Royal Agricultural University Assessment Brief Module nameIntegrated Agricultural SystemsModule number4038bStaff member setting exerciseDr Nicola CannonModerator (for assessment brief and marked coursework)Chris BroughWord or time length guide1250 words for outlining and justifying the details of ONE of the enterprises.1250 words max for a step by step plan for implementing the enterprise recommendations. Sufficient as a briefing document for local Tanzanian semi-skilled farm managers.Maximum submission 2500 words excluding referencesContribution to module assessment (%)100%Date setTuesday 9th February 2021 Full brief givenSubmission deadline 2025Tuesday 18th May 2021, 2.00pmYour work should be submitted electronically through Turnitin on Gateway. Your attention is drawn to the penalties for late submission set out in the Academic Policies and Procedures.Arrangements for submissionYour work should be submitted through Turnitin. A link will be provided via the module Gateway, Assessment tab.Return date/feedbackWithin 3 weeksWritten feedback will be given on your assessment using Turnitin, as well as your mark (grade).University regulations for assessmentAll assessments are subject to the Academic Regulations. Work should follow normal academic conventions for acknowledging sources using the APA6 Harvard reference system (see Library guide on referencing).Requirements for the assessment50% of the marks will be awarded for: Using the case study farm of CVM and the background information available choose, justify and evaluate the planning and adoption of one of the following topics:1. Develop an Agroforestry scheme for CVM. Alleys should be 30-35m wide (depending on tree species selected). Develop a complex ‘3 Tier’ cropping mixture between the rows of trees, with the aim of keeping the soil covered whenever possible to try and reduce soil temperature, erosion risk and to try and improve soil organic matter. Develop and justify a crop rotation plan suitable for growing in the agroforestry system detailing planting and harvesting times within the defined agroforestry system. Consider the use of cover crops and companion planting of both pest control and crop enhancement species. Select your trees from the following list of available species, and give reasons for your choices.2. Develop a fish farming scheme for CVM. Given local availability of Tilapia and Catfish fingerlings, develop plans for a simple fish farming project. Consider the potential of Aquaponics (fish/vegetables) and Aquaculture (fish/chickens). Assume one or more mesh sided, plastic lined fish tanks can be constructed approx. 1m deep and containing about 30-40,000 litres. Electricity is available at least part of the day.3. Develop the chicken farming at CVM. CVM currently has some 100 chickens. Both eggs and meat are valuable. There is scope for a maximum of 400 chickens. Consider the alternative economic attractions of layers vs broilers, and local vs improved breeds. Consider the potential benefit to the vegetable gardens of some free range. Consider crops which may be grown for chicken feed to replace bought in. Some chicken sheds are already on site, and electricity is available at least part of the day.Evaluate the role of the suitable tree species: for inclusion in an agroforestry plan and make recommendations for which of these should be included in the planting alongside the existing mango, cashew and pawpaw trees. Tree species to consider: (you may also nominate your own) Cashew, Citrus, Coconut Palm, Mango, Papaya, Banana, Moringa, Neem, Acacia caffra, Calliandra calothyrsus, Jack fruit, Avocado, Leucaena Leucocephala Consider spacing, height, diversity, productivity, shading, suitability etc. And create a planting for CVM.50% of the marks will be awarded for: Continuing with your chosen topic, draw up a simple implementation plan which would allow the farm manger to know how, when, what density and any special layout required for the system detailed above. Use drawings, photos, diagrams, tables or other appropriate techniques to help represent your plan clearly. This can be presented as a separate document if required.Learning outcomes testedEvaluate the potential and limitations of contrasting agricultural systems. Critically evaluate social, economic, political and environmental influences on these systems. 3. Use a case study approach to analyse the effects of integrated farm management approaches on sustainability of agricultural systems around the world.Marking criteriaThe assessment will be marked according to the following specific marking criteria:The case study will be marked in 2 parts with 50% for the justification and evaluation of the ONE topic chosen and 50% for the implementation guide. The study should clearly answer the set questions and should focus on the brief throughout. It should have a clear and logical structure with each issue and the conclusion clearly identified. There should be evidence of a wide range of reading and this should be correctly referenced (see below). It should be clear, readable and well presented with the correct use of spelling and grammar.The 2500 word (1250 words for the justification and a max of 1250 words for the implementation plan) limit does not include the bibliography, nor words contained in charts, graphs, diagrams etc., or the list of contents.Please indicate using a word count how many words you have written at the end of the study.Assessments are marked according to University Policy using the current marking criteria for assignments.General mattersReferencing / academic misconduct: All work must be referenced properly to avoid charges of plagiarism or cheating using the referencing system described in the APA 6th Referencing Guide and in accordance with the current RAU Academic Regulations.Support Documentation: All guidance, marking criteria and regulation documents are available from the University Website.
