EV5254:03
Tropical Agroforestry
Cairns
Prerequisites: At least 12 units of level 2 science subjects or permission of HoS
Inadmissable Subject Combination: EV3254
26 lectures, 26 hours practicals, 13 hours workshops, 16 hours field work. December intensive block mode.
Staff: Dr S Turton.
This subject provides a general introduction to agroforestry, with an emphasis on tropical systems. Lectures, practicals and workshops by specialist academics and agroforestry professionals will examine the diverse array of ecological, economic, socio-cultural and governmental processes and phenomena that apply to subject matter. Topics include: introduction to agroforestry; community forestry in developed and developing countries, farm forestry in Australia, climate and soils in the tropics; planting design species to sites/establishment and maintenance; growth and performance, weed and pest control in the tropics; direct seeding; tree improvement; community perceptions and attitudes; the economics of agroforestry; the role of government in farm forestry. A three day field class will examine agroforestry practices at sites on the Atherton Tableland, the wet tropical coast and wet/dry tropics.
Learning Objectives:
- provide an integrated and multi-disciplinary overview of agroforestry processes and phenomena in tropical regions;
- develop practical skills in tropical agroforestry, based on material presented by professionals in the field of study;
- develop oral and written communication skills.
Assessment by 2,000 word essay (30%); group seminar (10%); field note book (20%); take home examination (40%).