Galen University

Environmental Science Department

Summer II: July 17th – July 28th 2006

 

Course Title: Introduction to Agroforestry: "Photosynthesis, Water, Nutrients and Human Impacts"

 

COURSE OUTLINE

 

Instructor:                               Juanita Garcia-Saqui MS and Pio Saqui MS

                                                (jgsaqui@ufl.edu, psaqui@ufl.edu) 

 

Credit Hours:                         3

 

Class Schedule:                      Monday -Friday           (9:00 a.m.  – 12:00 a.m.                       Room: TBA

(1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)            

 

Office Hours:                         By appointment only! Please use the emails provided.

 

Text:                                       Reading material is provided on compact discs. Refer to these articles as  specified. 

(Additional Digital format Reading Packet may be available)       

 

Course Description:               This intensive field course will combine both theory and practical experience to introduce students to basic plant physiology, plant interdependencies, soils and human impacts as it relates to Agroforestry. The class will explore how plants are able to make food using sunlight, carbon dioxide and water in addition to obtaining a detail understanding of the importance of water and nutrients to the survival of plants and, by extension, the survival of humans. Agroforestry has been effectively practiced for many years by human. This practice still holds relevant methodologies for environmental management today. The course introduces students to basic concepts and practices in Agroforestry.

           

Rationale:                               Agroforestry systems involving integration of trees with field or plantation crops is a common type of land-use system in the tropics. It is well established that, in general, where soil nutrients, water, and temperature are not limiting and losses from pests and diseases can be avoided, crop growth and yield are dependent on the total solar radiation intercepted during the growing season (Monteith, 1978).  Although this information is available in the scientific world, sustainable agroforestry practice has not been well adapted in Belize.  Therefore, obtaining knowledge about agroforestry can enhance the potential adaptations of these systems which will allow the country to become more sustainable with the knowledge of alternative forms of management of our natural resources. 

 

 

Syllabus is subject to change according to student and department consultation.

 

Course Goals and Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

 

  1. Clearly understand Agroforestry and its benefits for tropical environments, like Belize.
  2. Describe the soil as a dynamic multi-phased medium, and distinguish it from an inert body by characterizing various soil processes and their relationships to the environment.
  3. Describe plants as dynamic autotrophic organisms which have the ability to use the energy of the sun to produce compounds that are nutritious (e.g. sugars, fats). 
  4. Promote student attainment of a practical understanding of: a) properties common to plants and soils, b) vocabulary sufficient to communicate within the field of agroforestry, soil science and management, c) discuss different management strategies required for natural resources management and d) appreciation of the importance of plants and soils in agriculture, the environment, and our daily lives.
  5. Describe the social components of agroforestry.
  6. Describe basic functions and role of policy in agroforestry.
  7. Describe human-plant interactions and be able to successfully conduct basic (plant) growth measurements.
  8. Understand the role that we as humans play in the preservation and uses of our natural resources. 

 

Methods of Instruction:

 

Methods of Instruction will include but are not limited to the following:

 

  1. Standard lectures covering introduction material (mornings).  Lectures will be conducted using power point slides. Lectures will be centered on readings that are assigned for each class period.
  2. There will be seminars discussions each afternoon.  These discussions will be based on assigned readings to engage the students in critical thinking of the subject area. It is essential that each student participate fully.
  3. There will be a practical section in the afternoon.  This section will allow the students to engage in hands-on experience, to develop team work ethics and group thinking.  It will entail students being outdoors (this is the wet, buggy and hot season, come prepared and dress accordingly).

 

Methods of Evaluation and Grading Procedures:

Evaluation will be based on, but not limited to the following:

 

Student Responsibilities:

  1. Students are expected to study the appropriate text sections and suggested readings in anticipation of lecture coverage.
  2. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions. Class attendance is required.
  3. Students are expected to demonstrate their mastery of presented material by passing written examinations and successfully completing assigned homework.

 

Student Evaluation:

  1. Two examinations will be given; a mid-term (100 points) and a final (150 points). Additionally, two quizzes, each worth 50 points, will be given. No make-up exams/quizzes will be given.
  2. 4 Homework sets will be assigned regularly, and will be graded (total value 50 points). Late homework assignments are penalized ½ letter grade per day.

 

Completion of all course assignment is expected on the dates indicated by the instructor.

Grades are computed on a percentage scale as follows:

 

(A 90-100; B+ 85-89; B 80-84; C+ 75-79; C 70-74; D 60-69; F 0-59)

 

 

Description of Assignments:

These assignments will consist of two type written pages with no less than five published references. (Bulletin, Journals, Facts sheets…this applies to all papers).

