Syllabus

LB0120 The ecology of cropping systems, 15.0 Credits

Subjects

Education cycle

Modules

Advanced study in the main field

Grading scale

Language

Prior knowledge

Objectives

The course aims to provide students with the advanced knowledge needed to make informed decisions about the design and management of cropping systems based on ecological knowledge and insights about economic and social framing conditions. Participants will be able to understand the origin, functions and mechanisms determining the design of current cropping and farming systems from a local and global perspective. This course also approaches synergies and trade-offs between different sustainable development goals (SDGs), with focus on SDGs 2, 12, 13 and 15.

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

• describe and evaluate different types of farming systems (arable, with livestock, mixed systems, agroforestry, etc.) and schools of agriculture (organic, conventional, agroecological, etc.);

• describe and discuss cropping systems in a historical and global perspective;

• identify how specific biophysical processes and agronomic management occur in different cropping systems;

• discuss different types of farming and agricultural sector integration and role into the food system and bio economy with a global perspective;

• understand how farming systems are embedded into and shape landscapes, and how they affect the provision and maintenance of environmental services for the society;

• select appropriate methodologies for communication and extension with farmers, consumers, industry, advisors and authorities;

• translate ecological principles for designing and managing cropping and farming systems;

• design cropping systems that make use of ecological mechanisms to replace external inputs, aiming at an intensification and increase in agronomic and energetic efficiency;

• discuss which requirements need to be addressed by current and future cropping systems, such as mitigation and adaptation to climate change, circular economy, conflicts and synergies regarding access to natural resources, reduction of negative environmental impacts, provision of habitat for biodiversity, etc.;

• describe and discuss how novel technologies can be used to achieve ecological intensification, efficient use of resources and ecologically, economically and socially sustainable agriculture.

Content

The course is based on ecological theory and how it affects the design of cropping and farming systems depending on socio-economic context. The course provides in-depth knowledge of ecological and technical factors that enable ecological intensification with the aim of improve the functioning of the system, increasing the efficiency of the use of natural resources, while reducing negative environmental impacts.

The cropping systems are discussed from a global perspective, including livestock integration, agroforestry and local food systems, with special references to the Swedish agricultural sector.

The multi-functionality of the cropping systems and conflicts between different goals and functions are discussed, especially in relation to the expected societal needs (including SDGs) and challenges from future scenarios.

Case studies and virtual excursions will be used as a method to cover a wide range of edaphoclimatic regions and cropping systems, but also to elucidate the role of different stakeholders in shaping cropping systems and the use of different technologies and practices. Among the stakeholders, farmers will be the focus, but their role will be balanced with the perspectives of other actors such as consumers, industry, advisers and authorities.

The course includes studies of methods for evaluating cropping systems and discussion on the integration of cropping systems into different socio-ecological systems.

The course is structured into themes that are introduced with lectures followed by exercises, literature seminars, and virtual reality excursions (to see cropping systems from other regions). A project work in which the students can define the topic themselves is included.

Grading form

Formats and requirements for examination

Approved written exams and approved written and oral presentation of project work. Approved participation in compulsory parts of the course.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Crop Production Ecology

Cooperating departments: