Please Note: This Class Syllabus is an important step in updating the format of our distance courses. If for any reason the Class Syllabus does not match the print Course Guide or online course information, the Class Syllabus shall be taken as correct. CLASS SYLLABUS COURSE TITLE: Weed Control in Organic Agriculture COURSE CODE: PLSC 234.3 TERM: Spring/Summer 2015 COURSE CREDITS: 3 DELIVERY: Online COURSE SECTION: W01 START DATE: May 6, 2015 END DATE: August 11, 2015 Course Description The principals and practices of weed management in organic agriculture will be covered. Students will learn the application of cultural, mechanical and biological techniques to manage weeds within an integrated organic weed management system. Basic weed ecology and weed identification skills will also be learned. This course is only in online format via the Blackboard Learning System at the University of Saskatchewan. Course Objectives After taking this course, students will be able to: 1 Recognize the biological and ecological characteristics of weeds that allow them to be susceptible to organic management methods. 2. Recognize the biological and ecological characteristics of crops that impact their coexistence with weeds. 3 Identify the varied methods of weed management in organic agriculture. 4. Design an integrated weed management program for an organic farm. April 23, 2015 jt ck pk bf PlSC 234 Course Overview Weed management for organic agriculture is not prescriptive, but rather is pro-active, based on the biology of the weeds, and on the ecology of the system. This course begins by reviewing the important characteristics of weeds that leads to their success in agricultural systems, and then moves to cropping systems to consider their vulnerability to weeds. Managing the cropping system is the first and most important method of managing weeds. The second half of the course is designed to give a comprehensive overview of the techniques that are available to manage weeds in organically grown field crops. Many of these techniques are applicable to horticultural crops or rangeland, but are dealt with primarily from the perspective of field crop management. If your perspective is horticulture or rangeland, the principles are the same, and assignments can be tailored to suit that perspective. The course culminates with the student integrating the lessons of ecology and technology into a multi-year management plan to deal with specific weeds and weed types of interest. The course includes online resources, learning activities and self-tests for independent learning as well as collaboration and discussion, integrated into each module. Your Instructor Your instructor for this course is Brenda Frick, Ph.D., P.Ag. Contact Information Tel: (306) 260-0663 Email: [email protected] *Please use the email above to communicate routine items. You can expect a reply within 72 hours when I travel, but more often within 24 hours. If you need a quicker response, text me. Profile I have roots in Alberta and Saskatchewan but didn’t grow up on the farm. For me “the farm” belonged to my grandparent’s generation. My mom left the farm before she started school. When she was a kid her grandparents lived in a provincial park in northern Alberta, and her grandpa used to take her for walks in the woods, gently sharing his love of nature. This has always stayed with me. I have a deep respect for nature, and for farmers, who are the primary stewards of the land. Both of my grandmas used to have large gardens, where I spent many happy hours. I came to organics as a tree hugger, a lifelong gardener, a student of plant ecology, and of course, as an eater. I completed undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of Regina, a Ph.D. at the University of Western Ontario and, much later, a B.Ed. at the University of Saskatchewan. Page 2 of 13 PlSC 234 I have had a varied career in weed ecology: researching, writing, teaching and working with farmers. I have been involved in the organic community since returning from my doctoral studies 25 years ago, and worked in organics at the University from 2003 to 2009, initially in affiliation with the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada. I have extensive university teaching experience and have collaborated on the development of this online course and the classroom-based weed ecology course. Brenda Frick Photo credit: Elaine Stenbraaten with permission. Required Resources Readings/Textbooks No textbook is required. Readings will be provided within the course, or as links to online material. Supplementary Resources Frick, B. 2013. Organic Farming on the Prairies. 