This course introduces students to the concepts, technologies and applications involved in precision farming (PF). This entails the use of ICT and some high-technology equipment for assessing field conditions and applying variable rates of production inputs for management of soil nutrients, weeds, pest & diseases. Topics include sampling procedures, and measurements of parameters through environmental sensors, GNSS, RS and PS. Data input into GIS or analysis using Geo-statistical & Mapping software to accomplish primary spatial data management tasks, creation of spatial variability maps for mechanized applications of farm inputs. Students will also be exposed to precision technologies in livestock production for locating as well as feeding, reproduction and health management. Students will participate in some hands-on experience in the use of enabling hardware and software in PF applications.

This course focuses on statistical analysis and its application in agriculture. The course will show how statistics is being used to evaluate the results of agricultural research. The course will cover both descriptive statistics, which summarize the data obtained in research, and inferential statistics, which are used to decide whether the results of research confirm the researcher’s hypotheses. Specific topics to be covered include sampling and estimation, hypothesis testing and methods of statistical analysis.

Welcome to RC10803, Seed Science and Technology. This course covers the science behind seed development, germination physiology, and viability testing. It also includes seed conditioning, production, and storage, as well as seed testing labs and certification apart of standards for seed purity and the seed trade network.