SLM-10306 Land Degradation and Remediation

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Continuation courses:

SLM-20306 Land and Water Engineering;
WRM-21312 Design in Land and Water Management 2.

Contents:

Introduction to land degradation and remediation (SLM-10306) is an introductory BSc course which provides a general overview on the topics of land degradation processes, their measurement, conservation strategies and sustainable intervention options. The course contains three parts:
A) Recognizing and understanding land degradation; B) Conservation and remediation options; C) How approaches to solving land degradation issues works in reality?.
Lecture topics within part A are 1) introduction and types of land degradation, 2) physical processes of land degradation, 3) chemical land degradation, 4) field assessment and measuring land degradation and 5) modelling soil erosion. In Part B, the lectures continue addressing the following topics: 6) introduction and overview of conservation and remediation, 7) structural SWC measures, 8) Agronomic & vegetative measures, 9) Management and combined measures, 10) farming systems and nutrient cycling and 11) approaches for sustainable land management interventions. Finally, in Part C a lecture is presented exploring real land degradation projects and initiatives, 12) Some examples include the DESIRE, RECARE and iSQAPER projects and involve the visited excursion sites in Spain, Greece (Crete) and Portugal. Practical's comprise the hands-on handling of survey and assessment techniques and erosion measurements in the field.
Excursion to Spain, Greece (Crete) or Portugal: during the 10-days excursion various institutes, erosion control and irrigation projects will be visited where the students will have the opportunity to see the information and examples from the lectures in reality. Note: The excursion is ONLY available to BIL students. Non-BIL students will work on an alternative essay assignment.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- master basic knowledge of a variety of land degradation processes, in particular water and wind erosion processes;
- master the principles of soil and water conservation and know a variety of conservation and remediation options;
- quantify some forms of erosion with simple measurements in the laboratory and in the field;
- handle simple equipment used in the assessment of erosion processes;
- recognize erosion features in the field (in the Netherlands and during the international excursion);
- understand conflicting interests in soil and water conservation between various stakeholders.

Activities:

- lectures;
- intensive practical;
- International excursion (for instance to Spain, Greece (Crete) or Portugal); Non-BIL students will work on an essay assignment on a related course topic of their choice. Literature research and writing of an essay.

Examination:

The final mark is split into two parts:
Part 1: The first four weeks, which include a practical (25%) and the written examination(75%).
Part 2: The last two weeks of the course, are either the excursion to Spain, Greece (Crete) or Portugal (excursion report and presentations) or the alternative essay (for non-BIL students).
The final mark for the course, is the combination of Part 1 (weighted 75%) and Part 2 (weighted 25%). All partial marks must be > 5.5.

Literature:

Practical guide: Handed out during preparation meeting.
Excursion guide: Handed out during preparation meeting.