CSA-10806 Introduction Quantitative Agroecology

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch.

Continuation courses:

NEM-10806 Orientation Plant Sciences II; CSA-20806 Population and Systems Ecology; PPS-20306 System Analysis, Simulation and Systems Management.

Contents:

The course aims to provide a solid basis for being able to take part in discussions on topical issues such as 'are we farming in a sustainable manner' or 'can we feed the world in 2050'. The course is structured around three levels of crop production (potential, attainable and actual) and handles both a-biotic and biotic production constraints, particularly weeds. Theoretical aspects and methodological issues are interwoven and presented and applied in exercises, practicals, case studies and an excursion. The methodological part consists of the use of modelling for the integration of key processes in production ecology. Next to the influence on crop production, attention will be put on the influence of production inputs on the environment. Also the important role of crop rotation for sustainability will be discussed.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- explain how radiation, temperature and crop characteristics determine the potential growth, development and production of crops in agro-ecosystems;
- explain how a-biotic (water and nutrients) and biotic (pest, diseases and weeds) production constraints interfere with potential crop production;
- understand the basic principles of the ecology and biology of weeds;
- understand the differences between descriptive and mechanistic models;
- learn how to apply elementary concepts such as feedback, time coefficient, relational diagram, analysis of units and numerical integration methods, following the conventions of the systems analysis approach;
- analyse systems in terms of states, rates and driving variables;
- design, construct and apply models for the analysis of simple systems;
- explain which physical, biological, economic and social factors co-determine actual cropping systems and their dynamics;
- explain the role of cycles in the functioning and sustainability of cropping and farming systems;
- analyse the sustainability issues of a give cropping system;
- analyse the tension between different objectives of a given farming system.

Activities:

- lectures;
- excursions;
- practicals and problem-based learning.

Examination:

Written exam with open questions and assessment of written report (80:20).

Literature:

A course guide and reader.