Sustainable Food Security: Crop Production from edX

Feeding nine billion in 2050 without exhausting the planetary reserves is perhaps the greatest challenge mankind has ever faced. This course will examine the principles of production ecology and the ‘availability pillar’ of global food security that lie at the heart of food production. They can be applied to both crops and animal production. This course on the basics of crop production will discuss why yields in some parts of the world are lagging behind and identify the agro-ecological drivers that shape the wide diversity of production systems.

Furthermore, key issues relating to closing of yield gaps and how these link to different visions of sustainability will be explored.

This online course will be of great interest to international students and those with varied educational backgrounds, both professionally and culturally, to enrich their views and action perspectives related to global food security and food systems. Prof. Ken E. Giller will introduce you to crop production and underlying bio-physical principles in order to identify constraining factors in yield formation. He will explain how to assess yield gaps at the level of fields and production systems around the world, contributing to efficient resource management. Wageningen University and Research, through its unique systems-based approach to food systems, adds the phase of primary production to the broad context of global food security.

Systems-based approach at Wageningen University

The University of Wageningen offers an excellent combination of conducting research worldwide and educating in the area of ‘healthy food and living environment’. Through its unique systems-based approach to food systems, the institute adds the phase of primary production to the broad context of global food security.

XSeries

This course is part of the XSeries programme Sustainble Food Security, which learns you more about how we can feed the world with its growing population and wealth in a sustainable way. The other MOOCs in this XSeries programme are Sustainable Food Security: Food Access and Sustainable Food Security: The Value of Systems Thinking.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Value the main issues related to global food production and consumption and the regional differences between developed and developing countries.
Understand how food crop production can be influenced by changing the availability of water and nutrients and by measures suppressing pests, diseases and weeds.
Identify the processes related to food crop production that cause major environmental problems and evaluate measures to solve and prevent those problems.

Assess yield gaps of food crops in different geographical regions.
Judge innovations in food crop production on their merits for the rural population in the different geographical regions.
In this course, you will learn about crop production from professor ken e. giller:

Value the main issues related to global food production and consumption and the regional differences between developed and developing countries.
Understand how food crop production can be influenced by changing the availability of water and nutrients and by measures suppressing pests, diseases and weeds.
Identify the processes related to food crop production that cause major environmental problems and evaluate measures to solve and prevent those problems.
Assess yield gaps of food crops in different geographical regions.
Judge innovations in food crop production on their merits for the rural population in the different geographical regions.
In this course, you will learn about crop production from professor ken e. giller:

Syllabus

Week 1: IntroductionThis first week we are setting the scene for the global food situation today and projected demand and supply options tomorrow. Covering the four pillars of global food systems, we will zoom in on availability issues, and more in particular on crop production, as central theme of this course. Photosynthesis plays a key role in this process, turning solar light into food, which fuels mankind. Analogously to physical principles applied in building houses, you’ll be acquainted to the bio-physical principles in growing crops.

Week 2: Potential productionPotential production is the simplest representation of crop growth, defined by the crop's genetic potential and the ambient growth factors radiation, temperature and carbon dioxide concentration in the air. Under perfect crop management, with no limitation of water and nutrients, and a weed, pathogen and pest free environment, crops reach their potential production. This week focuses on the conversion of carbon dioxide into plant biomass as powered by solar radiation, with temperature as modifying factor. Based on variation in solar radiation and temperature around the globe, you’ll be able to calculate potential crop yields for different locations.

Week 3: Water limited productionIn the process of fixing carbon dioxide from the air into biomass, crops inevitably lose water by transpiration. When transpired water from the leaf surface is not adequately replenished through water uptake by the roots, crop production becomes water-limited, resulting in lower yields. Accounting for the evaporative demand of the air and water availability to the crop, water-limited production can be assessed. Conversely, to reach potential yield, you may determine the amount of water required through irrigation, as a yield increasing measure.

Week 4: Nutrient limited productionIn addition to water, nutrients are essential to crop production to support physiological processes, like photosynthesis. Various nutrients are absorbed from the soil by the roots. When nutrient availability falls short, production becomes nutrient-limited. In that situation nutrient application by manure or artificial fertilizers is a yield increasing measure..

