Overview:
Effective nutrient management is an essential part of producing high quality profitable crops whilst also protecting the wider environment. The FACTS Certification and Training Scheme covers best practice in fertiliser use and plant nutrient management, and allows successful candidates to demonstrate they can provide effective nutrient management advice which contributes to a sustainable crop production system whilst managing the pressures of protecting the wider environment.
Nutrient management has always played a crucial part in crop production however as we encounter ever growing environmental pressures and a requirement to produce crops in a more efficient and sustainable way, understanding how to optimise crop inputs such as organic manures and manufactured fertilisers has never been more important.
As a result of successfully completing the FACTS qualification you will fully understand the role of fertilisers in crop production and be recognised as a competent advisor. The requirement for farmers to receive crop nutrition advice from a FACTS qualified adviser is written into a number of farm assurance schemes, including the Red Tractor Farm Assurance Scheme. It is therefore an essential qualification for a number of job roles within the industry.
Who is this course for:
The FACTS Certification Scheme has been designed for those looking to develop competence in providing fertiliser advice with a due regard for the protection of the environment including advisers, manufacturer representatives, farmers and farm managers involved in crop production and wider farm management. The FACTS course not only covers arable crop production but also looks at organic manure storage and applications, forage crop production and grassland management, it is therefore an extremely beneficial qualification for those working on mixed farms. The FACTS Certificate will be invaluable to farm managers and agronomists who have to make decisions on fertiliser applications and crop rotations on a daily basis. Understanding how to effectively manage nutrient inputs will not only improve farm profitability but will also ensure that the farm is operating following current best practice and meeting the requirements of UK Legislation.
Course Contents:
• The soil in relation to plant nutrition
• Organic nutrient sources
• The nature and properties of fertilisers
• Crop nutrients in plants and the factors influencing nutrient management planning
• Use of fertilisers on the main crop groups in the UK
• The transport, storage and handling of fertilisers
• Application of fertilisers
• Code of Good Agricultural Practice and legal and other requirements to protect the environment
Entry Requirements:
The course assumes a basic level of agronomic knowledge so it is strongly recommended that you have two years of experience in on-farm agronomy.
Please note this is a very intensive course. Please make sure you contact the provider to discuss the course details and to check for course availability, Thankyou.