CSS 211 Field Crop Systems

Department of Crop and Soil Sciences

Cornell University

Field Crops are a very important part of the world's food supply, by direct consumption and indirectly through animal and microbial products. Wheat, rice and corn alone account for 75% of the world's grain production and 56% of the world's food energy. Field crops are becoming an important source of biofuels (ethanol, biodiesel, fiber, and pelleted grasses) in competition with our food supply. In this course, you will study these and the other seed and forage crops that feed the world. Environmental factors, crop management practices, harvesting and storage, nutrition and health, crop improvement, and responses to environmental stresses affecting a crop's growth, development, maturation, yield, and quality will be explored.

Course Catalog Description:

• Crop and Soil Sciences 211--Field Crop Systems-- Fall. 4 credits. MWF 10:10, M 1:25-4:25, 105 Bradfield Hall. Two to four field trips during lab periods (until 5 p.m. or on weekends!) Ralph L. Obendorf
  
• Principles of field-crop growth, development and maturation, species recognition, soil and climatic adaptations, tillage systems, liming and mineral nutrition, cropping sequences, management systems, nutrition and health, and crop improvement are considered. Grain, protein, oil, fiber, biofuel and forage crops are emphasized. Laboratory utilizes living plants, extensive crop garden, and computer simulation.

Required Text:

Places to Go:

• More about Crop and Soil Sciences 211
  • Lecture Schedule: Calendar of lecture topics and exam dates. ***Dates are subject to change depending upon coverage of topics during lectures***
  • Laboratory Schedule: Calendar of laboratory topics and practicum dates. ***Dates are subject to change depending upon coverage of topics***
    
  • Other important information: Instructors, meeting times, prerequisites, texts, grading, exam dates, etc.
    
• Other useful pages
  • Mann Library Home Page
  • CALS Home Page
  • CSS Department Home Page
  • Cornell University

Suggestions or questions about this page should be addressed to Ralph L. Obendorf.

Last updated: September 27, 2007
First created: May 24, 2007