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Overview

This module reviews agricultural systems and practices, the scientific principles underlying them, their impact on the environment, and potential future trends induced by climate change. You will consider the scope of relevant EU and UK government legislation and codes of practice aimed at minimising negative effects, including the role of agri-environment schemes and discuss their impact at the farm level. The module addresses rewilding and nature friendly farming systems, as well as optimal land use for delivering multiple ecosystem services. The role of the different agencies involved is also explored.

This module reviews agricultural systems and practices, the scientific principles underlying them, their impact on the environment, and potential future trends induced by climate change. It then considers the scope of relevant EU and UK government legislation and codes of practice aimed at minimising negative effects, including the role of agri-environment schemes and discusses their impact at the farm level. The role of the different agencies involved is also explored.

Examples of topics covered are: - Introduction to farming systems in the UK: crop areas and livestock numbers; land capability classification, land tenure; upland and lowland farming systems; organic, conventional and integrated farm management systems. Historical trends in land use and their impact on the landscape. Goods and services provided by agricultural systems. - Crop management: principles and practices involved in the use of nutrients, their fate in the environment and their impact on biodiversity and water quality. Statutory and voluntary measures to minimise negative effects. - Food security - Livestock production systems. Impact of grazing management in the hills and uplands. - Soil management and nutrient losses -Rewilding and nature friendly farming - Climate change: contribution of agriculture to climate change; impact of climate change on agriculture. Carbon footprinting.
- EU support for agriculture: single farm payment, agri-environment schemes. Environmental impact of conventional, low input and organic farming systems. -Optimal land use for delivering different ecosystem services

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -(C) The student demonstrates a broadly correct understanding of how agricultural practices impact on the environment, and vice versa, the scientific and technical processes involved. Alternative practices are reviewed. Relevant legislation is identified. The assessment may contain some minor inaccuracies, misunderstandings or misconceptions. There is little evidence of supplementary reading.

-good -(B)The student demonstrates a competent understanding of the subject. The assessment covers relevant topics and reference is made to key scientific principles and commercial practices where appropriate. Clear links are established between faming practices, scientific principles, environmental impacts and legislation where appropriate. There is evidence of supplementary reading and information retrieval.

-excellent -(A) The student demonstrates a very thorough understanding of the subject, and an ability to critically evaluate and prioritise information where appropriate. Relevant topics are reviewed in a logical sequence and assessments contain relevant new material not covered in the course.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate the scope and implementation of official legislation, environmental schemes, regulations and ‘good farming practice’ and their role in controlling the adverse environmental impacts of farming practices

• Relate farming systems and practices to their environmental impacts and appraise and discuss how adverse effects may be mitigated.