PPS-30806 Quantitative Analysis of Cropping and Grassland Systems

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures20
Practical intensively supervised20
Tutorial25
Self-study
Course coordinator(s)ing. HCA Rijk
Lecturer(s)prof. dr. KE Giller
dr. ir. J Vos
dr. ir. L Bastiaans
ing. HCA Rijk
ing. MTMH Lubbers
dr. MT van Wijk
dr. ir. LGM Franke
Examiner(s)prof. dr. KE Giller

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

PPS-20306

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. Insight is gained into: natural agro-ecological and socio-economic determinants of cropping systems; multiple cropping systems including intercropping, crop rotations and agroforestry; long-term carbon and nutrient balances of agro-ecosystems; soil degradation and its determinants. The student will use relevant dynamic models and tools for spatial analysis including GIS

Learning outcomes:

After thoroughly studying the written materials, preparing and critically following the lectures and performing the practicals, you should be able to demonstrate:
- insight into the natural agro-ecological and socio-economic determinants of cropping systems;
- that you understand multiple cropping systems including intercropping, crop rotations and agroforestry;
- that you understand long-term carbon and nutrient balances of agro-ecosystems;
- that you understand the relationships between primary and secondary production, including analysis of production chains;
- that you understand soil degradation and its determinants;
- how cropping systems and grassland management systems can be evaluated with respect to sustainability indices and external effects;
- how to 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.

Literature:

Study guide and syllabus.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Restricted Optional for: MBIBiologyMScD: Ecology5AF
MPSPlant SciencesMScC: Natural Resource Management5AF
MPSPlant SciencesMScA: Crop Science5AF
MinorPeriod
Compulsory for: WUSPPBSc Minor Systems in Plant Production5AF