New search
P000078

Cover crops in the Nordic countries –Soil C, N management and greenhouse gas emissions

Cover crops constitute an important component of arable cropping systems in a changing climate. The course will provide insight into current research and methodology for studying the role of cover crops and other type of vegetation during autumn and winter, for carbon and nitrogen flows and storage in soils. It will also include management strategies to maximize storage and reduce N-losses by leaching and N2O-emissions.

Syllabus and other information


Syllabus

P000078 Cover crops in the Nordic countries –Soil C, N management and greenhouse gas emissions , 2.0 Credits

Subjects

Soil Science Crop production science, Biology

Education cycle

Postgraduate level

Grading scale

Pass / Failed

Language

English

Prior knowledge

The attendants must be accepted as Phd students with a background in Soil Sciences, Soil Biology, Ecology, Agroecosystems, or similar

Objectives

The objective of the course is to give an insight into on-going research about cover crops in arable cropping systems, with focus on methodology for quantification and understanding of processes related to carbon and nitrogen storage, nitrogen dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions. On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • Explain the role of cover crops for soil C and N flows and storage in short- and long-term
  • Explain and evaluate different methodologies used in research for e.g. C storage measurements, root assessments, measurements of gaseous emissions and leaching losses.

Content

The course will consist of on-line seminars and a 3-day physical meeting:

  • On-line seminars of which 1 introductory seminar plus 4 seminars on different themes, including students preparations based on selected scientific papers. Each seminar is led by an expert of the field in collaboration with 2-3 of the students. Seminars are mandatory, but one can be replaced by an individual task if necessary
  • Physical meeting will include oral presentations (by all students), workshop with researchers and practitioners, and field visits. The meeting is mandatory, but part of it can, if necessary, be replaced by an individual task in consultation with the course leader

Additional information

Scheduled activities:

Seminars/workshops: 18 h

Excursions: 10 h

Self studies: 25 h

Totally 53 h

Pace: 2 hp during 6 weeks

Responsible department

Department of Soil and Environment

Course facts

Subject: Soil Science Crop production science, Biology
Course code: P000078 Application deadline: Location: Alnarp Distance course: Yes Language: English Responsible department: Department of Soil and Environment Pace: 20%