Learn more about Agricultural Sustainability with this comprehensive online short course.
Learn how to be sustainable in farm production.
This 20 hour short course is perfect for time poor, busy people who work the land. This course suits anyone working in large, medium, small scale operations or anyone starting out in a production environment and seeking to sustainable design.
This course is for:
- farmers
- farm process workers
- suppliers of goods and services in agriculture
Many issues are impacting agriculture today; biosecurity, climate change, soil degradation, fires, market volatility and pollution, rising fuel costs. This course helps you to become more aware, and understanding of such issues, and in doing so leads you to a better understanding of how to keep an agricultural business sustainable.
Course Code: SGA9
Course Duration: 20 hours (minimum, self paced study, commonly 2 to 8 weeks, less or longer as you need)
Sustainable agriculture is a philosophy where the farmer works with natural processes to conserve resources such as soil and water, whilst minimising waste and environmental impact.
Online Course in Sustainable Farming | Working with Natural Systems and Conserving Resources in Agriculture
Through this course you will learn about:
- Sustainable concepts
- How to deal with pests and weeds
- Growing and harvesting plants
These, and other, topics will give you a strong understanding of sustainable agriculture and how its approaches can be successfully adopted.
This self-guided 20 hour course lets you work at your own pace, without deadlines or cut off periods. It also includes optional activities that are designed to enhance the learning experience and deepen your understanding of sustainable agriculture.
Learn and receive feedback from a supportive and dedicated team of tutors with a wealth of theoretical knowledge, industry, and practical experience.
The course is excellent for learning the fundamentals of agricultural sustainability, to use as a refresher course, or for further skills development. Whether you are a gardener, a farmer, or simply interested in sustainability, this course is an ideal start.
What Will You Learn?
Lesson 1 - Different Things To Different People
- What to do
- Know your Land - Evaluating a site, Land Carrying Capacity, Assessing Land Capacity
- An Indication of Sustainability
Lesson 2 - Sustainable Concepts
- Organic Farming
- Whole Farm Planning
- Systems Thinking In Sustainable Agriculture
- Permaculture
- Minimal Cultivation
- No Dig Techniques
- Biodynamics
- Crop Rotation
- Seed Saving
- Urban Farming
- Hydroponics
- Aquaponics
- Vertical Farming
- Environmentally Friendly Farming
Lesson 3 - Soils
- Growing Media
- Major Types of Soil Problems
- Erosion
- Salinity
- Soil Sodicity
- Soil Structural Decline
- Soil Acidification
- Build-up of Dangerous Chemicals
- Adding Organic Matter
- Cultivation Techniques
- Plant Nutrition
- Natural fertilisers
- Soil Life
- Earthworms
- Mycorrhiza
- Nitrogen Fixing
- Composting
- Guidelines for Using Compost
- Mulches
- General Rules for Mulching
Lesson 4 - Water Management
- Water Usage
- Methods of Water Storage
- Rainwater Collection and Storage
- Livestock Water Requirements
- Problems with Water
- Mosquitoes
- Algal Blooms
- Livestock Contamination
- Water Quality
- Water Saving Measures
- Water Wastage
- Reed Beds
- Swales and Keylines
- Irrigation Systems
- Irrigation System Design
- Maintenance Procedures and Scheduling
- Innovations in Water Management
- Surface or Flood Irrigation
- Sprinkler Irrigation
Lesson 5 - Pest And Disease Control
- Use of Pesticides
- Cultural Controls
- Physical Controls
- Sprays and Dusts
- Biological Controls
- Companion Plants
- Legislation
Lesson 6 - Sustainable Weed Control & Cultivation
- What is a Weed?
- Ways to Control Weeds Without Chemicals
- Check Soil Condition
- Biological Weed Control
- Chemical Control of Weeds
- Herbicides
Lesson 7 - Farm Management
- Changing an Existing Farm to a Sustainable Property
- New Farm Products
- Pre-Planning
- Monitoring and Reviewing the Farm System
- Socioeconomic Considerations
- Production Planning
- Organic Certification Schemes
- Contingencies and Seasonal Variations
- Planning for Drought
Lesson 8 - Growing And Harvesting Plants
- Selection Criteria for Plants
- Grain and Other Broad Acre Crops
- Row Crops
- Cover Crops
- Ways of Using a Cover Crop
- Hay and Silage
- Silage Production
- Silage Timing
- Quality Control
- Hydroponic Fodder
Lesson 9 - Trees, Fodder And Other Plants
- Agroforestry
- Timber Trees
- Fodder Trees
- Windbreaks
- Firebreaks
- Habitat Corridors for Wildlife
- Tree Planting Methods
Lesson 10 - Sustainable Animal Management
- Possible Problems Of Livestock Production
- Production Systems
- Land Care Practices
- Pastures
- Sustainable Pasture Varieties
- How Much Grazing?
- Grazing Methods
- Guidelines For Raising Different Livestock
Lesson 11 - Technological Applications
- Precision Agriculture
- Machines And Tools
- Drones
- Wearable Technology
- Robotics
- Computer Technology
- Fertilisers And Soil Conditioners
- Chemical Pesticides and Herbicides
- Soil Microbes
- Biotechnology And Sustainable Agriculture
- Modifying Organisms Genetically
- Cloning
- Nuclear And Isotopic Techniques
- Problems For Biotechnology
How Does This Course Work?
Fully online, 20-hour self-paced course!
Enrol any time and start straight away.
Automated self-assessment tests.
Optional, practical suggested tasks throughout.
Certificate of Completion (you must pass the final assessment to be awarded the certificate).
Still Undecided... Let Us Help
We are experienced at helping people with course choices and career decisions.
We have course counsellors that can advise you for free.
We have written books and courses on a wide range of climate, environmental, agricultural, and horticultural topics.
We know how to provide the learning needed to get you started on your study journey.
Email our friendly team at admin@acs.edu.au | Chat with a course advisor on (07) 5562 1088