CWE-20306 Soil-Plant Relations

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Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Assumed knowledge on:

Chemistry I(ORC-10806), Introduction Plant Sciences(YLS-13306), Orientation Plant Sciences(YLS-13903), Structure and Physiology of Plants (PCB-10306)

Contents:

Plant roots absorb water and nutrients from the root medium. The bio-availability of these growth factors is determined by a variety of biological, physical and chemical processes and properties. The grower can control, or at least influence many of those processes and properties. The plant itself also affects the biological, physical and chemical processes in its rhizosphere. The interactions between the plant and its root environment represent the core of theory and practicals. In addition, practical aspects of maintenance of soil fertility are addressed.

Aims:

Knowledge of the soil as a system with three phases (soil matrix, gas, water), properties of the soil constituents and important soil biota. Quantitative insight in processes: chemical equilibria, uptake of water and nutrients in relation to soil physical and soil chemical properties and root distribution and root properties. Fluxes of carbon and nitrogen in the soil in relation to soil life. Knowledge of conditions and factors that provoke build up of soilborne pests and diseases and the principles of prevention. The construction of nutrient balances and the concepts of management of soil fertility.

Activities:

Attending lectures, participation in practicals and tutorials, preparing written reports on practicals and tutorials.

Examination:

Written exam and assessment of the written reports on practicals.

Literature:

A syllabus is available.