LDD-30806 Physical Aspects of Land Management

Vak

Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

Approximately 30 % of the earth surface is covered by land, varying from hot deserts to snow-capped mountains and poles. Land combines the natural resources of soil, water and vegetation, which are of crucial importance for food production. The properties of land may be negatively affected by bad land management, often leading to land degradation problems (salinization, erosion, and nutrient depletion) and a reduction in the production potential. To make sure that land remains productive now and in the future, adequate land management is needed.
This course deals with the bio-physical aspects of land and the tools available to analyze land use and management. In the lectures, the following topics related to land management are presented: the concept of 'land management'; an introduction in geology and degradation processes; physical, chemical and biological aspects of land; soil physics; the water balance and surface hydrology; soil fertility; cropping systems; good and bad land management and techniques for land management analysis. During a two week practical land use and management of an area in East Africa is analyzed using GIS and modeling. Solutions to overcome the main problems will be developed and a plan for improved land management will be made. In a second two week practical, measurement techniques of soil physical parameters are explained and practiced in the field (irrigation tunnel) and laboratory. The results of these measurements are interpreted and reported.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- understand the degradation processes on the earth and physical, chemical and biological aspects of land;
- understand good and bad land management practices;
- work with tools for land management analysis and improvement;
- execute and evaluate soil physical properties in the field and in the laboratory.

Activities:

- attendance of lectures;
- studying lecture notes and journal articles;
- practical work with remote sensing, GIS and modeling;
- practical work with measuring and analyzing soil physical properties in the field and in the laboratory.

Examination:

Written examination (50%), report of computer practical (25%), report of field and lab practical (25%).

Literature:

Reader based on several book chapters and journal articles.