Sustainable Nutrient Cycles on Farms (3 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

Student has an overall view on sustainable nutrient use on farms and is able to deepend the previous knowledge via practical exercises. Student can manage carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles and are able to apply the knowledge into planning of plant production, animal feeding and forest management. The student can optimize the use of circular ferilisers and the practices of carbon farming as well as the modern methods of processing, storage and use of manure and other biomasses as a part of their cultivation and environmental conservation. The student knows how to influence the nutrient content of manure and the methane production of ruminants. The student can scrutinise the nutrient and methane emissions defined in different ways and the connections of manure treatment to animal welfare.

Content (course unit)

Carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycles in nature, fields, forests and on farm. The environmental impact of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in water, soil and atmosphere. Practices of nutrient use efficiency and nutrient cycling optimization in plant and animal husbandry as well as in forest management.

Prerequisites (course unit)

Basics of professional studies.The other circular economy studies. The student advisor will recommend optional programme components for each student based on their individual study plan.

Exam schedules

Moodle-tentti opintojakson alkupuolella. yksi uusintamahdollisuus.

Assessment methods and criteria

exam 25 %, exercises 75 %

Assessment scale

1-5

Teaching methods

online teaching, sessions are recorded. Independent and group work exercises.

Learning materials

Electric material in Moodle, in finnish and in english

Student workload

Total work load 81 h: online teaching 6 h, contact teaching (possibility) 6 h, exercise and group work 50 h, independent studies 16, exam 2 h