Soil management in crop production

The course gives possibilities to advanced and practically applicable knowledge of how field cultivation measures within plant nutrition, soil tillage, soil water management and precision agriculture influence the soil, crop and environment. The course deals with basic concepts of soil mechanics and soil compaction, drainage and irrigation, and issues related to soil structure. In addition, the deals with properties of organic and inorganic fertilizers, acidification processes and liming, methods to analyze and assess variations within fields as well as the assessment of how field cultivation measures effect leaching of nutrients and pesticides. Fertilization strategies and calculations of nutrients leakage as well as design and dimensioning of drainage, irrigation and soil tillage systems are being practiced in theoretical and practical exercises. The course also gives practice in the ability to synthesize and present different perspectives on complex issues concerning sustainable development within agriculture. During a three-day study trip, applications and current issues within the course topic are being highlighted.