2nd edition. Saskatchewan Organic Directorate: Humboldt, SK. Purchase of this resource is entirely optional Additional online supplemental resources will be suggested in the modules. Page 3 of 13 PlSC 234 Class Schedule Each module will include a choice of Learning Activities and a discussion question that require you to contribute your voice to a collaborative wiki space and a forum. These contributions are due at the end of each week. A self-test is available for each module. Students may do these as often as they wish to determine their mastery of the course material. Please contact the instructor if life gets in the way of completing the assignments in a timely fashion. Weekly Activities Assignment Due Date Week Module Learning activity Wed, May 1 Weeds Discussion 13 2015 2 Weed Identification 3 Weed Ecology Learning activity May 20 Discussion Learning activity Assignment 1A Weed profile May 27 Discussion Term Break May 28-29 4 5 6 Crop Ecology Learning activity Discussion Weed/Crop Learning activity Interaction Discussion Cultural Methods Jun 6 Learning activity Jun 13 Assignment 2A Crop profile Jun 20 Discussion Term Break Jun 22-24 7 8 9 Physical Methods - Learning activity Jul 2 Tillage Discussion Physical Methods - Learning activity Timing Discussion Physical Methods – Learning activity Assignment 3A Technique Non-Tillage Discussion Assignment 1B, 2B, 3B Jul 9 Jul16 Term Break July 17-20 10 11 Biological Methods Learning activity Discussion BioControl and Learning activity Chemical Methods Discussion 12 Integration 13 FINAL EXAM Jul 27 Aug 4 Learning activity Assignment 4 - Management Discussion Plan Final exam Aug 11 Aug 14 Page 4 of 13 PlSC 234 Reading List Module Required Readings “Principles of Organic Agriculture.” International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). Available online at: http://www.ifoam.org/en/organic-landmarks/principles-organic-agriculture Module 1 Weeds Characteri stics “General Principles of Organic Production.” Public Works and Government Services Canada. Available online at: http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/ongc-cgsb/programmeprogram/normes-standards/internet/bio-org/principes-principles-eng.html#a012 Frick, B. & Johnson, E. (2012). "Weed characteristics." Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC) Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/extension/ext_weed_char.asp “Common names, Latin names, and weed families.” Available online at: http://www.weedinfo.ca/en/search Module 2 Weed Identificati on “An excellent guide to weed identification tools and techniques.” Available online at: http://www.extension.org/pages/32635/weed-identification-tools-andtechniques#glossary “Saskatchewan’s Ecoregions.” Available online at: http://www.biodiversity.sk.ca/eco.htm Module 3 Seed Ecology Module 4 Disturbanc e Ecology Module 5 Weed/Cro p Interaction Module 6 Cultural Methods Murphy, C.E. & Lemerle, D. (2006). "Continuous cropping systems and weed selection." Euphytica 148(1-2), 61-73. [PDF in Blackboard] “Corn Cockle.” Available online at: http://www.luontoportti.com/suomi/en/kukkakasvit/corn-cockle “Parasitic Dodder – Weed Alert.” Available online at: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/dodder.htm Frick, B. & Johnson, E. (2012). "Growing a competitive crop – first step in weed control." Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC) Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/extension/ext_weed_competitive.asp Page 5 of 13 PlSC 234 Mason, H.E., Navabi, A., Frick, B., O’Donovan, J.T. & Spaner, D.M. (2007). "The Weed-Competitive Ability of Canada Western Red Spring Wheat Cultivars Grown under Organic Management." Crop Science 47(3), 1167-1176. Available at: https://www.crops.org/publications/cs/articles/47/3/1167 “Larger seeds produce more competitive crop – Organic Matters.” Western Producer. Available online at: http://www.producer.com/2007/11/larger-seedsproduce-more-competitive-crop-organic-matters/ Frick, B. (2008). “Using Multiple Methods Key to Weed Control Success.” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.oacc.info/NewspaperArticles/na_weed_control_bf.asp Frick, B. & Johnson, E. (2012). “Crop rotations for organic systems.” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/extension/ext_weed_rotations.asp Frick, B. & Johnson, E. (2012). “Soil fertility affects weed and crop competition.” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/extension/ext_weed_fertility.asp Frick, B. & Johnson, E. (2012). “Using allelopathic and cover crops to suppress weeds.” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/extension/ext_weed_allelopathic.asp “Hand Weeders” Garden Tool Co. Available online at: http://www.gardentoolcompany.com/hand-weeders/ “Long-Handled Weeders” Garden Tool Co. Available online at: http://www.gardentoolcompany.com/long-handle-weeders/ Module 7 Physical Methods A – out of crop tillage “Attempt to Ban Hand Weeding Being Pursued by Agricultural Labor Groups in California.” Scranton Gillette Communications. Available online at: http://www.gpnmag.com/attempt-ban-hand-weeding-being-pursued-agriculturallabor-groups-california “Tillage for weed control – an introduction.” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/extension/ext_weed_tillage.asp Frick, B. (2011). “Organic management counters some negative effects of soil tillage.” Western Producer. [PDF in Blackboard] Frick, B. (2011). “Organic soil busier place than conventionally farmed soil.” Western Producer. [PDF in Blackboard] Page 6 of 13 PlSC 234 Frick, B. (2010). “Bacteria, fungi more numerous in organic soil systems.” Western Producer. [PDF in Blackboard] Johnson, E. (2012). “Weed control – false seed bed technique.” