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751-5115-00L 2 Credits MSC D-USYS
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Current Aspects of Nutrient Cycle in Agro-Ecosystems

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Emmanuel Frossard, Dr. Astrid Oberson Dräyer, PD Dr. Else Katrin Bünemann König
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:26

Abstract

This seminar addresses current research on nutrient cycles in agro-ecosystems. The upcoming theme is “Balanced and efficient nutrient management in soil-crop systems: Insights from long-term field experiments and beyond”.

Objective

1. Analyse scientific publications and data from long-term field experiments on plant nutrients (e.g. nitrogen, phosphorus) with regard to integrated nutrient management, crop supply, and soil nutrient content. 2. Evaluate the role of specific input and output variables in the nutrient flow of the studied system, and interpret their levels considering agronomic and environmental aspects. 3. Calculate and interpret nutrient budgets and derive indicators of nutrient use efficiency. 4. Present findings and interpretations in an oral presentation at the final public symposium. 5. Collaborate effectively in a group, contribute to joint analyses, and provide constructive feedback in discussions. 6. Critically reflect on overarching questions and recommendations for sustainable nutrient management. 7. Expand and integrate their knowledge of nutrient cycles and management strategies in agro-ecosystems. 8. Evaluate the role of long-term field experiments for assessing the sustainability of agricultural systems.

Content

This seminar explores current aspects of nutrient cycles in agro-ecosystems, with the next edition focusing on “Balanced and efficient nutrient management in soil-crop systems: Insights from long-term field experiments and beyond”. Using data and publications from long-term field experiments, students analyse nutrient flows, crop supply, and soil nutrient dynamics for a selected trial. They calculate nutrient balances and derive efficiency indicators, evaluate their agronomic and environmental implications, and present results at a final public symposium. Through group collaboration, peer discussion, and expert feedback, students compare findings across case studies and jointly develop recommendations for balanced and efficient nutrient management.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
25% für schriftliches Konzept, 25% für Konzeptpräsentation, 25% für internen Vortrag, 25% für öffentlichen Abschlussvortrag

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Current Aspects of Nutrient Cycle in Agro-Ecosystems
Wednesday 17th September: Introduction Wednesday 24th September: Presentation of field experiments Wednesday 22nd October: Concept presentation by students Wednesday, 5th November: Q&A session Wednesday, 19th November: Q&A session Wednesday, 3rd December: Oral test presentations Block course: Wed & Thu 7t & 8th January 2026
  • 17.09 Date 08:15-10:00 (LFW B 2)
  • 24.09 Date 08:15-10:00 (LFW B 2)
  • 22.10 Date 08:15-10:00 (LFW B 2)
  • 05.11 Date 08:15-10:00 (LFW B 2)
  • 19.11 Date 08:15-10:00 (LFW B 2)
  • 03.12 Date 08:15-10:00 (LFW B 2)
  • 07.01 Date 08:15-19:00 (LEE E 101)
  • 08.01 Date 08:15-18:00 (LFW B 2)
18 h semesterly

Offered In