SDG302 Sustainable Plant Production

Credits (ECTS):5

Course responsible:Lene Sigsgaard, Lars Olav Brandsæter

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk, norsk

Course frequency:Every year

Nominal workload:125 hours

Teaching and exam period:August block

About this course

General introduction to sustainable plant production with e.g. description of agriculture today, exemplified with current statistics both nationally and internationally, and about the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) and relationship to plant production.

There will be a review of important abiotic and biotic factors and how these affect plant production and selected sustainability indicators. Here, abiotic factors such as light radiation, water, temperature and nutrients will be reviewed, as well as biotic factors such as characteristics of the cultivated plant and plant pests such as insect pests, plant diseases and weeds. The subject will shed light on certain key cultivation measures such as the use of subsdiary crops/catch crops and crop rotation. Environmental effects of such measures, for example greenhouse gases, nitrogen runoff and carbon sequestration.

Integrated plant protection (IPV) will be explained and the eight 'IPV steps' will be reviewed with relationships to key sustainability goals. As part of this theme, various aspects of the use of pesticides will be reviewed, including pesticide resistance. How pesticides bind, break down and move in soil and water is another important topic in this subject. User support models/tools for the most environmentally friendly use of pesticides will be reviewed. For step 4 within IPV, which deals with various forms of direct control measures without pesticides, key examples will be given both for the control of diseases, pests and weeds. Furthermore, problems in relation to viruses and plant parasitic nematodes will also be adressed.

The subject will provide an introduction to precision agriculture both in general for plant production and in relation to plant protection. The course will also include analyzes of the environmental effects of the production of crops such as peas and field beans using life cycle analysis (LCA).

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Understanding of selected growth factors, biotic and abiotic, which are important in plant production, and issues related to sustainability, including the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's). Included in this, insight into professional principles, key concepts/terms etc.

Skills

Ability to apply knowledge in plant production, and relationships with Sustainable Development Goals, to find solutions to tasks and challenges in current and future plant production.

General competence

To be able to apply knowledge and skills in plant science and sustainability independently in various situations by showing cooperation, responsibility, ability to reflect and critical thinking in studies and profession.

  • Field trials, team work, assignments, reports
  • Canvas
  • Bachelor degree in relevant subject area
  • Portfolio assessment

    Grading: Pass/fail

  • External censor
  • Field trials, team work, assignments, reports
  • The subject is being developed/revision. Changes may occur.
  • Master students in Plant Sciences (M-PV)
  • Passed / Not Passed
  • Special requirements in Science