HPC-21306 Crop Ecology

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Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Plant- en gewaswetenschappen I en II, Groei, ontwikkeling en reproductie van planten, Systeemanalyse, simulatie en systeemmanagement

Continuation courses:

Technology and Ecology of Crop Production, Hortonomy

Contents:

Obtain and deepen knowledge and insight in physical and crop physiological aspects of crop cultivations. Get acquainted with abiotic interactions between crop and environment. Learn to apply systematically crop physiological and crop ecological principles in both open field and greenhouse cropping systems, against a background of crop technological and socio-economic constraints.

Aims:

The student:
- can think in and work with energy-, CO2, and water balances, state and rate variables in relation to the interaction between crop and abiotic environment;
- knows how abiotic factors like radiation, crop temperature, soil or substrate pF and air humidity is measured and can interpret crop growth and product quality measurements;
- understands models that describe crop growth, crop development and the interaction between crop and abiotic environment (physics) and can use these models to predict, depending on radiation, temperature, water en nutrient uptake, crop growth, crop development and feedback between crop and abiotic environment;
- knows crop parameters related to product quality and knows how these parameters can be influenced by environmental factors, based on crop physiological and crop ecological principles;
- can express damage by pests and diseases in crop physiological parameters and can quantify this damage;
- can apply physical, crop physiological and crop ecological principles in both field and greenhouse cropping systems.

Activities:

- attend lectures;
- participate in practicals; written report on practical assignments;
- participate in excursions.

Examination:

Practical assignments (1/4) + written exam (3/4). For both parts a minimum mark of 5.5 is required.

Literature:

Course syllabus + practical book.