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/ResearchDatabase/res_weedctrl_falseseedbed.asp Frick, B. & Johnson, E. (2012) : ”Summerfallow as a weed management strategy – pros and cons.” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/extension/ext_weed_summerfallow.asp Johnson, E. (2012) ”Photocontrol – tilling in the dark?” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/researchdatabase/res_photocontrol_weed.asp Johnson, E. (2012) “Selectivity – an important concept in mechanical weed control.” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/ResearchDatabase/res_select_weedctrl.asp Colquhoua, J. & Bellinder, R. “New Cultivation Tools for Mechanical Weed Control in Vegetables.” In Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Fact Sheet. [PDF in Blackboard] Johnson, E. (2012) “Post-emergence harrowing for weed control.” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/ResearchDatabase/res_emerg_weedctrl.asp Physical Methods B- in crop tillage Johnson, E. (2012) “Post-emergence field pea harrowing – rotary or tine?” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/ResearchDatabase/res_emergpea_rota.asp Johnson, E. (2012) “Filed pea harrowing – flex-tine weeder or tine harrow?” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/ResearchDatabase/res_peaharrow_flexweedtine.asp Kernohan, A. (2012) “Mechanical Weeding of Cereals.” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/ResearchDatabase/res_soils_mech_weed.asp “In-crop Tillage.” Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Available online at: http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/naturalagriculture/weed/files/nonchemical/till_incr op_e.htm “Harrowing on Saskatchewan Farms.” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/Docs/TechnicalBulletins08/TechnicalBulletin15web_h arrowing.pdf Page 7 of 13 PlSC 234 Johnson, E. & Frick, B. (2012) “Inter-row cultivation – effective weed control in field pea?” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/ResearchDatabase/res_introw_fieldpea.as “Mechanical weed control for organic producers.” Government of Saskatchewan. [PDF in Blackboard] Johnson, E. (2012) “Clipping weeds above a crop canopy” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/ResearchDatabase/res_clipweed_canopy.asp Wiens, M. “Capturing the Potential of Alfalfa” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/NewspaperArticles/na_capturing_bf.asp “Organic No-Till.” Rodale Institute. Available online at: http://rodaleinstitute.org/ourwork/organic-no-till/ Module 9 Physical Methods C – Alternative s to tillage Vaisman, I., Entz, M. Flaten, D. & Gulden, R. (2011) “Blade Roller-Green Manure Interactions on Nitrogen Dynamics, Weeds, and Organic Wheat.” Agronomy Journal – Astract, 103(3), 879-889. Available online at: https://www.agronomy.org/publications/aj/abstracts/103/3/879 “Approaching Organic No-Till on the Canadian Prairies.” (2010) Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/NewspaperArticles/na_notill_organic_bf.asp “Grazed Green Manures.” (2010) Natural Systems Agriculture. Available online at: http://umanitoba.ca/outreach/naturalagriculture/articles/grazed_green_manures.html Knezevic, S. (2013) “Proof Positive – Research Shows Flaming and Cultivation Key to Weed Control.” Available online at: http://mosesorganic.org/farming/farmingtopics/field-crops/flaming-and-cultivation-key-to-weed-control/ Brodie, G., Ryan, C. & Lancaster, C. (2012) “Microwave Technologies as Part of an Integrated Weed Management Strategy: A Review.” International Journal of Agronomy. [PDF in Blackboard] Frick, B. & Johnson, E. (2012) ”Livestock and other beneficial organisms for weed management.” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/extension/ext_weed_livestock.asp Module 10 Biological Methods Frick, B. & Johnson, E. (2012) ”Biological Weed Control.” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/extension/ext_weed_bio_ctrl.asp Page 8 of 13 PlSC 234 Bond, W., Turner, R.J. & Grundy, A.C. (2003) “A review of non-chemical weed management.” Available online at: http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/sites/www.gardenorganic.org.uk/files/updated_revi ew_0.pdf Module 11 Chemical control; weed thresholds Johnson, E., Wolf, T.M. & Caldwell, B.C. (2012) ”Vinegar For Pre-Seed and PostEmergence Control of Broadleaf weeds.” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/ResearchDatabase/res_wksh_vinegar.asp Johnson, E., et al. (2012) ”Evaluating Interceptor – an organic herbicide.” Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC). Available online at: http://www.organicagcentre.ca/ResearchDatabase/res_eval_orghericide.asp Frick, B. (2010) “Pennycress shows potential for use as biodiesel, bioherbicide.” Available online at: http://organicalberta.org/news/pennycress-shows-potential-foruse-as-biodiesel-bioherbicide Harker, K. N., et al. “Our View.” Weed Science. Available online at: http://www.bioone.org.cyber.usask.ca/doi/full/10.1614/WS-D-11-00177.1 Module 12 Integrated Weed Managem ent Harker, K. N., et al. “Integrating Cropping Systems with Cultural Techniques Augments Wild Oat (Avena fatua) Management in Barley..” Weed Science. Available online at: http://www.bioone.org.cyber.usask.ca/doi/full/10.1614/WS-08-165.1 Schonbeck, M. “Twelve Steps Toward Ecological Weed Management in Organic Vegetables.” Available online at” http://www.extension.org/pages/18539/twelvesteps-toward-ecological-weed-management-in-organic-vegetables#.U2Fcs8ehAlI Note: If for any reason the Class Syllabus Reading List does not match the Module Reading List, the Class Syllabus shall be taken as correct. Page 9 of 13 PlSC 234 Grading Scheme Weed profile 10% Crop profile 10% Technique précis 10% Management plan Learning activities 25% 10% Discussion 10% Final exam 25% Total 100% Information on literal descriptors for grading at the University of Saskatchewan can be found at: http://students.usask.ca/current/academics/grades/grading-system.php Please note: There are different literal descriptors for undergraduate and graduate students. More information on the Academic Courses Policy on course delivery, examinations and assessment of student learning can be found at: http://policies.usask.ca/policies/academicaffairs/academic-courses.php The University of Saskatchewan Learning Charter is intended to define aspirations about the learning experience that the University aims to provide, and the roles to be played in realizing these aspirations by students, instructors and the institution. A copy of the Learning Charter can be found at: http://policies.usask.ca/documents/LearningCharter.pdf Evaluation Components Assignment 1A: Weed profile Value: 10% of final grade Due Date: Week 3. See Class Schedule Purpose: Students gain familiarity with weed characteristics by either profiling a single weed species or providing identification and characteristics of 10 species of weeds. Description: Select a weed species and create a fact sheet or infographic or powerpoint outlining the ecology of the species and cultural weed control techniques that may be employed in managing your species. Max 3 pages text, 2 page infographic or 10 slides. Further details and samples are provided in the course materials. OR Assignment 1B: Weed photo journal Value: 10% of final grade Due Date: Week 9. See Class Schedule Purpose: Students gain familiarity with weed characteristics by providing an annotated photo journal of 10 species of weeds. Description: Select a weed flora of 10 species in your local environment and follow them throughout the term. Provide photographs of all important life states and identifying features. Use legends to provide information about life history, beneficial qualities, or vulnerabilities. Create a photo album, infographic, video, powerpoint, or prezi using these photos. Page 10 of 13 PlSC 234 Assignment 2A: Crop profile Value: Due Date: Purpose: 10% of final grade Week 6. See Class Schedule Students gain familiarity with crop characteristics relevant to weed management. Description: Select a crop and create a fact sheet, inforgraphic or powerpoint outlining the ecology of the species and the cultural weed control techniques that may be employed in managing that crop. Max 3 pages text, 2 page infographic or 10 slides. Further details and samples are provided in the course materials. OR Assignment 2B: Crop photo journal Value: 10% of final grade Due Date: Week 9. See Class Schedule Purpose: Students gain familiarity with crop characteristics by providing an annotated photo journal of 5 crop types. Description: Select a 5 crop species in your local environment and follow them throughout the term. Provide photographs of all important life states and identifying features. Use legends to provide information about life history, beneficial qualities, or vulnerabilities. Create a photo album, infographic, video, powerpoint, or prezi using these photos. Assignment 3A: Technique précis Value: Due Date: Purpose: 10% of final grade Week 9. See Class Schedule Students gain familiarity with techniques used for weed control Description: Select 2 weed control techniques and prepare a summary, including pros and cons of each technique and its suitability for an organic operation. Max ½ page each text, 2 page infographic or 10 slides. Further details and samples are provided in the course materials. OR Assignment 3B: Technique photo journal Value: 10% of final grade Due Date: Week 9. See Class Schedule Purpose: Students gain familiarity with weed management techniques by providing an annotated photo journal of 2 techniques. Description: Select a 2 weed management techniques in your local environment. Provide photographs equipment, land before and after treatment, and after recovery. Create a photo album, infographic, video, powerpoint, or prezi using these photos. Assignment 4: Management plan Value: 25% of final grade Due Date: Week 12. See Class Schedule Purpose: Students integrate their learnings on weeds, crops and techniques by designing a multi-year, multi-functional crop rotation for weed control. Description: Design a rotation of 5 years. Select crops you want, and