Print Syllabus

Syllabus

BI1350 Crop Production - soil and crops, 15.0 Credits

Växtproduktion - mark och grödor

Subjects

Soil Science Biology

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Advanced study in the main field

G2F

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

- 45 credits Biology, including 7.5 credits in Crop Production

- 15 credits Soil science, including basic knowledge in soil physics, soil chemistry and soil biology

Objectives

The course has a broad perspective and gives a general picture of today’s cropping systems under Nordic conditions. The aim is to give students understanding of crop production’s prerequisites and limitations based on knowledge gained about crop production science, soil management, agricultural water management and plant nutrition.

After passing the course the student shall be able to account for:

• Crop production’s prerequisites and limitations regarding soil type, fertility and climate with focus on Swedish conditions.

• The influence of plant physiological processes, natural conditions and cultivation measures on establishment, growth, development and quality establishment of the crop stand.

• The function of mineral nutrients in the plant, their transport and availability in the soil, and the evaluation of soil fertility.

• Cultivation measures in the form of water regulation through e.g. drainage and irrigation, and the effect of these measures on soil, crop and environment. Account for the influence of soil management on crop production and the soil’s ecosystem services.

Content

Topics include the biology of cultivated plants, and the influence of environmental factors and cultivation measures, e.g. soil management and fertilization, on components of the cropping system. The course also includes studies of typical arable soils with respect to their cultivation characteristics, drainage and irrigation requirements, soil tillage and sowing. In a standalone project, students describe crop production on farm level.

Scheduled activities: lectures, exercises, seminars, study visit and project work.

Compulsory elements: exercises, seminars, study visit.

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

Approved written exams and approved written and oral presentation of project work and seminar exercises. Approved participation in compulsory parts of the course.

• 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 prior knowledge requirements for soil science can be met, for example, by achieving at least 15 credits of approved results on the courses Basic course - agronomist soil/plant 15 credits, Environmental Physics 7.5 credits and Soil Sciences 15 credits or by active participation in the compulsory elements of these courses.



The prior knowledge requirements for crop production can be met by, for example, by achieving approved result on the course Field Course in Crop Production 7.5 credits or by active participation in the compulsory elements of this course.

Responsible department

Department of Crop Production Ecology