Introduction to cropping systems

General info

• Grading scale: Pass/Failed
• Language: English
• Responsible department: VPE
• Prior Knowledge: None specified. The only requirement is admission as a PhD student at SLU or UU.

Objectives

The objective of this course is to provide PhD students without a background in agricultural sciences with state-of-the-art knowledge of crop production systems, and to help them connect their individual research topics to broader cropping system dynamics. The course will explore cropping systems across tropical and temperate climatic zones, ranging from extensive, low-input systems to high-tech, intensive, and large-scale operations.

We will examine the relationship between the natural resources required for agricultural production—such as soil, water, and biodiversity—and key aspects of food systems, including sustainability and resilience. A central aim of the course is to understand the historical and regional origins of crops and cropping systems, evaluate the environmental impacts of these systems, and discuss strategies to enhance their sustainability using the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guiding framework.

Students will be introduced to cropping systems that provide a range of ecosystem services beyond yield, including soil carbon sequestration, nutrient retention, and biodiversity support. By integrating agronomic knowledge with social, geographical, and economic perspectives through a multidisciplinary approach, the course encourages students to critically engage with concepts of sustainable development and apply them in the context of their own research.

The course aims at approaching a range of subjects:

• Cropping intensity: extensive, low yield systems ----------- extreme intensive systems;
• Market insertion: for subsistence ----------- global markets;
• Specialization: polycultures, agroforestry ----------- monocultures;
• Reliance on external inputs: low ----------- highly dependent on external inputs;
• Externalities: no externalities ----------- high environmental impact;
• Resilience: high stability ----------- high susceptibility;
• System: agroecological ----------- organic ----------- conventional ----------- GMOs

At the end of the course, students are expected to:

• Conduct a discussion on the topics presented using qualified, critical information from the readings, lectures, group discussions;
• Describe different crops and cropping systems, including their origins and environmental aspects associated to the modern production systems;
• Recognize how local consumption patterns can shape cropping systems;
• Understand the importance of crops and cropping systems in the world´s food, fiber and biofuel supply;
• Discuss about strategies to increase the sustainability of specific cropping systems;
• Understand principles used in cropping systems and relate them to their own research focus;
• Critically assess multidimensional issues related to cropping systems using an evidence-based approach

Content

The course content is designed to familiarize students with cropping systems that deliver a range of ecosystem services. By also connecting specific cropping systems knowledge with social, geographical and economic aspects – via a multi-disciplinary approach – this course encourages students to incorporate sustainable development concepts in their thinking.

At the beginning or closing of each session, one participant will present their PhD project and relate it to the lecture topic (15 minutes).

Formats and requirements for examination

To receive the course credits, students are required to achieve at least 70% of the total course points (100 points).

• Debate: 10 points
• Presentation I: 20 points.
• Presentation II:20 points.
• Presentation III: 20 points.
• Group written report: 30 points.

Additional information

marcos.lana@slu.se