Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2015

Agroecosystem Science Master Information
Minors
Functioning of Soil Systems
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
751-3404-00LNutrient Fluxes in Soil-Plant SystemsW4 credits4GA. Oberson Dräyer, E. K. Bünemann König
AbstractThe course teaches knowledge and experimental techniques to study pools and processes underlying nutrient fluxes in soil-plant systems. Methods will be learned i) to analyze elements dynamics, ii) to determine the use efficiency by crops of nutrients added with fertilizers, iii) to study the fate of fertilizer nutrients not taken up by the crop and iv) to estimate symbiotic N2 fixation by legumes.
ObjectiveUsing the element nitrogen (N) as model case, the student gets familiarized with techniques to assess the dynamics and availability of nutrients in the soil-plant system and to determine the use efficiency by crops of nutrients added with fertilizers. He/she learns about the use of stable isotope techniques for analyzing nutrient fluxes in soil-plant systems, and about the use of biochemical methods to obtain indicators on such fluxes. He/she is able to evaluate critically the tools used in agricultural or environmental studies dealing with fluxes of elements in soil-plant systems and the interpretation made of the results. Knowledge about processes and pools underlying nutrient cycles in agro-ecosystems will be improved.
The student learns to work in the laboratory within a small team, to organize work in sub-groups, to exchange results obtained by these sub-groups, to look for information outside of the course (e.g. in the library, in the internet), to read and analyze this information critically, to synthesize both, the information from the literature and from the groups, and to present it in a written report and in an oral presentation.
ContentThis course teaches knowledge and methods to analyze the dynamics of elements in soil-plant systems and to determine the use efficiency by crops of nutrients added with mineral and organic fertilizers. It provides knowledge about various techniques (isotopic, chemical, biochemical) that can be used to evaluate
i) content of elements in fertilizers, soils and plants;
ii) availability of elements in soils and fertilizers for plants;
iii) transfer of elements from a fertilizer to a crop;
iv) symbiotic N2 fixation by legumes.
Nitrogen will be used as model case.
The course will start with the discussion of analytical results on elemental contents in an organic fertilizer (e.g. animal manure, plant material) that has previously been labeled with the isotope 15N. To test the N efficiency of this fertilizer, a pot experiment (glasshouse study) will be designed. It will include soils with different characteristics, two test plants and fertilization treatments including the 15N labeled organic fertilizer and appropriate reference treatments.
Soils will be characterized for basic chemical properties and for biochemical characteristics that are related to the N dynamics. Plants will be harvested and analyzed for their dry matter production, their N isotope composition and for elemental contents. From the direct (15N) labeling approach, the proportion of N in the plant derived from the added fertilizers and the percentage of added fertilizer recovered in plant material will be calculated. The 15N analyses in the soil and in the plant material after the crop cycle will allow drawing a balance of the added fertilizer and discussing N losses. The comparison of 15N excess in legume and non-legume test plants will demonstrate the use of the enriched dilution method to estimate symbiotic N2 fixation by the legume.

The experiments are discussed and carried out by the students supervised by group members (two senior scientists, PhDs, laboratory staff). The students carry out the data analysis and report their findings in a written report and in an oral presentation.
Lecture notesDocumentations will be made available during the course.
LiteratureIndications during the course.
Prerequisites / NoticeStudents from the D-AGRL can get travel expenses (Zurich-Eschikon) reimbursed.
701-1342-00LAgriculture and Water QualityW3 credits3GC. H. Stamm, E. Frossard, W. Richner, H. Singer
AbstractLinking scientific basics of different disciplines with practical question in the context of real-world problems of diffuse pollution due to agriculture.
ObjectiveThis course discusses the application of scientific understanding in the context of real-world situations of diffuse pollution caused by agriculture. It aims at understanding the relevant processes, analysing diffuse pollution and developing mitigation strategies starting from legal requirements regarding water quality.
Content- Diversity of diffuse agrochemical pollution
- Transport of agrochemicals from soils to water bodies
- Development of legal requirements for water quality
- Monitoring strategies
- Mitigation strategies

- Exercises including all major topics
- 1 field excursion
Lecture notesHandouts will be provided including reference list for each topic.
Prerequisites / NoticeSome exercises require R (Link) and Hydrus-1D (Link). Both softwares are free public domain tools. Hydrus-1D runs on PCs but runs also on emulated PC environments on Mac.
701-0524-00LSoil BiologyW3 credits2VO. Daniel, B. W. Frey
AbstractBasic knowledge on biological structures and functions in soil. Knowledge on biological interactions, nutrient cycles and energy fluxes.
ObjectiveBasic knowledge on biological structures and functions in soil. Discussion of biological interactions, nutrient cycles and energy fluxes in the subsurface.
ContentStruktur des Biotops Boden: Chemische, physikalische und biologische Faktoren Kopplung Boden-Wasser-Luft. Struktur der Biozönosen im Boden. Interaktionen Bodenfauna-Umwelt und Bodenmikroorganismen-Umwelt. Stoffkreisläufe und biologisch katalysierte Prozesse im Boden. Evaluation von bodenbiologischen Methoden.
Lecture notesHandouts and student assignments will be distributed during the course.
LiteratureNo specific books required. Some recommendations will be given in the course
Prerequisites / NoticeVoraussetzungen: Grundlagen der Bodenphysik, Bodenchemie, Zoologie und Mikrobiologie.
701-0518-00LSoil Protection and Land UseW3 credits2GR. Schulin
AbstractSoil protection and land use
ObjectiveTo know and understand the goals, problems, boundary conditions, concepts and practical approaches of soil protection as part of sustainable land use
ContentIntroduction into problems, philosophy and action fields of soil protection as part of sustainable land use; soil functions, soil quality and forms of impacts on soil; soil erosion; impacts on organic soils due to changes in soil water regime and aeration; soil compaction; soil salinization; soil contamination by toxic substances; remediation of polluted soil; soil protection by planning and legislation
Lecture notesHandouts will be distributed.
  •  Page  1  of  1