Prerequisites: AGRON 501, AGRON 502, AGRON 503. Recommended: AGRON 512, AGRON 514.

Objectives

Gain Knowledge
Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, a student will:
•    recognize the similarities and differences among crop management approaches. 
•    explain why different crops are prevalent in different regions.
•    employ applications and science underlying ecology of crop production 
•    distinguish how management strategies can capitalize on ecological processes to optimize productivity.
•    discuss some management tools that can be used to improve sustainable production.

Gain Skills
Learning Outcomes: By participating in weekly group discussions, you will be able to:
•    lead discussions and provide constructive feedback to peers about crop ecology and management.
•    critically evaluate scientific articles and case studies on specific subjects. 
•    practice writing professional reports and cropping system recommendations.

Course Description

Online course material format: Agron531 consists of 13 modules. Each module starts with an instruction page followed by various subjects, a summary, module reflection, and references at the end. Some modules have short introduction videos to facilitate your learning. Some modules may take longer than others to complete. Your ability to use a web browser, input assessment responses via text-editing software such as Microsoft Word and access all the technologies will directly influence your success in the course. If you have not already done so:

1. Visit the MS Agronomy website and look for the section titled "Browser and Computer Compatibility Test: Your Results". Ensure your computer passes all areas of the test. This will ensure your ability to fully utilize the online course materials.
2. Need a refresher on grammar or other writing mechanics? Check out the ISU online Writing Help Center.
3. If you are interested to create PDF files for each Module visit Generate Module PDF: Agronomy Course Tools.
4. You are not required to purchase hard copies of textbooks or reading materials. All books are available to download for free through ISU-Library and Course Reserves. For instructions see  “how to download required materials”.   

Course Requirements 

Your activities include (see Expectations):
•    Checking weekly updates and announcements.
•    Subscribing to Community Message Board and published DTs.
•    Reading the online module materials and utilizing the included learning tools.
•    Submitting Discussion Topic lead posts (DT-LP) and responding thoughtfully to each group DTs. Discussions are designed to 1- help you gain perspective on how the concepts in the module might be applied in various situations, 2- support collaboration and communication skills, and 3- improve your professional writing skills. Points are earned through your lead post and active participation in the discussion group (see Study Tips). The class will be divided into 4 groups (4-5 students in each group); for the first half of the semester, you will be assigned to different groups to get to know your peers. For the second half, you will work with the same group members.  
•    Answering two Reflection questions at the end of each module. Module reflection serves to identify the areas of the module that need improvement and help you think critically. You will answer the same questions every week.
•    Answering Exam questions at the end of each module and comprise one or two open text questions or a summary. You have two hours to complete each exam. Summary captures a big picture of the module’s content and related questions are designed to evaluate your understanding of the concepts presented in the module and their application to 'real world' agronomic and crop management issues. Access to the current and previous modules is permitted while completing the exam. 
•    No midterm/final exam. The weekly assessment takes the place of midterm and final exams.
•    Completing five Individual Assignments during the semester. The purpose of the assignments is to provide a review of the concepts learned in the modules, use different management tools, and write professional reports and agronomic recommendations.

Required Textbooks

Sections of the following books are also used as textbooks in the course; all of these books are free and available electronically!

3- Cavigelli et al. (1998)  MICHIGAN FIELD CROP ECOLOGY: MANAGING BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES FOR PRODUCTIVITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

4- Walthall et al. (2012)  CLIMATE CHANGE AND AGRICULTURE IN THE UNITED STATES: EFFECTS AND ADAPTATION

5- Clark (2007)  MANAGING COVER CROPS PROFITABLY 3rd edition

6- Madramootoo et al. (1997)  MANAGEMENT OF AGRICULTURAL DRAINAGE WATER QUALITY

7- Winter et al. (1998)  GROUNDWATER AND SURFACE WATER: A SINGLE RESOURCE

8- Russell et al. (2018)  PASTURE MANAGEMENT GUIDE FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS

9- Nelson (2012)  CONSERVATION OUTCOMES FROM PASTURELAND AND HAYLAND PRACTICES: ASSESSMENT, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND KNOWLEDGE GAPS

Instructor

Performance Evaluation

Grading procedure

Points earned on each assessment (discussion, reflections, assignment, and exam) will be posted in the Grades section of Canvas. Your grade will be calculated as the number of points earned out of 950 total points, as categorized in Table 1. I will not scale at the end of the semester.

Table 1.

Be aware the ISU Graduate College requires you to maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (B) on all course work taken, exclusive of creative component credits. For more specific information, please refer to the ISU Graduate Student Handbook. 

Table 2

Table 3. Discussion contributions will be evaluated on these criteria:  

 Professionalism: Practice and polish your professionalism. Professionalism includes respectful and courteous interactions with classmates and instructor, active participation in discussions, clear and logical expression of ideas and thoughts, and completion of the syllabus acknowledgment and course evaluation. Because quality is an important part of your professional development, apply good writing skills to all of your discussions. Cite your sources! Plagiarizing published information is unethical and will be reported to the Dean of Students.

