VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Element balancing in managed ecosystems
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:14:44
Abstract
Applying element balances of agricultural soils in computer exercises as a tool to design and monitor preventive strategies against soil pollution and to support sustainable management of regional agro-ecosystems.
Objective
The students learn to critical assess changes in land use management on element cycles in agro-ecosystems. You design solutions for chemical problems in soil protection at the regional scale.
Content
The students apply the regional balance model PROTERRA-S for Swiss regions in computer exercises. You assess the sustainability of current land use and analyse management options improving nutrient and metal cycling in agro-ecosystems. You set up element balances for soils taking into account data availability in Switzerland, spatial and temporal aggregation of land use data, data uncertainty and stochastic modeling of the element fluxes. The students will have the opportunity to calculate specific scenarios regarding land use management and environmental changes on the nutrient and metal cycling in soil and to assess the sensitivity of the management options.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Literature and Exercises for a case study
Literature
Literature will be provided.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Element balancing in managed ecosystems
(findet im Blockkurs montags 6x à 4h statt: 1.10, 15.10., 29.10., 12.11., 26.11. 3.12.)
|
|
2 h weekly |