and forage crops. Develop a basic understanding of the types of organisms which cause plant diseases and their biology. Explain the reasons for disease control. Outline the components of integrated disease control. 4.3 Essential Knowledge & Skills Use keys and/or books to identify major diseases of grassland and forage crops. Explain key aspects of pathogen biology relevant to disease importance, spread and control. State the problems caused by plant diseases. Communicate the importance of an integrated approach to disease control with reference to particular control techniques. 8

9 MODULE 5 SOIL AND CROP NUTRITION 5.1 Competence Ability to recognise the main soil types and have a basic understanding of soil texture, soil structure, ph and plant nutrition. 5.2 Performance criteria Identify sandy, silt, and clay soil types. Develop a basic understanding of the importance of soil types and soil structure in crop production. Outline a sound approach to crop nutrition decisions. Explain what is meant by ph and the role of liming. Understand what is meant by essential plant elements/nutrients. 5.3 Essential Knowledge & Skills Recognise sandy, silt, and clay soil textures. Understand what is meant by soil texture and soil structure. Explain key aspects of soil management relevant to crop production and environmental protection. Outline the role and recognise the deficiency symptoms of some crop nutrients. Communicate an understanding of soil ph and soil Indices and their importance to crop production. State key sources of information and advice on crop nutrition. 9

10 MODULE 6 PLANT PROTECTION CHEMICALS AND FERTILISER PRODUCTS 6.1 Competence Ability to explain the way in which plant protection and fertiliser products are categorised, and to demonstrate some understanding of the practical importance of the chemical and physical properties of products. 6.2 Performance criteria Demonstrate some understanding of key terms used to describe plant protection and fertiliser products. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the importance of the mode of action of a plant protection product. Develop a basic understanding of the importance of the chemical form of a plant nutrient. Explain what is meant by resistance to pesticides and demonstrate an appreciation of antiresistance strategy. Demonstrate some understanding of the importance of the formulation of plant protection and fertiliser products. Understand what is meant by an adjuvant. 6.3 Essential Knowledge & Skills Recognise the practical importance of product formulation types. Understand the importance of nutrients being in different chemical forms. Explain the meaning of some basic terms used to categorise plant protection and fertiliser products. For example, residual, systemic, selective, blend Communicate an understanding of the reasoning behind adjuvant use. State key sources of information and advice on plant protection and nutrient products. 10

11 MODULE 7 - PROTECTING PEOPLE ANIMALS AND THE ENVIRONMENT 7.1 Competence Ability to explain the best practices employed by operators, farmers, advisers and product manufacturers to keep people, animals and the environment safe. 7.2 Performance criteria Outline the framework of pesticide legislation applicable in the UK. Outline the framework of legislation relevant to fertiliser use. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Codes of Practice. Explain the importance of the plant protection product label. State the main criteria for best practice in the storage of plant protection products on farms. State the main criteria for best practice in the storage of fertilisers on farms. Explain how consumers and bystanders are protected from harm. Outline how accidental poisoning of wildlife is avoided and also how illegal poisoning is addressed. Understand what is meant by a COSHH assessment. 7.3 Essential Knowledge & Skills Communicate the aims of the Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, Council Directive 2009/128/EC and FEPA. Outline the purpose of the Water Framework Directive. Give examples of how legislation and Codes of Practice contribute to protection of people and the environment. Demonstrate an understanding of the information on a plant protection product label. Identify appropriate conditions for pesticide and fertiliser storage on farm. State key sources of information and advice on legislative issues. 11

12 MODULE 8 - APPLICATION OF PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCTS AND FERTILISERS 8.1 Competence Ability to understand the key issues in effective and responsible use of plant protection products and fertilisers. 8.2 Performance criteria Explain the basic requirements for effective operation and use of fertiliser and pesticide application machinery. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the importance of spray quality and water volume. Develop a basic understanding of the different types of fertiliser application machinery. Explain what can cause pesticides and fertilisers to stray beyond the intended area of application. Outline best practice for disposal of pesticide and fertiliser wastes. 8.3 Essential Knowledge & Skills Communicate key factors to assess before the application of pesticides and fertilisers. Outline how application machinery can be tested for rate of application and evenness of spreading. Give examples of how drift can be avoided. Demonstrate an understanding of what should be achieved when applying fertiliser and plant protection products accurately. State key sources of information and advice on application and disposal of both pesticides and fertilisers. 12