Policies

Communication policy: All communication within the course should adhere to university standards of Netiquette at ISU. Specifically, communication should be scholarly, respectful, professional, and polite. You are encouraged to disagree with other students, but such disagreements need to be based upon facts and documentation. It is the instructor’s goal to promote an atmosphere of mutual respect in our interactions. Please contact me (elnaze@iastate.edu) if you have suggestions for improving the interactions in this course. The class’s communication will be:

• Weekly announcement: I will send weekly announcements for general updates and changes.
• Community Message Board: I will send complementary information related to modules and group activities, procedures, videos, and additional sources. Please make sure you have subscribed. I encourage you to use the “Community Message Board” instead of email if you have general questions about the course structure, technical issues, assignments, and discussions. Your question might be your peers’ question too!
• Individual questions: Please use Canvas Inbox to send me emails for individual scientific questions, related to the course materials, unclear content, or assignment issues/questions. 
• Virtual Office Hours: Send me an email if you need to schedule an online/zoom meeting individually or with your group.

Iowa State University supports and upholds the First Amendment protection of freedom of speech and the principle of academic freedom in order to foster a learning environment where open inquiry and the vigorous debate of a diversity of ideas are encouraged. Students will not be penalized for the content or viewpoints of their speech as long as student expression in a class context is germane to the subject matter of the class and conveyed in an appropriate manner.

Feedback policy: All graded assessments will be returned with constructive, personalized feedback within 7-10 days of the due date. I read all your class communications, comments, and discussions daily after 3 p.m. CST. Be sure to check your graded submissions. I will only respond to your Introduction and Reflection. I will post comments on some of the lead DTs particularly if points were deducted! I will not post comments on Module Exams unless points are deducted!

Deadlines: All deadlines are posted on the Course Calendar in Canvas. Late assignments will receive a reduction in points received. Any changes to deadlines will be followed up with an Announcement in Canvas. Need extra time to meet a deadline? Explain the situation IN ADVANCE and accommodation can be made. Late Submissions without prior arrangement will be assessed for late submissions and will receive a 10% per day penalty, items submitted 4 days late will not be accepted and will be graded as zero.

Academic Integrity Policy: The class will follow ISU's policy on academic dishonesty. Any suspected academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Students Office. It is your responsibility to understand ISU's policy on academic plagiarism. All Discussions and Exam Questions will be screened for plagiarized content. There are several resources available to help you avoid committing academic misconduct (Academic Dishonesty at ISU: Description; MS Agronomy Program: Writing Guide; Dean of Students Office: Resources for Students)

Steps to Success

Time management is essential for your success in this course! The Academic Coaching | Academic Success Center provides in-person coaching and workshops. Do not hesitate to schedule an online appointment to get help with time management. See also some tips for Fall Semester Assignments-Farm Harvest-Family Obligations! 

Start each module on the date indicated on the calendar. Complete one module each week. Allow about 7 to 8 hours per module (approximately 4 or 5 hours is needed to do the module, plus 1 to 2 hours to participate in discussions). To better understand and retain the information, spread your study time over several days. Work ahead when you know that you will be out-of-town or unable to do a module during its designated period. 

• Do each In Detail as you come across its link in the module. In Detail, items contain the required information. 
• Do each Study Question and Try This! as encountered. These interactive features are specifically designed to enhance your learning, to provide opportunities to apply the information presented, and to let you evaluate your understanding of the material. They often expand on the concepts—don't skip these
• Discussion Topics. The discussion forum is an opportunity to interact with your classmates on practical issues related to the weekly module. The topics are an integral part of the course. Your individual 'lead post' (or first post in each DT) and responses to other members of the group are required for full credit. 
• Module Exam. Each module is designed to test your knowledge and ability to apply one or more of the concepts from the module to a practical problem or issue. Read the module and explain it to yourself then write a summary using your own words. Post your answer by the due date to receive full credit.
• Interact with your classmates and instructor. Visit the discussion boards often! Discussions need not be limited to assigned topics—use the discussion board to ask questions, share an interesting article or observation, or comment on current and relevant events. If you work ahead, be sure to go back and check the discussion boards (and post your comments and responses to classmates) during that module's scheduled period.
• Something unclear? Please consult with me and your classmates. Questions are welcome anytime.

Writing: In the MS Agronomy Program, we require the ASA-CSSA-SSSA citation style format so you will need to read the instructions explained in the American Society of Agronomy Publications: Handbook & Style Manual and ISU Writing and Media Center: Writing Resource.

Planning: This list of modules and discussion topics is provided to help you plan ahead of time. Refer to the course calendar for module start dates and due dates, opening and closing dates for discussion topics, exam question due dates, and up-to-date schedule information:

Support