Print Syllabus

Syllabus

MV0214 Soil management in crop production, 15.0 Credits

Marken i odlingen

Subjects

Soil Science Biology

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Plant nutrition, precision farming, water quality	8.0	0102
Hydrotechnics, soil tillage	5.5	0103
Interdisciplinary studies	1.5	0104

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to:

• 120 ECTS first-cycle courses, including

• 60 ECTS Biology or Soil Science,

• 15 ECTS in Crop Production,

• 15 ECTS in Soil Science, including soil physics, soil chemistry and soil biology

• a level of English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary school

and

• Swedish equivalent to the general entry requirements to Swedish first-cycle courses and study programmes.

Objectives

The objectives of the course is to give advanced and practically applicable knowledge of how field cultivation measures within plant nutrition, soil tillage, soil water management and precision agriculture influence the soil, crop and environment.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• account in detail for the soil water management measures drainage and irrigation as well as demonstrate basic skills in design of drainage systems and irrigation installations,

• describe soil mechanical processes of significance for soil tillage and soil compaction and account for effects of soil compaction and soil tillage on soil functions, crop growth and the environment,

• explain the relationships between properties of different fertilizers and soil amendments and their effects on crop production and soil processes,

• account for long- and short-term effects of fertilization and liming on soils and be able to interpret analysis data and experimental results within the subject area,

• explain the principles for production of maps that are useful for site-specific cultivation measures using interpolation technics, sensor measurements and remote sensing,

• assess need of, as well as plan for, site-specific cultivation measurements based on knowledge of within-field variations regarding yield levels as well as crop and soil properties,

• describe the mechanisms for how cultivation measures affect surface water and ground water through leaching of nutrients and pesticides and be able to suggest mitigation measures that connects to regulatory frameworks and directives.

Content

Central subject areas that are treated during the course:

• basic hydromechanics with applications,

• design and maintenance of drainage systems and irrigation installations,

• implementation of irrigation practices, access to and storage of water,

• soil mechanics including soil compaction,

• soil tillage,

• mineral and organic fertilizers - composition, properties, production and recirculation,

• acidification processes,

• fertilization strategies and liming, short- and long-term effects on crop and soil fertility,

• site-specific adaptation of cultivation measures, interpolation technics, sensors and remote sensing,

• nutrient- and pesticide leaching and erosion,

• directives for water and nitrate within EU.

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

The following is required for a pass mark on the course:

• passed written or oral examination,

• passed presentations of project work and practical assignments as well as approved participation in compulsory components.

• 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 assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a 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.

Additional information

The entry requirement in Soil Science is fulfilled if the student is passed in the course Soil Science, 15 ECTS. The entry requirement in Crop production is fulfilled if in total 15 ECTS are passed in the courses Field course in crop production, 7.5 ECTS, Crop production I, 15 ECTS and Crop production II, 7.5 ECTS.

Responsible department

Department of Soil and Environment