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751-3401-00L 2 Credits BSC D-USYS
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Plant Nutrition I

Pflanzenernährung I

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Emmanuel Frossard
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:29:33

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

At the end of the lecture, students know how mineral nutrients are taken up through roots and circulate in the plants and what their roles in plants are. They understand the importance of nutrients for yield formation and for crop product quality. They are able to propose fertilization plans adapted for field crops growing under Swiss conditions.

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
3 written exams will be conducted during the semester. Each of these exams will count for a third of the final grade.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Pflanzenernährung I
  • Tue 08:15-10:00 (CAB G 51)
2 h weekly

Offered In