Agroecology in Depth Knowledge

The concept of agro-ecology is becoming increasingly important in the field of agronomy and seems to promise interesting prospects for achieving sustainable production. During this module, students will be led to manipulate the main concepts of this new discipline in order to carry out the agro-ecological diagnosis of a plot or a farm. To reach the objectives teaching will be focused on a functional analysis of the agro-ecosystems to identify the key ecosystem services that an improve the agrosystem functioning. Presentation and use of concepts and methods allowing to identify and quantify the process at the basis of agroecological functioning of agrosystems will be the core of this module. Case studies and a field camp will allow these concepts and methods to be integrated into an interdisciplinary approach.The course will make extensive use of a digital learning resources developed by the teaching team (MOOC agroecology). During the Mooc session, the students will be placed in the position of tutor of the participants forums, community manager, animator of the live events of the Mooc. A dedicated training will enable them to work the necessary skills. The course will combine lectures-seminars, tutorials, and on-site visits. Students are required to: (1) attend all classes, tutorials, e-learning activities and discussion, (2) develop self-learning, (3) work on a project during the field camp, and (4) take a final examination.
Keywords: Biodiversity, nutrients cycle, crop management, pests management, field work