FACTS (Fertiliser Advisers Certification & Training Scheme)

Course Overview

This course looks at key aspects of crop nutrition and the use of fertilisers to promote healthy plant growth. Given the importance of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones and the Water Framework Directive, emphasis is placed on the use of integrated crop nutrient management. The course is suitable for advisors, agronomists, farmers and farm managers, and at the end of the course, students will be able to provide recommendations for fertiliser use, which are both economically and environmentally sound.

The FACTS award is the standard industry qualification for those selling or advising on the use of crop fertilisers.

Course Dates

Course 1

Introduction: 5 September 2022 (online)

Main Course: 12, 13, 19, 20, and 26 September 2022

Mock viva: 3 October 2022 (online)

Course 2

Introduction: 10 November 2022 (online)

Main Course: 16, 17, 24 and 25 November and 1 December 2022

Mock viva: 9 December 2022 (online)

Exam

Course 1

10 October 2022 – written papers, conducted online.

11 October 2022 – vivas, conducted online.

Course 2

15 December 2022 – written papers, conducted online.

16 December 2022 – vivas, conducted online.

Fees

£1130

Content

The subject areas covered will include the following:

• Soil in relation to plant nutrition
• Nature and properties of fertilisers
• Role of plant nutrients
• Calculating fertiliser requirements of the main crop types
• Transport, handling, storage and application of fertilisers
• Legislation and other requirements to protect the environment

Delivery

The course is delivered over six days organised into two blocks of study and one day for the examination. There is normally a week between each block. Delivery is through participatory lectures and group exercises.

Assessment

Assessment is by means of a one hour multiple-choice examination and a fifteen minute oral exam.

Successful candidates will be awarded HE credits that can be used towards completion of the Harper Adams Diploma in Agronomy.