Course Syllabus

Course: AGTM 2500

Division: Business and Applied Tech
Department: Business
Title: Irrigation Management

Semester Approved: Fall 2023
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2028
End Semester: Summer 2029

Catalog Description: This course will introduce students to the management and technology used in sprinkler irrigation systems. Emphasis will be on pivot maintenance and operation of Variable Rate (precision) Irrigation. Water requirements, water resources, application methods, types and selection of irrigation equipment, application time and rates, irrigation well principles and operation, maintenance and repair, costs, and return will be covered.

Semesters Offered: Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 2; Lab: 2

Justification: Water, and issues surrounding water, have always been and will continue to be at the forefront of agriculture, particularly in the Western United States. Efficient use and management of water resources is the most crucial factor in modern-day agriculture. Demand for water will continue to rise. It is critical that students understand and learn to apply principles to help manage this resource. Technology such as Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI), precision or prescriptive irrigation, is leading the way in conservation and management of water. Students will understand water conservation and management using the latest irrigation technology.


Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will understand the effects of irrigation on crop production.  Students will be evaluated through written assessment and classroom exercises and exam

Understand local sources of water. Students will be evaluated through written assessment and classroom exercises

Identify crop moisture needs Students will be assessed through class exercises and quizzes

Compare different methods of irrigation. Assessment will be through classroom exercises and presentations

Select proper irrigation systems.  Students will be assessed through class exercises, quizzes, and exam

Calculate costs and returns Students will be assessed through class exercises and exam


Content:
Course objectives will be accomplished by providing students with the following learning experiences: Provide a clear and practical understanding of irrigation; Provide an understanding of selecting proper irrigation systems; Provide an understanding of water resources; Provide an understanding of application times and rates; Provide an understanding of costs and returns; Identify different types of Variable Rate Irrigation systems, components, and software to preserve water; Provide hands-on experiences with equipment and irrigation scheduling methods.The course will acknowledge that irrigation and water have been managed in diverse ways throughout times and cultures; this course, however, focuses on a specific method of irrigation management.

Key Performance Indicators:
students will be evaluated on written assessments 15 to 25%

classroom exercises  15 to 25%

classroom presentations  10 to 20%

quizzes  10 to 20%

exams  25 to 35%


Representative Text and/or Supplies:
All needed materials will be supplied by the instructor.


Pedagogy Statement:
Students will be encouraged to share cultural experiences and identities, allowing others to learn from their perspectives. This will allow students from all backgrounds to foster respect, understanding, and cooperation, further increasing diversity. All students will share equal access to course content and materials.

Instructional Mediums:
Lecture/Lab

Maximum Class Size: 25
Optimum Class Size: 20