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Introduction into Organic Farming Systems
Einführung in biologische Landbausysteme
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:54:03
Abstract
The lecture provides an overview over the principles and practices of organic agriculture. Lessons in the disciplines soil sciences, plant and animal production, and socio-economics are held by different experts. The students deepen their knowledge with an exercise on the topic of resilience. The course closes with an excursion on organic farms, and gives the opportunity for critical reflections.
Objective
The students are familiar with the principles and practices of organic farming and can identify its strengths and weaknesses. They are familiar with the specific challenges in plant and animal production in organic farming and have the capability for critically assessing potential solutions in organic farming to resolve the challenges society is facing. More detailed Information about the objectives are published on moodle: https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=14015
Content
PART I: Lecture: Introduction in Organic Farming Systems INTRODUCTION 1. Roots of organic farming, historical development of farming systems, share of organic farming in Switzerland and Europe Basic principles and requirements organic farming, standards PLANT PRODUCTION 2. Soil fertility - Results from long-term experiments 3. Reduced soil tillage Non-chemical weed control 4. Sustainable crop rotations Organic fertilisation concepts 5. Plant protection: Regulation of diseases and pests 6. Increasing biodiversity Organic breeding strategies and variety selection ANIMAL PRODUCTION 7. Animal health and complementary veterinary Medicine 8. Sustainability, ethics and product quality in animal husbandry FOOD 9. Food quality of organic produces, latest meta-analyses on food quality in organic farming 10. Multifunctionality of organic farming Agricultural Policy EXCURSION 11. Farm visit Goetsch, Zurich and optional "Meh als Gmües" SUSTAINABILITY 11. Sustainability assessment of organic farms SMART, LCA RESILIENCE 13. Presentation/discussion of student papers 14. Examination (written test)
Resources
Lecture Notes
Power Point presentations on Moodle for registred students.Scripts on Moodle for registred studentshttps://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=14015
Literature
Recommended: Otto Schmid and Robert Obrist Robert (2001): Biologischer Landbau. Landwirtschaftliche Lehrmittelzentrale, Zollikofen, 267 pp (in German) Nic Lampkin Nic, Measures Mark and Padel Susanne (2006): Organic Farm Management Handbook. University of Wales, Aberystwyth. 240pp
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Einführung in biologische Landbausysteme
Weiterführende Informationen auf Moodle
|
|
2 h weekly |