European Agronomy Education Offered in a Convenient Format
The business of growing crops has become increasingly complicated in recent years. Agriculture has been challenged with growing demands to increase production while minimizing the environmental impact. New technologies and a knowledge-based future will require a more thorough understanding of the entire production system.
Launched in 2019, Agronomy Essentials Europe continues the award winning precedent set by the original Agronomy Essentials course. This 27 module course supports learners seeking a broad-ranged understanding of European soils, crop nutrients, cropping systems, pest management, crop growth and development, diagnostics, and a host of other topics. Available through Purdue University online education and specifically designed to meet off-campus learner needs, you will gain a solid base of European specific agronomics regardless of your professional role.
Course content is provided in a convenient online learning management system allowing participants to access the recorded video segments, reading materials, graphics, glossary and assessments at their convenience. Courses are offered in defined sessions, but students have the flexibility to work whenever and wherever they have time and access to the internet.
Certified Crop Advisers receive 25 continuing education units.
Over 100 video lessons along with additional educational materials.
Program Recognized for Excellence in Distance Learning For Professional Development.
Certified Crop Advisers receive 25 continuing education units.
Over 100 video lessons along with additional educational materials.
Program Recognized for Excellence in Distance Learning For Professional Development.
Designer and Instructor Bruce Erickson, PhD, CPAg
Bruce Erickson, PhD, is Purdue University’s Agronomy Education Distance and Outreach Director. In this course, Dr. Erickson shares from his wealth of experience in agronomy and distance education.
Dr. Erickson completed his undergraduate degree at Iowa State University in agronomy, then began his professional career as an agronomist at Corteva. After completing his master’s degree at Iowa State University in crop production and physiology and his doctoral degree in agronomy at Purdue, Dr. Erickson joined the staff of the Purdue Department of Agronomy.
Dr. Erickson previously served as Senior Technical Designer at Agri-Business Group in Indianapolis. He was Director of Cropping Systems Management and Associate Director of the Center for Commercial Agriculture at Purdue where he worked extensively with precision farming and crop production economics research.
Most recently, he was the Agronomic Education Manager for the American Society of Agronomy, where he was responsible for the International CCA performance objectives and development of the International CCA Exam, the India CCA Exam, and the Mexico CCA Exam.
Digital Badge
Earn a digital badge for each course you complete! Use the badge to set yourself apart and share your verifiable new skills on social platforms and add it to your LinkedIn page.
Hear From Our Graduates
"Great experience overall. Covering these basics has been extremely helpful to my understanding of the field and makes me feel better informed when talking with customers and equipment dealers."
"I found the entire course covers crucial knowledge that is necessary to have to be successful in any agricultural work field."
Course Syllabus
Modules are due every second Wednesday at 11:59 EDT. Learners may work ahead to finish early if desired.
- Soil Texture and Structure, Biological, and Chemical Properties
- Water and Solute Movement in Soils, Irrigation, Drainage Methods
- Site Characterization, Legal Land Descriptions, Understanding Soil and Field Maps
- Tillage and Residue Management, Soil Restrictive Layers
- Soil Conservation, Water and Air Quality
- Essential Elements, Plant Functions and The Nitrogen Cycle
- Soil and Plant Nutrient Assessment
- Fertilisers and Manures
- Fertilizer Application, Placement and Timing
- Fertiliser Additives and Soil Amendments
- Crop Types and Cropping Systems, Crop Improvement
- Seed Selection and Characteristics of Maize, Soybeans and Wheat Crop Testing
- Planter and Drill Operation
- Maize, Soybean, Wheat and Forage Management Practices
- Precision Farming
- Maize Growth and Development
- Soybean Growth and Development
- Small Grains and Forages Growth and Development
- Photosynthesis and Plant Growth, Cell and Leaf Anatomy
- Crop Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
- Weed Identification and Management Principles
- Insect Identification and Management Principles
- Disease Identification and Management Principles
- Pesticide Application and Stewardship
- Crop Harvest, Storage and Quality
- Marketing and Basic Economics
E-Learning Environment
Explore how online courses will fit into your professional schedule.
Learn More