HPC-21306 Crop Ecology

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

PPH-20306

Continuation courses:

HPC-20306 Physiology and Development of Plants in Horticulture, CWE-32806 Designing Sustainable Cropping Systems, HPC-30306 Hortonomy, FTE-30306 Greenhouse Technology

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.

Learning outcomes:

After thoroughly studying the written materials and active participation in the lectures and practicals, the student is expected to be able to:
- think in and work with energy-, CO2--, and water balances, state and rate variables in relation to the interaction between crop and abiotic environment;
- explain how abiotic factors like radiation, crop temperature, soil or substrate pF and air humidity are measured and to interpret crop growth and product quality measurements;
- understand 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 and nutrient uptake, crop growth, crop development and feedback between crop and abiotic environment;
- express damage by pests and diseases in crop physiological parameters and can quantify this damage;
- 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.