Agronomy III (Root Vegetables) Online Course

Duration 100 hrs (12 months)
Exam Optional
Qualification Certificate
Tutor Support Yes unlimited by email
Clear

Do you need to learn more about growing root crops in order to increase your farms profitability or because you want to get started in a new market?  We can help with this 100 hour self paced course.  This course will help you discover different varieties of root vegetables, learn best growing practices and understand different harvesting techniques relevant to root crops.

  • online course
  • self paced – study from home
  • supportive friendly tutors
  • affordable price – payment plans available

Why grow root crops?  Because root crops are one of the largest food staples market in the world.  Root crops provide the majority of the world’s carbohydrates (potatoes etc) and in some cases are a primary source of proteins (yams and cassavas).

Detailed Course Outline

This course is made up a number of lessons or units.  Each of these has self assessment questions, a set task (practical homework) and an assignment which you can upload online.  Click below to read about each of the lessons and what you will learn.

There are 10 Lessons in this course:

Scope and Nature of Root Cropping and the Botany of Roots

  • What are Root Vegetables?
  • Human Nutrition and Root Vegetables
  • Botany of Roots

Cultural Practices A: Soil Management, Crop Scheduling and Soil Water

  • General Guide to Growing Root Vegetables
  • Improving Soils
  • Sampling Soils
  • Cover Crops
  • Cultivation Techniques
  • Soil Fertility and Growth
  • Plant Nutrition
  • Choosing the Right Fertilizer
  • Diagnosis of Nutritional Problems
  • Should you have your Soil Laboratory Tested?
  • A Look at Organic Fertilizers
  • Compost
  • Growing Root Crops from Seeds
  • Crop Scheduling
  • Planting Vegetables
  • Soil and Water
  • Types of Soil Moisture

Cultural Practices B: Weed control, Pest Management

  • Weeds and Weed Management (Root Crops)
  • Methods of Weed Control
  • Safety Procedures When Using Agricultural Chemicals
  • Law in Relation to Chemical Use
  • Pest and Diseases Management (Root Crops)
  • Entomology
  • Toxicity
  • IPM
  • Pests and Diseases Diseases
  • Plant Viruses
  • Environmental Problems

Potatoes

  • Growing Conditions
  • Nutrient Requirements
  • Planting
  • Care
  • Watering
  • How to Extend the Storage Life of Potatoes
  • Potato Cultivars

Carrots and their Relatives

  • Carrot
  • Parsnip
  • Bulb Fennel
  • Turnip Routed Chervil
  • Skirret
  • Celriac

Turnips and their Relatives

  • Turnip
  • Rutabaga (Swede)
  • Radish
  • Daikon
  • Kohlrabi

Beets

  • Growing Conditions
  • Planting/ Propagation
  • Nutrient Requirements
  • Harvest and Post-Harvest
  • Varieties
  • Uses

Taro, Yams and Sweet Potato

  • Sweet Potato
  • Yams
  • Chinese Yam
  • Taro

Other Root Crops

  • Salsify
  • Scorconera (Black Salsify)
  • Jerusalem Artichoke
  • Potato Bean
  • Arrowroot
  • Oca (New Zealand Yam)
  • Dandelion Water Chestnuts
  • Yacon or Jicama
  • Root Chicory
  • Ullico
  • American Groundnut

Harvest and Post-Harvest Management

  • Harvesting Root Vegetables: Harvesting Hints, Curing, Post-Harvest Treatment of Vegetables
  • Cooling: Room Cooling with Forced Air, Water (Hydro) Cooling, Icing, Vacuum Cooling, Evaporative Cooling, Storage requirement of some root crops

When you have completed the lessons of your Certificate course, you will be given the option of taking the optional exam. It's okay if you don't want the exam, we still issue your Careerline Certificate. For Advanced Certificates however, the exam is compulsory (per module) and are included in the course fee.

Get Free Info Pack

Get your free info pack, just fill in the form below and we'll send it out.

    Course Tutor

    Agriculture spans a wide variety of specializations.  Who your tutor is will depend on which area of agriculture you are studying.  Upon enrollment you will be assigned your own personal tutor who is there to support you throughout your studies.

    How It Works

    1. Learn Online

    Get access to your course content anywhere, anytime and study at your own pace.

    2. Get Help & Support

    Connect with other like-minded students and get help from the teacher whenever you have a question.

    3. Receive Certificate

    Graduate from your course knowing that you have what it takes to reach your next step.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I pay in installments?

    Yes! We offer great payment plans, however full payment up front is the cheapest. You can choose the best payment plan for you from the course page, or call us on 07 55368782 to talk to one of our course consultants for a custom plan.

    Can I study from anywhere in the world?

    We have many international students. Careerline's range of courses are suitable for any one, anywhere in the world.

    Do I get a discount if I enroll in a second course?

    Yes. You may claim a 5% fee discount when you enroll in a second course, and a further 10% off a three-course package.

    l

    Do I have to sit an Exam?

    No. If you are enrolled in a Certificate course (100hrs), the exam is optional. You will be issued with a certificate which proves that you are competent in all units, if you choose not to sit the exam.

    Do you have set start dates?

    There are no set start dates, you may start at any time. Our courses are all self-paced. As our home page says, ‘Courses for Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime’. ‘Anytime’ includes the start time of your choice. However, we do encourage our students to submit assignments on a regular basis. Wherever possible, we suggest developing a study routine.