BFS-30306 Analysis and Design of Organic Farming Systems

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Principles of crop and animal production, ecology, plant and animal nutrition, and plant protection or veterinary epidemiology.

Contents:

- biophysical setting of farms as systems;
- design approaches;
- readability of the landscape;
- indicators of farm performance: concepts and measurement;
- design of well-functioning, mixed organic farming systems.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of this course the student is expected to be able to:
- distinguish and analyse the main components of complex farming systems based on information of the farmer, own observations, laboratory analyses and calculations of nutrient flows and using theoretical problem-solving approaches;
- evaluate the landscape setting of farms;
- evaluate performance of farming systems in terms of balances of natural resources, labour, and money;
- design a sustainable mixed farming system.

Activities:

- lectures;
- field and field-laboratory practicals;
- computer practicals;
- farm practical.

Examination:

The final grade of the course will be based on a written exam and the report of the re-design assignment.

Literature:

A reader is available on the first course day.