PPS-30806 Quantitative Analysis of Cropping and Grassland Systems
Course
Credits 6.00
Teaching method | Contact hours |
Lectures | 20 |
Practical intensively supervised | 20 |
Tutorial | 25 |
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.
Programme | Phase | Specialization | Period | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Restricted Optional for: | MBI | Biology | MSc | D: Ecology | 5AF |
MPS | Plant Sciences | MSc | C: Natural Resource Management | 5AF | |
MPS | Plant Sciences | MSc | A: Crop Science | 5AF |
Minor | Period | ||
---|---|---|---|
Compulsory for: | WUSPP | BSc Minor Systems in Plant Production | 5AF |