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).
Lecture notes
The slides will be distributed
Literature
Marschner 1995. Mineral Nutrition of higher plants (available on line on the ETH library). Schubert S 2006 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, Bergmann, W. 1988. Ernährungsstörungen bei Kulturpflanzen. http://www.tll.de/visuplant/vp_idx.htm
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Repetition only possible after re-enrolling for the course unit.
Additional information on mode of examination
3 written exams will be conducted during the semester. Each of these exams will count for a third of the final grade. A bonus of 0.25 will be given on the final grade if students provide a cmap and evaluate another cmap on the chapter nutrient uptake.
Learning materials
No public learning materials available.
Only public learning materials are listed.
Groups
No information on groups available.
Restrictions
There are no additional restrictions for the registration.
Performance assessment as a semester course