Agronomy Scout School: Crop Scouting Fundamentals
- Skill Level
- Beginner Intermediate
- Length Content Access
- 365
- Length
- 20 hours
- Language
- English
- Note
- This course is an online version of the Agronomy Scout School workshop.
To be a successful crop scout, you need to have the right tools and equipment, and understand how to document, interpret, and present your findings.
In this self-paced course, readings, videos, and practice questions explain the fundamentals necessary to scout corn, soybean, forage, and small grain crops. You will learn about scouting tools and equipment, and some tips for before, during, and after scouting a field. Videos show what common crop nutrient deficiencies look like, and you will learn how to diagnosis nutrient deficiencies using scouting, plant sampling, and soil testing. You will also learn the basics of manure sampling and spreader calibration.
Videos illustrate the different stages of growth for forages, corn, soybeans, and small grains. You will learn how to calculate seeding rates, perform stand assessments and calculate stand populations, and estimate yields and the need for replanting.
This course also covers how to use an integrated pest management approach to keep pest populations in check. You will learn how to use key factors of appearance and behavior when identifying pests. Insecticide overuse and resistance is also discussed.
Videos show you the signs and symptoms of small grain, corn, soybean, and alfalfa diseases, as well as demonstrate how to sample and send plants for disease analysis.
Last, you will learn how to scout for weeds, and create weed maps and other reports. You will learn how to use scouting to plan weed management strategies.
Throughout the course, practice questions help you review content. At the end of the course, you have the opportunity to take a final quiz and earn a course certificate of completion.
- Entry level crop scouts who will be working for crop consultants, industry agronomists, or agricultural service providers
- Experienced crop scouts who are looking for a refresher course
You will learn how to:
- prepare for crop scouting
- identify common crop nutrient deficiency symptoms
- conduct plant sampling and soil testing for nutrient analysis
- analyze manure properties
- identify types of forage emergence
- outline forage pest sampling procedures
- delineate stages of crop growth
- calculate growing degree days
- evaluate specific crop attributes and diseases
- identify insect populations
- use pesticides properly
- adopt integrated pest management tactics
- evaluate signs and symptoms of plant disease
- calibrate a seed spreader
- identify and scout for key weed species
- create weed maps and reports
What happens after I register for an online course?
Each registrant will receive an email with an activation link. The online course will be accessible from the "Account Dashboard" once it's activated.
What if I do not receive an activation e-mail after completing course registration?
Start by checking for the activation email from Penn State Extension in your spam folder. You may also resend the e-mail from your account dashboard by going to "My Account", finding the order that contains the online course registration(s), and clicking on "View Order". Click the "RESEND EMAIL" button.
How do I register for a course or make a purchase over the phone?
Contact our customer service team at 1-877-345-0691 for assistance over the phone. We are here to help on weekdays between 8:30am - 5pm Eastern Time.
How long does it take to complete an online course?
Every course is different. The estimated length for a specific course can be found in the course description. You can work through a course at your own pace. However, please keep in mind that you will lose access to the course one year after the purchase date, regardless of whether the course is complete.
Do I have to complete an online course within a certain timeframe? Will I ever lose access to an online course?
You can work through a course at your own pace, but access expires on the date indicated on your Account Dashboard, Online Courses page.
Are online courses graded?
Some courses are graded. Other courses are not graded. Please refer to the course description to learn whether a course is graded.
Do online courses have assignments or quizzes?
Online courses do not have assignments. Many online courses require you to answer questions and/or take quizzes, but not all courses do. Please refer to the course description to learn whether a specific course requires you to answer questions and/or take quizzes.
Do I receive any credits or certification for completing an online course?
Certificates are available for some courses, but not all courses. When applicable, certificates are issued upon successful course completion with a passing grade. The definition of a passing grade varies from course to course.
Certificates are available for some courses, but not all courses. When applicable, certificates are issued upon successful course completion with a passing grade. The definition of a passing grade varies from course to course.
Some courses also provide credits that can go towards professional certifications. None of the online courses offer credits that can go on a college transcript.
Please refer to the course description to learn if a specific course offers certificates and/or credits towards professional certification.
How will I access my certificate once I complete an online course?
Upon successful completion of an online course, you will be able to access your certificate by logging in and visiting the "Progress" page in your specific course. If a course is graded, successful completion requires you to earn a passing grade.
The definition of a passing grade varies from course to course. Once you register for an online course, please log in to learn about a specific course's grading criteria.
Also, keep in mind that not all courses offer certificates. Please refer to the course description to learn whether a specific course offers a certificate.
What materials will I need to complete an online course?
You must have internet access. Most courses do not require you to have any other materials, but it is best to refer to the course description to confirm. Although it is not required, if you wish to take notes, it is recommended that you have access to paper, a notebook, or a word processor.
What are the technical requirements for online courses?
You will need a computer or mobile device with internet access. Online courses are compatible with most up-to-date browsers. Cookies will need to be enabled in your browser settings, and we recommend clearing the "psu.edu" cookie before starting an online course. You can also use a non-cache storing (private) browing session to alleviate issues accessing your online course.
Sound is also recommended, but not required.
Is there technical support for online courses?
Yes! If you are experiencing a "Sign In or Register" message when attempting to access your online course, follow these instructions for clearing your browser cookie for "psu.edu" and try again. You can also use a non-cache storing (private) browser session to alleviate issues accessing your online course.
If you encounter a technical error, such as problems with pages loading, video playback, or course appearance, please contact us and we will be glad to assist you.
Can I enroll in multiple online courses at one time?
There is no limit on the number of courses you can enroll in at one time. However, we recommend that you only enroll in the number of classes you are comfortable taking. Please remember that you can work on a course at your own pace but will lose access on the Expiration Date indicated in your Account Dashboard, Online Courses page, regardless of whether the course is complete.
I am not a Penn State student. Can I enroll in an online course?
Yes! Anyone can sign up for a course. You do not have to be a Penn State student.
Will online courses go on a college transcript?
No. Online courses do not offer credits that can be transferred to a college transcript.
Who can take online courses? Are there any prerequisites?
Anyone can sign up for an online course! Some courses have prerequisites, but most do not. To find out if a course has a prerequisite, please refer to the course description.
Who are the online course instructors?
All online course instructors are Penn State Extension educators and/or Penn State faculty members.
Are online courses accessible for people who require special needs or services?
Yes. Penn State has specific accessibility requirements regarding online content, both to benefit learners and to comply with the law. We design online course content to meet those requirements.
What do I do if I have a question about a specific online course?
Please visit the "Contact Us" form using the link in the footer of this page. We will be glad to assist you.