Week 5: Actual productionActual crop production refers a situation where production is further reduced by effects of weed, pests (insects, mites, nematodes, rodents, and birds), diseases (fungi, bacteria, viruses) and/or pollutants. This introduces an extra level of complexity in plant production. In spite of intensive crop protection measures in some parts of the world, the actual production is the common production situation for the majority of the world's agricultural production systems. We will look at how weeds, and pests and diseases affect crop yields and what measures can be taken to prevent losses.

Week 6: SynthesisHaving tackled the three distinguished production situations separately in the previous weeks, we now come back to complete the diagram reflecting the 'principles of production ecology'. Hopefully, it means more to you now and you can use it in analysing the impact of genetics, environment and management on crop yields, as will be discussed in this synopsis.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Relies on a systems-based approach that connects production to food security

Taught by instructors who are recognized for their work in the topic

Provides a comprehensive study of principles of production ecology and the 'availability pillar' of global food security

Suitable for students and professionals with varied educational backgrounds and cultural perspectives

May require background knowledge or interest in food production and global food security

Reviews summary

Crop production essentials

Learners say that Sustainable Food Security: Crop Production introduces essentials of sustainable crop production, explaining how to keep soil alive with organic matter, implement integrated pest management, reduce pesticide use, protect biodiversity, and ensure food safety.

Covers essential elements of sustainable crop production.

"Sustainable crop production deals with keeping the soil alive with organic matter, integrated pest management and reduction in usage of pesticides, protecting biodiversity, ensuring food safety and food quality, improving nutrient quality, and fertilizing the soil with organic fertilizers."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sustainable Food Security: Crop Production with these activities:

Review Photosynthesis

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Refreshes the science of plants converting light into energy, giving students necessary foundational knowledge of crop production.

Browse courses on Photosynthesis

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Recall the main steps of photosynthesis.
Revise the chemical equation for photosynthesis.
Review the role of light energy in photosynthesis.

Comprehensive Course Notes

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Supports active learning and retention by encouraging students to organize and review key concepts covered throughout the course.

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Review course materials, including lectures, readings, and assignments.
Organize notes by topic and subtopic.
Summarize key concepts and include examples and explanations.
Review and revise notes regularly to reinforce learning.

Water Management Calculations

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Strengthens problem-solving skills in calculating water requirements and analyzing water management strategies for crop production.

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Review concepts of crop water requirements and evapotranspiration.
Solve practice problems on calculating irrigation schedules and water budgets.
Analyze case studies on water management strategies in different regions.

Five other activities

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Yield Gap Assessment

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Provides practical experience in calculating and analyzing yield gaps, applicable to real-world crop production management.

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Find reputable online tutorials on yield gap assessment.
Follow tutorials to learn the principles and methods of yield gap assessment.
Apply these methods to calculate yield gaps based on provided data.
Interpret the results and identify potential causes of yield gaps.

Discussion on Crop Production Innovations

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Encourages critical analysis and exchange of ideas on emerging technologies and innovations in crop production.

Browse courses on Agricultural Technology

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Research and identify recent advancements in crop production technologies.
Join or organize a study group or discussion forum to share findings.
Discuss the potential benefits and challenges of these innovations.
Evaluate the applicability of these innovations to different farming systems.

Infographic on Crop Pests and Diseases

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Enhances understanding of crop pests and diseases and their management strategies through visual representation.

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Research different types of crop pests and diseases and their symptoms.
Gather data on their impact on crop production.
Design and create an infographic that visually presents the information.
Share the infographic with peers or online communities for feedback and dissemination.

Contribute to Crop Research

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Offers hands-on experience in real-world crop production research projects, deepening understanding of challenges and solutions.

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Identify local agricultural research institutions or organizations.
Contact and inquire about volunteer opportunities related to crop production.
Participate in research projects under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Assist with data collection, experimental setup, or other research activities.

Sustainability in Crop Production

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Provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of sustainable crop production, promoting environmentally conscious farming techniques.

View Agroecology: Science and Politics (Agrarian... on Amazon

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Read and comprehend the book's chapters on sustainable crop production concepts.
Summarize key principles and practices in your own notes.
Apply the knowledge gained to evaluate different crop production systems.

