Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1220 Sustainable soil management in agroecosystems, 15.0 Credits

Hållbar markförvaltning i agroekosystem

Subjects

Agricultural Science Biology Biology Agricultural science

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	15.0	0201

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1F)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to 50 credits in agricultural science (this should include a minimum of 20 credits in plant biology) or 50 credits in horticultural science (including at least 20 credits in biology) or 50 credits in soil science.

Objectives

The objective of this course is the application of fundamental soil science principles for the sustainable management of soils in agroecosystems. Focus will be on the maintenance and improvement of soil quality, including biological, chemical and physical factors determining soil fertility. Rotation, soil tillage, plant nutrient supply and soil water management are important elements as are prevention of erosion, pollution and depletion of soil nutrients reserves. The role of soil management in nutrient cycling including nutrient losses to the environment and effects on climate change are also considered.

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

• describe the terms soil function, soil quality and soil fertility in different agroecosystems in a national and global perspective,

• utilize and assess physical, chemical and biological soil quality data and indicators to assess sustainability of different land management practices,

• characterise the soil chemical environment and its modification to enhance plant growth and quality for food or feed and describe biological soil processes in relation to plant nutrient cycles and management of inorganic as well as organic fertilizers,

• describe and plan the improvement and/or prevention of degradation of soil quality in agroecosystems.

Content

The learning outcomes will be met through lectures, case-studies, project work, group presentations and exercises in field and laboratories. Exercises provide training in processing and interpreting field experiment data, interpreting plant and soil analysis data and planning long term soil fertility and short term fertilisation and liming. Relevant issues within the subject are discussed in a seminar assignment and field visits. Lectures, seminars and case and group project work will contribute to the knowledge of soil as a natural resource and its quality – chemical, physical and biological factors – including the management factors that affects soil quality. Sustainable soil and water management in different farming systems will be discussed, including the effects of soil quality on animals, human health, food production and economy.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Participation in compulsory components. Approved reporting of project work, seminar, written exam and other assignments. Report (1000 words) summarizing reflections on own personal learning. Engagement in class discussions and seminars.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Biosystems and Technology