Key words
Soil fertility
Objectives
To understand the main physical, physico-chemical and biological processes and factors affecting the suitability of soils as a growing medium to plants. To formulate physiological, economical and ecological well-considered fertilizer recommendations.
Prerequisites
Candidate Industrial Engineer
Topics
In the first part, major attention is given to the chemical soil characteristics and processes, as the breakdown of the organic matter in the soil, soil acidity, cation exchange capacity.
The secund part covers plant nutrition and fertilisers. Following topics are discussed: mineral composition of plants, uptake and translocation of mineral elements by plants, physiological functions of minerals, physico-chemical behaviour of minerals in soils, classification and main properties of organic and mineral fertilizers, national regulations concerning the use and the quantities of applied fertilizers. Finally, the last chapter deals with the application of fertilizers and critically reviews the different approaches leading to the formulation of optimal fertilizer recommendations for the major crops.
Teaching Methods
Lectures combined with homestudy and exersises, discussed and evaluated in group.
Materials used
Lecture notes 'Bodemkunde en Bemestingsleer' (L. Kiekens, G. Baert), in dutch
Study guidance
Books and software available at the Laboratory
Assessment
Oral and written examination and exersises
3/4 theory
1/4 exersises
Study costs
10 Euro
Lecturer(s)
G. Baert
Language
Dutch
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