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751-3402-00L 2 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-HEST
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Plant Nutrition II - Integrated Nutrient Management

Pflanzenernährung II - Integriertes Nährstoffmanagement

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Emmanuel Frossard, Dr. Astrid Oberson Dräyer, PD Dr. Else Katrin Bünemann König, Dr. Matthias Wiggenhauser
Only for Students in Agricultural Sciences and Students in Environmental or Food Sciences who have successfully completed the lecture plant nutrition 1 (751-3401-00L).
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:32:49

Abstract

This course explores nutrient fluxes in agro-ecosystems with a focus on maximizing nutrient use efficiency. Students learn to assess and manage both mineral and organic fertilizers, along with symbiotic nitrogen fixation and nutrient losses. Methods for establishing nutrient budgets are introduced and applied to real-world case studies to support sustainable nutrient management.

Objective

At the end of the course, students are able to: 1. Describe the properties of mineral and organic fertilizers. 2. Establish nutrient budgets for different cropping systems. 3. Critically evaluate agricultural systems as sources of nutrient losses to the environment. 4. Propose and justify agricultural practices that minimize nutrient losses, enhance nutrient use efficiency, and optimize nutrient supply to crops. 5. Collaborate effectively in teams to plan, prepare, and deliver an oral presentation on a selected topic by organising tasks, integrating diverse contributions, and communicating outcomes clearly to peers.

Content

This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of integrated nutrient management in agro-ecosystems. The focus lies on maximizing nutrient use efficiency and optimizing nutrient supply to crops while minimizing nutrient losses to the environment. Students explore the characteristics of key input and output variables in nutrient flows. These include organic inputs (e.g. animal manure, plant residues, recycled organic waste), mineral fertilizers (including recycled products), symbiotic nitrogen fixation, nutrient deposition, and nutrient loss pathways. Measures to mitigate nutrient losses are also discussed. The course introduces methods to calculate nutrient budgets at different levels of the agro-ecosystem. Through case studies of nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor systems, students analyse strategies for sustainable nutrient management that integrate soil, plant, and fertilizer attributes. Learning is supported through interactive lectures and independent exercises. In a group project , students deepen their understanding by selecting one of two options: 1. Scientific analysis: Critically analyse and present a research paper. 2. Farm case study: Assess the nutrient status of a real farm using nutrient budgeting, and develop an improved fertilization strategy, including a future scenario. Each group presents their results through an oral presentation with peer feedback, or submits a short written report.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Registration & Places

Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Pflanzenernährung II - Integriertes Nährstoffmanagement
  • Wed 10:15-12:00 (LFW C 1)
2 h weekly

Offered In