PPS-30806 Analysing Sustainability of Farming 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. L Bastiaans | |
ing. HCA Rijk | |
dr. ir. ing. AGT Schut | |
ing. MTMH Lubbers | |
dr. ir. KKE Descheemaeker | |
ir. MJ Zijlstra | |
Examiner(s) | prof. dr. KE Giller |
Language of instruction:
English
Assumed knowledge on:
PPS-20306 Systems Analysis, Simulation and Systems Management; PAME: Plant, Animal, Man and Environment. http://www.pame.wur.nl/ module 2: plant production; CSA-20306 Plant-Soil Interactions.
Contents:
The course presents a sustainability analysis 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 practical's, you should be able to:
- demonstrate insight into the agro-ecological and socio-economic determinants of cropping and grassland systems;
- describe and explain the benefits and disadvantages of multiple cropping systems including intercropping, crop rotations and agroforestry;
- interpret long-term carbon and nutrient balances of agro-ecosystems;
- illustrate soil degradation and its determinants;
- evaluate cropping systems and grassland management systems with respect to sustainability indices e.g. (soil quality, water and nutrient productivity) and external effects;
- apply relevant dynamic models and tools for spatial analysis including GIS;
- quantify the major interactions that occur between different components (soils, crops, fodder, livestock) of production systems in time and space.
Activities:
- actively attending lectures;
- analyses of case studies;
- preparing and discussing oral presentations;
- computer practical's on relevant models.
Examination:
- the learning outcomes of the course are assessed by a written exam consisting of open questions and an essay; no books are allowed.
- the mark attained must be at least 5.5 to be successful, and counts for 65%.
- the continual assessment of presentations and assignments (oral and/or reports) counts for 35% of the mark; also here the mark should be at least 5.5.
Literature:
Study guide and syllabus.
Programme | Phase | Specialization | Period | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Restricted Optional for: | 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 |