APMA89-Water, Agriculture and Irrigation

Module Provider: Agriculture
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: This module is not suitable for students who have previously taken AP3A89
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Gillian Rose
Email: g.rose@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Globally agriculture uses approximately 70% of the available freshwater therefore responsible water management is key to global sustainability. In this module you will gain an understanding of the soil and plant processes which contribute to the management of water for crop production and how these are used to schedule irrigation. After learning about the different irrigation methods you will use your knowledge to design an irrigation system and schedule using the Aquacrop simulation model.

Aims:
To provide an understanding of the soil and plant processes which contribute to the management of water for crop production, and how these are used to schedule irrigation.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module students will be able to:
£ Scrutinise the role of water in agriculture and development£ Calculate evapo-transpiration using the Penman-Monteith equation and understand how soil and atmospheric factors affect evapo-transpiration
£ Critically analyse the relation between crop growth and yield and water use, and how to use water efficiently
£ Evaluate different irrigation systems
Additional outcomes:
Students will learn how to use the Aquacr op computer programme to plan and schedule irrigation.

Additional outcomes:
Students will learn how to use the Aquacrop computer programme to plan and schedule irrigation.

Outline content:
- Introduction water use in agriculture and development
- Analysis of irrigation systems and their design
- Penman-Monteith and crop evapotranspiration

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
This module will use a range of methods including lectures, team work, in-class discussions, and supportive material on Blackboard.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Summative assessment for this module will consist of:
- An in-class test (50%)
- Multiple Choice tests (30%)
- Aquacrop irrigation scheduling assignment (20%)

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: