Print Syllabus

Syllabus

LB0127 Sustainable cropping systems, 15.0 Credits

Hållbara odlingssystem

Subjects

Agricultural Science Biology

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	15.0	0001

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1F)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to

- 30 credits agricultural science or Horticultural science or soil science and
- 20 credits biology

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.

*Implementation: *

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.

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 course is examined through submitted tasks, project work and seminars/presentations as well as compulsory components. For an approved course, you must:

• passed written examination

• approved written presentation of project work

• approved oral presentation

• 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.

Responsible department

Department of Biosystems and Technology