THE ORGANIC SPECIALTY

Duration 7,5 weeks.

When the student has completed the course, a final grade point is given which expresses the student’s current position. The student is assessed in relation to the objects of the subject and the grade is given based on the student’s documentation and other achievements and results in an overall assessment of the student’s competences in the subject. In addition, a final written project is the basis for the final the oral examination.

Learning outcomes

The organic specialty has a holistic approach and focuses equally on livestock and plant production. Throughout this course you will get familiar with “the 5 questions” which will train your observational and analytical abilities, which is of importance for a skilled organic farmer. From a biological perspective you will investigate most aspects of agro-ecological production. G*E*M (Genetics, Environment and Management) are the 3 factors that influences agro-ecological production and throughout this course you will get acquainted with these.

From beneath our feet, you start with the investigation of the soil-food-web and plant-microbe interactions. The importance of plant breeding in a changing world is discussed, and the resilience of different production systems including their possible yields is explored- nationally as well as globally. Management of crops such as allocation of fertilizer, intercropping, carbon sequestration, push-pull systems and alternative plant protection is studied. For any Agro-Ecological system to succeed, interaction between plants and livestock is key. Rationalizing livestock means applying biological principles to production systems. From feed requirements to animal welfare, disease study and prevention, to physiology of the different production animals. Finally, during your final project, you will get the opportunity to dive in your field of interest, while getting the support and guidance needed by our teachers.