Key facts
UNE unit code: AGRO321
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Develop skills in crop management and sustainable production, and develop your knowledge of the principles and processes of plant, soil and water interaction for the management of irrigated and dryland cropping systems.
This unit provides you with an overview of horticultural production systems management. You will also examine concepts relating to dryland and irrigated field crop production systems, including constraints to yield, water management, plant nutrition and integrated weed, insect and disease management for broadacre crops.
If you choose to study on campus, regular practical sessions and field trips provide you with exposure to real-world crops and cropping systems. Studying online, you will participate in laboratory activities and field excursions during an intensive school.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, Online | The Intensive School is mandatory for online students. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- describe the constraints to, and potentials of, sustainable crop and cropping production systems;
- integrate general principles of soil and plant processes for sustainable agricultural plant production (dryland and irrigated crops and cropping species) practices;
- manage crops and cropping systems for environmental, economic and social outcomes; and
- communicate effectively to others in written and verbal formats on issues relating to sustainability within the Agronomy discipline.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Trial Report | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Field trial report including statistical analysis. Formative assignment with feedback on analysis and interpretation to be discussed as topic of oral report. No. Words: <1000 |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Oral Examination - Assurance Task and Final Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.
|
| In-class quizzes - Assurance Task | No | 10% | All offerings | In-class spot quizzes based on unit content to date will be held during on-campus classes and intensive school. Dates will not be released in advance. |
| Oral Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Oral examination on field trial report interpretation. Approximately 10 minutes. Oral assessments will be done in real time either face to face (on campus) or via zoom/teams (off campus). To pass this unit, you must achieve a minimum cumulative total of 50% across the Oral Examination - Assurance Task and Final Examination – Assurance Task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. No. Words: 1500 |
| Practical | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Agriculture in Australia: An Introduction
ISBN: 9780195560114
Malcolm, B., Sale, P., Leury, B. and Barlow, S., Oxford University Press 2nd ed. 2009
Text refers to: All offerings
Crop Physiology: Applications for Genetic Improvement and Agronomy
ISBN: 9780124171046
Sadras, V. and Calderini, D., Elsevier Inc 2nd ed. 2014
Text refers to: All offerings
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