Course Summary
The module content will review crop production techniques that maintain and enhance soil organic matter and lead to carbon sequestration including green manures and rotations. Conversion to organic horticulture crop production will be described and discussed. Plant nutrition requirements will be studied including the role of macronutrients and micronutrients to improve plant health and resilience to different diseases and pests. IPM strategies to enhance sustainable crop production and profitability will be presented and evaluated.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applicants for the Certificate in Crop Management in Organic and Biological Horticulture should hold a National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 8 honors degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Forestry, Environmental, or other Science-related discipline. Where the demand exceeds the places available, offers will be made in rank order based on applicants’ Grade Point Average (GPA).
Applicants who do not hold a degree in the cognate areas specified but who have relevant industry or practical experience in agricultural and biological systems or equivalent, in conjunction with a Level 8 degree in a non-cognate area, may be considered for entry under SETU’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) mechanism.
Application Details
NEXT INTAKE September 2024
Fees
€990
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Career Progression
Opportunity
This certificate will develop skilled professionals who will contribute to the sustainable evolution of organic and biological horticulture in the agri-food sector in Ireland and abroad.
The module offers a pathway for graduates interested in further academic progression to MSc/PG in Organic and Biological Horticulture, enabling them to explore more in-depth research, development, and innovation within the field. This option provides a route for those inclined towards a continued academic journey or a career in research.
The certificate equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to further their career whether in the practical aspects of horticulture, policy development, research, or further education.
Duration
Online weekly lectures delivered in the evenings. Fieldwork will teach learners various methods, techniques, and skills crucial for the appraisal, assessment, and monitoring of natural resources, plant productivity and pest and disease pressure.