Sustainable soil management in agroecosystems

2020-08-03
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Additional course evaluations for BI1220

BI1220 Sustainable soil management in agroecosystems, 15.0 Credits

Hållbar markförvaltning i agroekosystem

Syllabus approved

2013-08-28

Subjects

Biology Agricultural science

Education cycle

First cycle

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, less than 60 credits from first-cycle courses as entry requirements(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.

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 the student fails a test, the examiner may give the student a supplementary assignment, provided this is possible and there is reason to do so.
• If the student has been granted special educational support because of a disability, the examiner has the right to offer the student an adapted test, or provide an alternative assessment.
• If changes are made to this course syllabus, or if the course is closed, SLU shall decide on transitional rules for examination of students admitted under this syllabus but 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 more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Other information

• The right to take part in teaching and/or supervision only applies to the course date to which the student has been admitted and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, the student may take part in course components that require compulsory attendance at a later date. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Responsible department

Department of Biosystems and Technology

Further information

There are no Grading criteria posted for this course