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainable Food Security: Crop Production will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Agricultural Consultant

As an Agricultural Consultant, you will advise farmers and other agricultural clients on how to efficiently and sustainably increase their crop yields. This course teaches the principles of production ecology, including the impact of water and nutrient availability, pests, and diseases on crop production. This knowledge will be essential for you to make informed recommendations to your clients on how to improve their crop yields and profitability while minimizing environmental impact.

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Agronomist

As an Agronomist, you will apply scientific principles to improve soil management and crop production. This course on the basics of crop production will provide you with a strong foundation in the science behind crop growth and development. You will learn how to identify and address factors that limit crop yields, such as water and nutrient deficiencies, pests, and diseases.

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Crop Scientist

As a Crop Scientist, you will develop new crop varieties and management practices to improve crop yields and quality. This course will help you understand the genetic and environmental factors that influence crop growth and development. You will also learn how to use biotechnology and other tools to develop new crop varieties that are resistant to pests, diseases, and drought.

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Environmental Scientist

As an Environmental Scientist, you will work to protect the environment and human health from the impacts of pollution and other environmental hazards. This course will introduce you to the principles of production ecology and the environmental problems caused by crop production. You will learn how to assess the environmental impact of crop production and develop strategies to mitigate these impacts.

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Farm Manager

As a Farm Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day operations of a farm. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of crop production, including the principles of production ecology, yield gap analysis, and sustainable farming practices. This knowledge will be essential for you to make sound decisions about crop management, resource allocation, and environmental stewardship.

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Food Policy Analyst

As a Food Policy Analyst, you will develop and evaluate policies that affect the food system. This course will provide you with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the global food system. You will learn about the principles of production ecology and how they can be used to increase crop yields, reduce environmental impacts, and improve food security.

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International Development Specialist

As an International Development Specialist, you will work to improve the lives of people in developing countries. This course will provide you with a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing agricultural development. You will learn about the principles of production ecology and how they can be used to increase crop yields, reduce environmental impacts, and improve food security in developing countries.

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Natural Resource Manager

As a Natural Resource Manager, you will protect and manage natural resources, such as forests, water, and soil. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the science of crop production and the environmental impacts of agriculture. You will learn how to develop and implement sustainable land management practices that protect natural resources and improve crop yields.

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Pest Management Specialist

As a Pest Management Specialist, you will develop and implement strategies to control pests that damage crops. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of pest management, including the identification of pests, the assessment of pest damage, and the development of sustainable pest control strategies.

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Policy Advisor

As a Policy Advisor, you will provide advice to policymakers on a wide range of issues, including agriculture, food security, and environmental protection. This course will provide you with a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the global food system. You will learn about the principles of production ecology and how they can be used to increase crop yields, reduce environmental impacts, and improve food security.

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Project Manager

As a Project Manager, you will lead and manage projects that aim to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of crop production, including the principles of production ecology, yield gap analysis, and sustainable farming practices. This knowledge will be essential for you to develop and implement successful projects that have a real impact on the lives of farmers and communities.

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Researcher

As a Researcher, you will conduct research to improve crop production and sustainability. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in the science of crop production and the principles of production ecology. You will learn how to design and conduct research studies, analyze data, and communicate your findings to the scientific community and the public.

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Science Writer

As a Science Writer, you will communicate complex scientific information to a wide audience. This course will provide you with a solid understanding of the principles of production ecology and the challenges and opportunities facing the global food system. You will learn how to write clear and engaging articles, blog posts, and other types of content that explain complex scientific concepts to a non-scientific audience.

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Sustainability Consultant

As a Sustainability Consultant, you will advise businesses and organizations on how to reduce their environmental impact and improve their sustainability. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of production ecology and the environmental impacts of agriculture. You will learn how to assess the environmental performance of organizations and develop and implement sustainability strategies.

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Teacher

As a Teacher, you will educate students about the principles of crop production and the challenges and opportunities facing the global food system. This course will provide you with a solid understanding of the principles of production ecology and the science of crop production. You will learn how to develop and deliver effective lesson plans, create engaging learning activities, and assess student learning.

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