13 SAMPLE MULTI-CHOICE QUESTIONS FOR THE FOUNDATION GRASSLAND AND FORAGE CROPS EXAMINATION The following sample questions provide a guide to the type and presentation of questions that Foundation Award in Grassland and Forage crops examination candidates will have to answer. They are only intended as a guide as it is not possible to publish old examination papers since, once these have been published, questions cannot be used again. Multiple Choice - Sample Questions 1. What is the role of BASIS Registration in the UK crop protection sector? a) advising on the process of biocides approval b) managing key pesticide stewardships in the UK c) providing training and examinations for pesticide advisers* d) administrating a Professional Register for pesticide operators 2. Which nutrient aside from Phosphorus is causing concerns in ground water? a) Magnesium b) Sulphur c) Nitrogen* d) Potassium 3. The wireworm is the larvae of which insect? a) Click Beetle* b) Crane Fly c) Keeled slug d) Vine weevil 4. A ph of 8.0 is which of the following? a) Acidic b) Saline c) Neutral d) Alkaline* 5. What is a selective herbicide? a) a herbicide that was carefully selected by the Expert Committee on Pesticides (ECP) b) a products that will destroy all the weeds, when full rate is applied c) a compound that will control weeds of a specific type (e.g. broadleaved wees only)* d) a herbicide that is approved for professional use only 13

14 6. What is the first step of a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessment? a) eliminate the risk b) identify hazards* c) record hazards d) identify the risk 7. Which piece of legislation promotes an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to crop protection? a) The Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012* b) Food And Environment Protection Act (FEPA) 1985 c) The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 d) The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (CDG) Which crop covers the largest area in the UK? a) wheat b) barley c) grassland* d) potato 9. What statement best describes timothy? a) a perennial broad-leaved weed with white flowers b) a perennial grass* c) an annual broad-leaved weed with yellow flowers d) a biannual grass 10. Which weed can be a problem in an established grassland? a) Docks* b) black-grass c) forget-me-not d) pansy Short Answer Sample Question 1) State 3 cultural methods used to prevent or control grassland diseases 2) Give 3 reasons why soil ph index is important for grassland establishment and management 3) Name 4 pesticide storage requirements on farm and comment on their importance. 14

15 BASIS APPROVED TRAINERS The following Colleges, Trainers and Training Providers are successfully running Foundation Award in Agronomy examinations and have been accepted as BASIS Approved Trainers for Foundation Award Courses. Harper Adams University Contact: Lisa Plant Edgmond Tel: NEWPORT Shropshire Trainer: Andrew Watson TF10 8NB Web: James Christian-Ilett Contact: James Christian-Ilett 8 Painshall Close Tel: Welton christian.ilett@btinternet.com LINCOLN Trainer: James Christian-Ilett Lincolnshire LN2 3NU SRUC Contact: Moyra Farquhar Kings Building Tel: West Mains Road moyra.farquhar@sruc.ac.uk EDINBURGH Trainer: Martin Richards Midlothian EH9 3JG Web: The following Colleges, Trainers and Training Organisations have expressed an interest in running some, or all, of the training modules and / or the Foundation Award in Agronomy examination. Coleg Sir Gar Contact: David Davies Graig Campus Tel: Sandy Road David.Davies@colegsirgar.ac.uk LLANELLI Trainer: David Davies Carmarthenshire Web: SA15 4DN DJL Agronomics Contact: Jim Lewis Highgrove House Tel: Cassbrook Drive djlagronomics@gmail.com Fulstow Trainer: Dr Jim Lewis LOUTH Web: Lincolnshire LN11 0XR Duchy College Contact: Sue Vanstone Stoke Climsland Tel: CALLINGTON rbs@duchy.ac.uk Cornwall Trainer: Alex Stephens PL17 8PB Web: 17 October

Introduction 3. Course Delivery 4. Examination 4. Modules 1. Crop Production Weeds Pests Diseases Soil and Crop Nutrition 9

Introduction 3. Course Delivery 4. Examination 4. Modules 1. Crop Production Weeds Pests Diseases Soil and Crop Nutrition 9 CONTENTS Page General Information Introduction 3 Course Delivery 4 Examination 4 Foundation Award in Agronomy (Agriculture) Syllabus Foundation Award in Agronomy (Vegetables) Syllabus Modules 1. Crop Production