PPS-30806 Quantitative Analysis of Cropping and Grassland Systems

Vak

Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

PPS20306

Contents:

The course presents a quantitative treatment of relevant processes in crops, cropping systems and grasslands. The time horizon extends from days to several growing seasons; analyses include the soil balances of water, nutrients and carbon. Emission and external effects of emissions are treated.

Aims:

The learning objectives include:
- insight into the natural agro-ecological and socio-economic determinants of cropping systems;
- understanding of multiple cropping systems including intercropping, crop rotations and agroforestry;
- knowledge of long-term carbon and nutrient balances of agro-ecosystems;
- knowledge of the relationships between primary and secondary production, including analysis of production chains;
- knowledge of soil degradation and its determinants;
- the student will learn to evaluate cropping systems and grassland management systems with respect to sustainability indices and external effects;
- the student will use relevant dynamic models and tools for spatial analysis including GIS.

Activities:

- actively attending lectures;
- analyses of case studies;
- computer practicals on relevant models.

Examination:

Written exam.