Nitrogen Management: Field Measurements and Lab Analyses

Course Description

"Nitrogen Management: Field Measurements and Lab Analyses" is an intermediate-level course offered by EdinburghX that addresses one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: the nitrogen challenge. This comprehensive course focuses on developing and improving nitrogen science globally to help tackle the issue of nitrogen pollution from fertilizer use, which impacts our environment, climate, and human health. The course provides hands-on training in essential measurement techniques and laboratory analyses crucial for understanding and managing nitrogen in agricultural systems.

What Students Will Learn

• The significance of ammonia and greenhouse gases in the nitrogen cycle
• The closed static chamber method for measuring greenhouse gas fluxes
• Ammonia flux measurements using dynamic chambers
• Plant and soil sampling techniques
• Laboratory analysis methods for nitrogen-related samples
• Calculation of greenhouse gas fluxes, ammonia fluxes, and nitrogen budgets
• Understanding of leaching processes within the nitrogen cycle

Pre-requisites

While not mandatory, it is recommended that students first complete the "Nitrogen: A Global Challenge" course. This course is designed for those with an intermediate understanding of environmental science and agriculture.

Course Content

• Introduction to nitrogen-related field measurements
• Greenhouse gas flux measurements using closed chambers
• Ammonia measurement with dynamic chambers
• Plant and soil nitrogen measurements
• Laboratory analysis techniques for various samples
• Flux and nitrogen budget calculations
• Practical applications of measurement methods in field and lab settings

Who This Course Is For

• Environmental science students
• Agricultural researchers and professionals
• Soil scientists
• Environmental consultants
• Policymakers involved in agriculture and environmental management
• Anyone interested in advancing their knowledge of nitrogen management and measurement techniques

Real-World Applications

• Conducting accurate field measurements for research projects
• Developing effective nitrogen management strategies for agricultural systems
• Assessing and mitigating the environmental impact of fertilizer use
• Improving crop yields while minimizing nitrogen pollution
• Contributing to policy development for sustainable agriculture
• Enhancing soil health and fertility management practices
• Advancing climate change mitigation efforts in the agricultural sector

Syllabus