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Plant Nutrition I
Pflanzenernährung I
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:14:41
Abstract
The aim of these lecture is to present the processes controlling the uptake and transport of nutrients by the plant, the assimilation of nutrients in the plant, the effect of nutrients on crop yield and quality, the role of the soil as a source of nutrients for crops, and the basic principles of fertilization of different crop types using mineral and organic fertilizers.
Objective
Remembering: Students will recall how mineral nutrients are absorbed through roots, transported within plants, and assimilated and how nutrients are released from soil. Understanding: Students will explain the roles of these nutrients in plants. Applying: Students will demonstrate the significance of nutrients for yield formation and crop product quality. Analyzing: Students will differentiate between the effects of various nutrients on yield formation and crop product quality. Evaluating: Students will assess the impact of different nutrient levels on the yield and quality of crops. Creating: Students should be able to design fertilization plans suitable for field crops growing under Swiss conditions. (these learning objectives were formulated with the support of Microsoft copilot)
Content
A general introduction explains the needs of appropriately managing nutrients in plant production. Afterwards, we will study the physiology of plant nutrition (nutrient uptake by roots; nutrient transports in the plant; physiological roles of nutrients in the plant). Then the role of nutrients for yield formation and their effects on crop quality is dealt with. Finally, the bases of crop fertilization are taught (availability of nutrient in soil; N, P and K fertilization; different types of fertilizers).
Resources
Lecture Notes
The slides will be distributed
Literature
Marschner’s Mineral Nutrition of Plants Fourth Edition 2023, edited by Zed Rengel, Ismail Cakmak and Philip J. White; (available online on the ETH library). Schubert S 2011 Pflanzenernährung Grundwissen Bachelor Ulmer UTB Richner W. & Sinaj S., 2017. Grundlagen für die Düngung landwirtschaftlicher Kulturen in der Schweiz (GRUD 2017). Agrarforschung Schweiz 8 (6), Spezialpublikation,
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Pflanzenernährung I |
|
2 h weekly |