Technology and Resource Recovery in Agriculture

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Learning Outcomes

Modules

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About the course

Target group

Students

Key words

Agri-tech Innovations, Resource Recovery, Sustainable Agriculture

Course introduction

Sustainable agriculture relies on innovative approaches to optimize resource use, minimize waste, and improve efficiency. This course explores the intersection of Circular Economy (CE) principles and technological advancements in agriculture, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to implement resource recovery strategies.

Throughout the course, participants will gain insights into water conservation, soil health, organic waste valorization, and energy recovery. They will explore how precision agriculture, digital farming platforms, and automation can enhance sustainability by improving resource efficiency. The course also introduces waste-to-energy technologies, such as anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis, which convert agricultural byproducts into renewable energy sources.

Another key focus is the Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) model, which shifts from ownership to service-based solutions, such as machinery leasing and irrigation-as-a-service, reducing costs and extending product lifecycles. By analyzing real-world case studies, participants will learn how these models contribute to circular agriculture and financial sustainability.

The final module provides a forward-looking perspective, exploring emerging technologies like biotechnology, nanotechnology, and synthetic fuels that could further enhance agricultural sustainability. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with practical knowledge and strategic insights to integrate circular economy practices into agricultural operations, driving environmental and economic benefits.

This course is ideal for professionals in agriculture, sustainability, and agribusiness who want to stay ahead of industry trends and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Details to know

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Assessment

20 Quizzes

Taught in English

Also available in 6 languages

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

LO1: Understand and differentiate between linear and circular economic models, recognizing the importance of Circular Economy (CE) principles in addressing agricultural and environmental challenges.

LO2: Analyze the role of resource efficiency and recovery in sustainable agricultural practices, including water, soil, and waste management.

LO3: Identify and evaluate the application of technology in supporting circular agriculture, including precision farming, digital platforms, and closed-loop systems.

LO4: Demonstrate knowledge of waste-to-energy and recycling technologies suitable for agriculture, and understand their role in sustainable resource recovery.

LO5: Explain Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) models and assess their benefits for circular business applications in agriculture.

LO6: Explore and assess emerging trends and technologies for future resource recovery, analyzing their potential impact on sustainable agricultural systems.

More detailed Learning Outcomes can be found in module introductions.

Module 1. This module introduces the core concepts and principles of the Circular Economy (CE), contrasting them with traditional linear economic models. Participants gain a foundational understanding of how CE principles apply within agriculture, particularly as an answer to issues like resource depletion, environmental degradation, and waste accumulation. By covering both theoretical and practical aspects, the module sets the stage for understanding how agriculture can benefit from adopting CE practices. Through this module, participants become familiar with essential CE strategies, such as reducing, reusing, recycling, and regenerating resources, while developing the critical thinking needed to assess and apply these concepts to agricultural systems.

Lessons

Introduction 1. Overview of Circular Economy Principles 2. CE in Agriculture – Theoretical Foundations 3. Benefits and Challenges of CE in Agriculture 4. Resource Recovery in the Circular Economy Context References

Module 2. Focusing on efficient resource use and recovery, this module dives into specific methods and technologies for optimizing agricultural resources. It covers water management strategies, soil health and nutrient recovery techniques, and methods of organic waste valorization, where agricultural byproducts can be transformed into valuable bioproducts like biofertilizers or bioenergy. Through detailed case studies and technological insights, participants learn how to maximize the efficiency and sustainability of their resources, gaining practical knowledge to implement solutions that conserve water, enrich soil, and utilize renewable energy sources. By the end, participants will be equipped to make informed decisions about resource use and recovery in their agricultural practices.

Lessons

Introduction 1. Water Efficiency and Reuse 2. Soil Management and Nutrient Recovery 3. Organic Waste Valorization and Bioproducts 4. Energy Recovery and Renewable Energy in Agriculture References

Module 3. In this module, participants explore cutting-edge technologies that support sustainable agricultural practices within the circular economy framework. It includes precision agriculture tools, such as IoT devices, sensors, and data-driven systems that help optimize resource use. Participants also examine digital farming platforms and closed-loop systems like aquaponics and hydroponics, which integrate livestock and crop production to create a more balanced, circular system. The module concludes by introducing automation and robotics in agriculture, highlighting their potential to enhance efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Participants emerge with a strong understanding of how to incorporate digital and automated solutions to promote resource efficiency and sustainability.

Lessons

Introduction 1. Precision Agriculture 2. Digital Farming and Data Management 3. Closed-Loop Farming System 4. Robotics and Automation in Circular Agriculture References

Module 4. This module introduces participants to advanced technologies that support resource recovery, from waste-to-energy solutions like anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis to recycling methods for agricultural materials. It also covers digital platforms that track and optimize material flows within agricultural supply chains. Participants gain practical insights into how these innovations can reduce waste, recover energy, and recycle valuable materials within their operations. The module emphasizes how digital and energy-focused technologies can work together to enhance the sustainability of agricultural systems, preparing participants to implement innovative practices for efficient resource management.

Lessons

Introduction 1. Waste-to-Energy Technologies in Agriculture 2. Recycling and Reprocessing of Agricultural Materials 3. Digital Platforms for Agricultural Resource Management References

Module 5. Exploring a service-based approach to agricultural resources, this module covers Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) models, which offer an alternative to traditional ownership. By examining case studies, participants learn how PaaS models like machinery leasing, seed-as-a-service, or irrigation-as-a-service support circular economy objectives in agriculture. These models provide economic benefits by reducing initial investment costs and environmental benefits by extending product lifecycles and reducing waste. Through this module, participants are equipped with the knowledge to design and assess circular business models in agriculture, promoting resource efficiency and financial sustainability.

Lessons

Introduction 1. Understanding Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) in Agriculture 2. Designing Circular Business Models in Agriculture 3. Case Studies – Circular Business Models in Agriculture References

Module 6. The final module provides a forward-looking view of innovations shaping the future of resource recovery in agriculture. It introduces participants to emerging technologies, including biotechnology, nanotechnology, and advanced waste-to-energy options like hydrogen production and synthetic fuels. Participants learn about potential advancements that could further reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint and enhance sustainable practices. This module encourages participants to consider how future technologies can be integrated into their agricultural systems, equipping them with a progressive mindset to anticipate and adapt to technological advancements in sustainable agriculture.

Lessons

Introduction 1. Emerging Technologies in Resource Recovery 2. Innovations in Energy Recovery from Agricultural Waste References

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Project nr. 101110547.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

SkillsCourses

Technology and Resource Recovery in Agriculture