LB0127, Sustainable cropping systems, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: Programstudierektor Lantmästarprogrammet, 2025-10-22
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)

Level

First cycle (G1F)

Main field of study

Agricultural Science, Biology

Subject

Science

Grading Scale

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.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The objective of this course is for the students to learn about fundamental principles in soil science and strategies for creating sustainable field cropping systems.

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

• describe chemical, physical and biological soil conditions, in Swedish soils and globally
• describe interactions between soil and plants in cropping systems, in a Swedish as well as a global context
• explain how chemical, physical and biological processes in the soil can be modified to enhance crop growth and food/feed quality and decrease environmental impacts, with a particular focus on the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers, and liming, on nutrient cycles.
• understand and assess chemical, physical and biological soil quality data and use these to plan for increased soil quality in cropping systems
• assess environmental, economic and social sustainability for cropping systems

Content

*Subject matter: *

The focus is on maintenance and improvement of soil quality, including biological, chemical and physical aspects. Crop rotation, tillage, plant nutrient supply and soil water management are important topics, as well as the prevention of erosion, soil pollution and losses of nutrients to the environment. The ways in which cropping systems affect and are affected by climate change are addressed.

The course conveys knowledge about the soil as a natural resource, its quality – chemical, physical and biological aspects – and how management factors interact to affect soil quality and cropping system sustainability. The influence of cropping systems and soil quality on animals, human health, food production and economy are discussed.

Exercises provide training in processing and interpreting data from field experiments, understanding data from plant and soil analyses and planning for both long term soil fertility and short term fertilisation and liming. Issues relevant to the course subject matter will be discussed at seminars and field visits.

Teaching formats:

The learning outcomes will be met through:

lectures, literature studies, projekt work, study visits, seminars and exercises in field and laboratories.

The course focus on this general competences:

• Information competence
• Critical thinking
• Scientific method
• Written communication
• Collaboration
• Creativity

Compulsory parts:

• Course introduction
• Exercises
• Study visits
• Seminars
• Laboratory work
• Presentations

Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through study visits and project work.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

The course is examined through written exam, project work, seminars, oral presentations and assignments.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Biosystems and Technology

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Agriculture and Rural Management (BSc)
• Agriculture and Rural Management (BSc)
• Horticultural Management - Gardening and Horticultural Production, Bachelor's Programme
• Syllabus for Horticultural Management – Gardening and Horticultural Production (BSc)

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Farm project	6.0	0201
Written exam	6.0	0202
Compulsory parts and submissions	3.0	0203

The Course Replaces

BI1220