an order that makes sense. Consider 5 weed species with a range of life histories. Consider all techniques used in each year of the rotation, and how this would impact the weed flora. Summarize your rotation Page 11 of 13 PlSC 234 overall, and determine any windows of opportunity for the weeds. This assignment may be done in a traditional essay format, or by prezi. Further details and samples are provided in the course materials. Learning Activities Value: 10% of final grade Due Date: Weekly Purpose: To encourage engagement with the learning materials and provide an opportunity for exchange of opinions among students, resulting in additional insights. Description: In each module there will be opportunities to share learnings, interpretations and insights with the class. This will be done through wiki pages. Discussion Value: 10% of final grade Due Date: Weekly Purpose: To encourage engagement with the learning materials and provide an opportunity for exchange of opinions among students, resulting in additional insights. Description: In each module there will be discussion questions to stimulate thought and dialogue. Students will engage as ‘first responders’, ‘devil’s advocates’ or as ‘summarizers’. Final Exam Value: 25% of final grade Date: See Class Schedule Length: 3 hours Purpose: To evaluate the attainment of concepts and the ability to integrate concepts into action plans. Comprehensive. Open book. Online. Description: Questions will include very short answer questions such as matching or multiple choice, short answers such as “list 3 factors” and longer answers which will ask the student to develop management plans for specific situations. Choice will be given. Submitting Assignments By using the Assignment Drop Box within the assignment tool in Blackboard. Students will also be adding material in wiki space for the Learning Activities, and attaching files within the “Research Assignments” wiki space accessed from the Blackboard Learning Management System. Instructions for these tasks are outlined within the course material. In order to gain access to the wiki off campus, students will have to use VPN. Contact the help desk on campus in person, or at 306-966-4817 or [email protected]. Additional Information Students must submit at least 6 learning activities, 6 discussion posts and each of the four assignments in order to be eligible for a passing grade in this course. Students will be expected to participate in learning activities and discussions for each module. This interactivity is greater if all students are able to post these items weekly. Participation marks Page 12 of 13 PlSC 234 are cumulative and as such reflect both quantity, posting learning activities every week, and quality, providing interesting, insightful and eloquent posts. Assignments build upon each other, and students work collaboratively, using materials developed by classmates and incorporating them into their management plans. For this reason, it is useful to have assignments completed on time. However, sometimes our lives interfere with our plans. Late assignments and wiki posts can usually be accepted, provided that the student informs the instructor in advance, and/or has a reasonable explanation for tardiness. In extreme conditions, late submission of assignments will result in grade penalties. Students with Disabilities If you have a diagnosed disability (learning, medical, physical, or mental health), you are strongly encouraged to register with Disability Services for Students (DSS). In order to access DSS programs and supports, you must follow DSS policy and procedures. If you suspect you may have a disability, contact DSS for advice and referrals. For more information, see http://www.students.usask.ca/disability/ or contact DSS at 306-966-7273 or [email protected]. Integrity “Integrity is expected of all students in their academic work – class participation, examinations, assignments, research, practica – and in their non-academic interactions and activities as well.” (Office of the University Secretary) It is your responsibility to be familiar with the University of Saskatchewan Guidelines for Academic Conduct. More information is available at http://www.usask.ca/secretariat/student-conduct-appeals/IntegrityDefined.pdf Acknowledgements Course Author(s) Dr. Rob Gulden, former graduate student in Plant Science, University of Saskatchewan, under the supervision of Dr. Steve Shirtliffe, wrote the original course. Rob is currently at the Department of Plant Science, University of Manitoba. The Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada, formerly part of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, now housed at Dalhousie University, obtained initial funding for course development. Dr. Brenda Frick, of Bluebur Fluent Organics, has authored the current version of the course, Instructional Design Jordan Epp provided instructional Design support with further Instructional Technology support from Robb Larmer, Centre for Continuing & Distance Education, University of Saskatchewan. Page 13 of 13
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