Agroecology

This course deals with the concept of agroecology science, research objects, diversity of agro-ecosystems, concepts, structure and functioning. Provides information on major agro-ecological problems, anthropogenic effects on their formation. Students also learn about the agro-ecological significance of climate and other environmental factors for agrarian production. And also about genetic centres of agricultural plants, factors of human population development and environmental impact, agro-ecological role of weeds, protective greenery and permaculture, agro-ecosystem energetic.

To provide knowledge about ecosystems and agricultural systems concepts, principles and development biocenozinius contacts and external conditions on the formation of these communications, to develop a natural relationship between agriculture or agriculture-linked organisms and their physical environment of understanding.

Secondary education, plant biology and physiology, agronomy and chemistry basics.

1. Concept, object, development of agroecology. 2. Natural plant communities and their peculiarities. 3. Agrophytocenoses and their properties. 4. Features of agricultural crops which distinguish them from natural communities. 5. The “Greenhouse” effect and its causes. 6. Causes and consequences of ozone depletion. 7. Acid precipitation. 8. Acidification of soil. 9. Karst phenomena. 10. The “Green Revolution”. 11. Climate and its influence on plants. 12. Climatic conditions of Lithuania. 13. Trends and potential consequences of climate change. 14. Climatic periods. 15. Seasons in Lithuania 16. Climatic zones and vegetation cover types. 17. What do we call an “agroclimate”? 18. What do we call the “climatic season of plant growth”? 19. Timing of agricultural works in Lithuania. 20. Biosphere resources. 21. Human health problems caused by agriculture. 22. Frost forecasting. 23. Applied phenology. 24. Grouping and use of hilly lands in Lithuania. 25. How is the water regime regulated in agriculture? 26. The role of weeds in the agroecosystem. 27. Domestic animals and their role in the environment. 28. Centres of Plant Origin. Perspective of C4 plants. 29. Photoperiodism: short- and long-day plants. 30. Nebulae and their properties. 31. Beans and their properties. 32. Root and tuber crops. 33. Fodder crops. 34. Industrial crops. 35. Demography and its determinants. 36. Influence of human population growth on ecological situation. 37. Ecological role of hedgerows and field boundaries. 38. Alternative farming systems (organic, biological, natural, etc.). 39. Agro-ecosystem energy.

1. An analysis of the concept of agroecology (including video sources) has been carried out, the results of which are presented in the form of an essay (250-300 words) (individual task No. 1). Validity, critical look, originality are valued. 2. Analysis of information sources. Prepared presentation choosing from topics No. 5-38 (individual tasks No. 2). Quality of presentation, completeness of content, completeness of presentation, validity of answers to questions are evaluated. 3. Report of practical work (individual assignment No. 3). Content validity, literature analysis, answers to questions are evaluated.