 

1. Research a model agroforestry system, critiquing its practicality for tropical conditions. 

 

2. Choose a site that will be suitable for your model in Belize. Determine the relevant factors that we have discussed in class, which would allow your model optimal productivity. Please be detailed in your descriptions of the various factors.

 

3. Determine the social impacts that will be pertinent to your model. Does your model consider adequately the social aspect of Agroforestry?

 

4. Final paper: Present an argument statement that justifies your model for Belize. This statement should include ecological, economical and social considerations that are required in agroforestry.

 

Course Expectations:

 

  1. Students are expected to report to class on time.
  2. Students are responsible for materials presented in class during their absence.
  3. Assignments for submission are to be typed and turned in at the beginning of the class period when they are due.
  4. Cell phones and beepers are to be turned off during class sessions.
  5. Students are expected to consult with the instructor as necessary about individual concerns, progress, and/or any other relevant issues.

 

Attendance Policy:

(Please refer to Galen University policies)

Punctuality:

Lateness is disrespectful to class participants and should be avoided. BE ON TIME!

 

Academic Honesty and Plagiarism:

 

Students must read and be familiar with the Galen University policies on academic honesty, plagiarism and cheating. Follow them carefully!

 

Course Content:

 

            Unit 1 Overview of agroforestry                                                      2 days 

·        History of Agroforestry

·        Agroforestry in Belize

·        Conservation Concepts and People

·        Silviculture systems

·        Agropastoral systems

·        Mixed species vs. monoculture systems

·        Best management practice

 

            Unit 2     Fundamentals of plant properties                          2 days

·        Cultural Practices in Agroforestry

·        Types of Photosynthesis

·        Physiological and Ecological Considerations: Factors influencing PS

·        Nutrition: Nitrogen as example

·        Water

·         

A field trip will be carried out on Friday July 21th, 2006.

 

            Unit 3 Overview of Soils                                                                   2 days

·        An Introduction to Soils                                               

·        Functions of soils in the environment

·        Soil Formation/classification                                                     

·        Soil Water and Hydrology                                           

·        Soil Organisms

·        Environmental Soils and Management Issues                

 

Unit 4   Community Forestry and Policy                                                           2 days

·        Effects of land tenure               

·        Markets and Society                

·        Alternative products NTFPs    

                 

Summaries and Evaluations will be done on Friday July 28.          

·        Group presentations

·        Closure

 

Tentative Course Schedule: 

Because it is a two week class, each unit will be covered as indicated above.  Two units per week, field trips plus evaluation times.

 

Class Dates

Assigned Topics

Assignments

Week 1

 

Overview of agroforestry

Fundamentals of plant properties

1. Research a model agroforestry system, critiquing its practicality for tropical conditions. 

2. Choose a site that will be suitable for your model in Belize. Determine the relevant factors that we have discussed in class, which would allow your model optimal productivity. Please detailed in your descriptions of the various factors.

Week 2

 

Overview of Soils

Community Forestry and Policy

1. Determine the social impacts that will fit your model. Does your model considers adequately the social aspect of agroforestry.

2. Present an argument statement that justifies your model for Belize. This statement should include both ecological and social consideration that is required in agroforestry.

 

Bibliography: 

Brady N.C.  and Weil R.R., 2002 (13th ed). “The Nature and Properties of Soils. Prentice Hall Publishers. Upper Saddle River, NJ. 

J.G., Bellow, (2004). Fruit-Tree-Based Agroforestry in the Western Highlands of Guatemala:

An Evaluation of Tree-Crop Interactions and Socioeconomic Characteristics. University of Florida.

 

SCOTT D. and SUTHERLAND B.L. (1993).  Interaction Between some Pasture Species and two Hieracium Species.  New Zealand Journal of Ecology (1993) 17(1): 47-51 © New Zealand Ecological Society.

 

Jones, Hamlyn G. (1998).  Stomatal control of photosynthesis and transpiration. Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol. 49, Special Issue, pp. 387–398, March 1998.

 

Dupraz, C. (2002).  Tree Crops Interactions Model.  State of the art Report.  Salvoarable agroforestry for Europe (SAFE).  Deliverable D1.1 of the SAFE European Research Contract QLK5-CT-2001-00560. 

 

Forest transitions: towards a global understanding of land use change.  Rudel,T. K.; Coomes, O. T.; Moran, E.; Achard, F.; Angelsen, A.; Xu, J.; Lambin, E. (2005) Global Environmental Change 15 (2005) 23–31. 


Instructor’s Note:

This document states the expectations and evaluations for (Introduction to Agroforestry).  Your continued enrolment in this course implies your agreement to the criteria listed in the course outline.