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701-1342-00L 3 Credits MSC , DR , NDS D-USYS , D-BAUG

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Agriculture and Water Quality

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Emmanuel Frossard, Dr. Christian Heinrich Stamm, Heinz Singer

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:08:25

Abstract

Linking scientific basics of different disciplines (agronomy, soil science, aquatic chemistry) with practical questions in the context of real-world problems of diffuse pollution due to agricultural production.

Objective

This course discusses the application of scientific understanding in the context of real-world situations of diffuse pollution caused by agricultural production. 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 - Agronomic background on the use of agrochemicals - Transport of agrochemicals from soils to water bodies - Development of legal requirements for water quality - Monitoring strategies in water bodies - Mitigation strategies - Relevant spatial and temporal scales - Exercises including all major topics - 1 field excursion

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts will be provided including reference list for each topic.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC , DR , NDS
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Prüfung zum Faktenwissen (aus allen Themenbereichen der Vorlesung, Durchführung: Anfang Mai; 67% Gewicht bei der Benotung)Bewertung des Schlussvortrags inkl. Extended Abstract (1 Seite; Gruppenarbeit; 33% Gewicht bei der Benotung)

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Agriculture and Water Quality	Tue 16:15-19:00 (CHN D 46)	3 h weekly

Offered In

Agricultural Sciences Master
- Major in Plant Sciences
  - Disciplinary Competences
    - Agriculture and Environment
- Minors
  - Functioning of Soil Systems
Environmental Sciences Master
- Major in Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics
  - Applications
MAS in Sustainable Water Resources (The Master of Advanced Studies in Sustainable Water Resources is a 12 month full time postgraduate diploma programme. The focus of the programme is on issues of sustainability and water resources in Latin America, with special attention given to the impacts of development and climate change on water resources. The programme combines multidisciplinary coursework with high level research. Sample research topics include: water quality, water quantity, water for agriculture, water for the environment, adaptation to climate change, and integrated water resource management. Language: English. Credit hours: 66 ECTS. For further information please visit: )
- Elective Courses (Electives: 6 credits has to be achieved.)
Doctorate Environmental Sciences (More Information at: )
- Subject Specialisation
  - Environmental Sciences
    - Biogoechemistry and Pollutant Dynamics