Crop Nutrition for Sustainable Food Security: A Short Course

This course is designed for agricultural professionals, students, and community members interested in sustainable practices. Participants will explore the essential role of crop nutrition in enhancing food security, covering key nutrients, fertiliser management, and environmental considerations. Through interactive modules, learners will understand the importance of macronutrients and micronutrients, apply best practices in fertiliser application, and evaluate the environmental impacts of nutrient use. The course will also introduce advanced technologies for climate-resilient nutrient management. By the end, participants will be equipped to make informed decisions that promote sustainable food production and contribute to global food security. This course emphasises practical insights and real-world applications, making it relevant for those committed to sustainable agriculture.

Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

- Understand the fundamental principles of crop nutrition and its significance in sustainable agriculture.- - Identify essential nutrients required for optimal plant growth and their roles in crop development.
- Evaluate different types of fertilisers and their application methods, including integrated nutrition management strategies.
- Analyse the environmental impacts associated with fertilizer use and develop strategies to mitigate  these effects.
- Apply advanced nutrient technologies and precision agriculture practices to enhance climate resilience and improve food security.

Week 1: Introduction to Crop Nutrition in Modern Agriculture
- Overview of crop nutrition and its significance in sustainable food security.
- Key concepts in sustainable agriculture and the relationship between nutrition and food security.

Week 2: Fundamentals of Crop Nutrients
 - Principles and classification of essential plant nutrients.
  - Understanding nutrient cycles and their impact on crop health.

Week 3: Essential Nutrients for Crops
 - Overview of primary nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium).
- Examination of secondary nutrients and micronutrients and their roles in crop health.

Week 4: Fertilisers and Their Application
- Types of fertilisers and best practices for application.
- Introduction to integrated nutrient management strategies.

Week 5: Environmental Impacts of Fertilisers
- Understanding the environmental challenges associated with fertilizer use.
- Exploring strategies to minimise negative impacts on ecosystems.

Week 6: Advanced Nutrient Technologies for Climate Resilience
- Introduction to precision agriculture and its role in nutrient management.
- Techniques for implementing climate-resilient nutrient strategies.

This course is designed to accommodate a wide range of participants from various sectors of agriculture and environmental sustainability. It aims to provide comprehensive and advanced knowledge of crop nutrition management, making it suitable for:

Students: Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student majoring in agriculture, agronomy, soil science, environmental studies, or a related field, this course offers in-depth insights into the fundamental and modern aspects of crop nutrition. Students will benefit from this course by gaining practical knowledge about nutrient management, an area often underemphasized in traditional coursework. The course will help students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.

Researchers: For researchers and academics, this course offers a wealth of knowledge that addresses current global challenges, such as food security, climate change, and soil health. Researchers engaged in agricultural sciences, environmental sustainability, or related fields will find the course’s emphasis on integrated nutrient management, precision agriculture, and advanced nutrient technologies highly relevant.

Extension Workers and Agricultural Consultants: Agricultural extension workers and consultants are on the frontlines of disseminating agricultural knowledge to farmers, grower groups, and agricultural communities. This course will help extension professionals stay informed about the latest developments in nutrient management, ensuring that they provide farmers with the best practices to enhance soil fertility and crop performance.

Policymakers and Development Professionals: For policymakers and professionals working with governmental or non-governmental organisations (NGOs), this course provides critical insights into the links between nutrient management, food security, and climate resilience.

Progressive Farmers and Agribusiness Managers: For progressive farmers and agribusiness professionals, this course provides the technical and scientific knowledge needed to improve on-farm nutrition management practices.

Amanullah (2025). Crop Nutrition: Enhancing Healthy Soils, Food Security, Environmental Sustainability and Advancing SDGs. De Gruyter.