A course for farm workers, managers and suppliers who are involved in the production of legume food crops.

What can this course do for you?

• Learn to produce a wider variety of pulse (legume) crops including different types of peas beans, lupins, soybeans, chickpeas etc.
• Make better choices about what to grow, where and when
• Diversify farm production for greater sustainability

How Legume Crops can Help the Farm

• Legumes actually improve soil fertility. They have the ability to increase levels of nitrogen in the soil.
• The biodiversity impact of varying the types of crops grown, can help reduce populations of pests and diseases
• Farms that grow a greater variety of crops are diversifying their income. If income is derived from different crops, there is less chance of major financial issues. When prices are down on one crop, they may hold firm or be up on a different crop.

Legumes have a Diversity of Markets

They are high in protein, and are the foundation for meat free human diets. Beans, peas and other legumes are critically important components in vegan and vegetarian diets. They are often a significant protein source for even meat eaters. Pulses are also a valued additive in animal feeds. Crops can be sold fresh or value added on or off farm. They are preserved by freezing or drying; or processed for a diversity of products. Think about it: peanut oil, vegetarian sausages, refried beans, chilli con carne, roasted pulses as snacks, etc.

Lesson Structure

There are 10 lessons in this course:

• Scope and Nature of Legume Cropping
• Peas
• Growing Beans
• Growing Lentils
• Growing Lupins
• Growing Alfalfa
• Soybeans
• Growing Chickpeas
• Other Legumes
• Processing and Using Legumes

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school’s tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

• Discuss commercial farming of Legumes
• Explain different types of pea crops
• Explain how to grow beans
• Explain how to grow edible lupins
• Explain how to grow an alfalfa crop
• Explain the importance and growing of soybean crops
• Explain the cultivation of chickpea crops
• Explain how to grow a range of other legume food crops
• Explain how legume crops are processed and used

What You Will Do

• Research Legumes and products derived from legumes that are commonly available in your area.
• Watch videos on legume crops.
• Interview a close contact about whether they consume legumes, which ones and why.
• Take notes and develop your understanding of the nutritional benefits of legumes.
• Select two micronutrients and research how they affect health of pea crops. Look for information on how peas react to deficiency and over application of these nutrients.
• Research how to sprout peas, sprout some peas and incorporate them into your meals.
• Observe and take note of your sprouting project.
• Research the significance of peas as an agricultural crop in your country.
• Research the difference between peas selected for different types of processing, e.g. fresh, canned, frozen, or dried/dehydrated online.
• Interview someone who has grown beans.
• Watch videos of combine harvesters harvesting beans online and take notes.
• Prepare lentils to eat.
• Watch videos online of lentil growth and take notes.
• Watch videos about lentil growing and sustainability online.
• Pay attention to material on soil health and sustainability, and harvest. Make sure you take notes as you watch.
• Research the importance of lupins as a feed crop for livestock.
• Spend some time reading about interplanting lucerne with other crops.
• Select two of the diseases affecting lucerne and undertake further research on these two diseases
• Contact soybean suppliers online in your country.
• Look for soybean suppliers online in your country.
o Compare the different varieties available online.
• Explore the different types of chickpeas available in the local markets and grocery stores near your home.
• Use chickpeas to make a recipe that you have not tried. Consider making hummus, a power bowl, roasted chickpeas or a dhal.
• Look up agricultural feed suppliers online and examine their clover supplies
• Research methods that are used to harvest peanut crops.
• Research silo options online

A Statement of Attainment in Agronomy 4 – Legume Crops is highly beneficial for a broad spectrum of individuals and professionals in the agricultural field. Here are some key groups who would gain from this certification:

• Agricultural Professionals:
  • Farmers and Crop Growers: Enhance their expertise in growing legume crops, improving yield, soil health, and crop rotation practices.
  • Agronomists: Gain specialized knowledge in legume crops, enabling them to provide expert advice and support to legume growers.
• Students and Academics:
  • Agriculture Students: Complement their academic studies with practical knowledge and a recognized credential in legume crop management.
  • Researchers: Acquire focused insights into legume agronomy, supporting research projects and studies.
• Agricultural Consultants:
  • Consultants and Advisors: Broaden their service offerings with specialized knowledge in legume crop production and management.
• Agribusiness Professionals:
  • Supply Chain Managers: Understand the specifics of legume crop production, improving logistics and supply chain efficiency.
  • Marketing and Sales Professionals: Gain knowledge to better market and sell legume crop products.
• Policy Makers and Government Officials:
  • Agricultural Policy Makers: Develop informed policies that support and regulate the legume crop industry.
  • Extension Officers: Provide better education and support to farmers growing legume crops.
• Entrepreneurs and Investors:
  • Agribusiness Entrepreneurs: Identify opportunities and innovate within the legume crop sector.
  • Investors: Make informed decisions regarding investments in the agricultural sector, particularly in legume crops.
• Environmental and Sustainability Advocates:
  • Sustainable Agriculture Practitioners: Implement best practices for sustainable legume crop production, promoting environmental stewardship and soil health.
• International Development Workers:
  • NGOs and Development Agencies: Support agricultural development programs focusing on legume crop cultivation in various regions, enhancing food security and soil fertility.

Achieving a Statement of Attainment in Agronomy – Legume Crops equips individuals with specialized knowledge and skills, enabling them to excel in their respective roles and make significant contributions to the agricultural industry.