Sustainable Agriculture and Controlled Environment: Challenges and Solutions

Course Description

In this learning unit, students will learn about sustainable agriculture and controlled environmental techniques. They will learn about innovative technologies and methods for indoor agriculture while exploring the significant challenges and opportunities within this growing field. Furthermore, students will understand the role played by environmental control systems in indoor agriculture. Through real-world case studies of pioneering and successful implementations, they will gain practical insights and a holistic understanding of these practices. This knowledge is particularly relevant, as the interest in indoor agriculture is growing due to the increasing demand for more sustainable agricultural practices and pesticide free-products, especially in urban areas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes:

Knowledge

After the completion of this LU, the learner will:

• Recognize and analyze the key challenges and opportunities associated with implementing agricultural practices in controlled environments,
• Describe sustainable agriculture techniques and technologies applicable to controlled environment, including hydroponics, vertical farming, resource management and pest and disease management control.
• Analyze case studies and real-world examples.

Skills

After the completion of this LU, the learner will be able to:

• Analyze the needs and conditions to select appropriate technologies in controlled environmental agriculture
• Develop new controlled environmental systems.

Competences

After the completion of this LU, the learner will be competent to:

• Design sustainable controlled environmental systems.
• Evaluate and adapt emerging technologies in controlled environment agriculture.