Crop Production and Soil Management

Feeding nine billion people in 2050 without overwhelming the planetary reserves is a crucial challenge for humankind. To address this challenge, this online program combines the principles of production ecology and the ‘availability pillar’ of global food security with an introduction to environmental studies, specifically the importance of soil. This unique program will examine both crop and animal production, as well as the societal and environmental challenges facing our food systems and soil.

The fundamentals

The professors will lead participants through the basics of crop production and the underlying bio-physical principles that shape the wide diversity of production systems, while also identifying constraining factors in yield formation and explaining how to assess yield gaps. The program will also explore key issues related to closing yield gaps and link these to different visions of sustainability.

Environmental focus

On the environmental studies side, the program will delve into the threats facing our soil, such as deforestation, erosion, overgrazing, use of agrochemicals, compaction, pollution, and climate change, and equip students with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in protecting this vital natural resource. 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.

In summary

This program will be of great interest to participants from all around the world and those with varied educational backgrounds, both professionally and culturally, as it will enrich their views and action perspectives related to the crucial challenges of global food security and sustainable soil management.

Courses under this program:
Course 1: Sustainable Soil Management: Soil for life

Soil is the earth’s fragile skin that anchors all life. We depend on soil to build our homes and cities, to grow crops for food and raise livestock, to support transportation and enable recreation. Yet we disregard this crucial and precious resource that lies right under our feet. Learn why soil is so important, how it's being threatened and what we can do to protect this natural resource so vital to our lives.

Course 2: Sustainable Food Security: Crop Production

How to feed the world without depleting our planet’s reserves? Learn the basics of crop production. This online course is offered as a MOOC, and is part of the XSeries Sustainable Food Security.