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751-5102-00L 3 Credits MSC D-USYS
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Biogeochemical Modeling of Agroecosystems

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Johan Six, Dr. Marijn Van de Broek
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:54:01

Abstract

This class provides an introduction to biogeochemical modeling in the context of agricultural systems. It covers the general background and principles of modeling agricultural biogeochemistry in a theoretical part (e.g., plant growth, soil C and N dynamics and soil greenhouse gas emissions), while the focus is on learning how to code biogeochemical models in the R software environment.

Objective

The aim of the course is to (i) introduce students to a range of concepts applied in biogeochemical modelling of agroecosystems, with an emphasis on soil biogeochemistry (carbon and nitrogen cycling) and (ii) teach students the basics of coding biogeochemical models in a free and open-source software environment (R). The focus of the course will be on hands-on coding. At the end of the course, students will: - Be able to critically evaluate different concepts applied in widely used biogeochemical models in an agricultural context - Be Familiar with the basic concepts of programming that are specifically applicable to modelling biogeochemical cycles (carbon and nitrogen) in an agricultural context - Be able to come up with basic conceptual models to evaluate how carbon and nitrogen cycle in agricultural soils, given certain constraints and - Be able to write computer codes to convert their conceptual models to numerical models and evaluate model outcomes.

Content

The class consists of (i) a limited theoretical part, in which students learn the basics of biogeochemical models in an agricultural context and (ii) a more extensive part, in which students learn to program simple biogeochemical models in the R software environment.

Resources

Literature

The following handbooks serve as the basis for the concepts and skills the students will learn in the course: - Soetaert and Herman, 2009, A Practical Guide to Ecological Modelling, Springer Netherlands. - Wallach et al., 2018, Working with Dynamic Crop Models, 3rd Edition, Academic Press.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
1. A take-home exercise, which will be introduced in class and which the students will have to complete during the semester2. A writing exam, during which students will solve a modelling problem in the R software environment.Written aids during the written exam:o Students are allowed to bring printed course noteso Students are allowed to make use of the help function of the R software packageo Student can by no means make use of any internet sources during the written exam, unless otherwise specified on the exam sheet

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Biogeochemical Modeling of Agroecosystems
  • Thu 10:15-12:00 (NO D 39)
2 h weekly

Offered In