What and for whom?
This advanced course explores biological approaches to sustainable agriculture, addressing the relationship between soil health, biodiversity and agricultural productivity.
Participants will deepen their knowledge of soil physical and chemical properties, nutrient cycles and biodiversity, including the role of microbiota, mesofauna and macrofauna.
The course highlights the application of biofertilizers, beneficial microorganisms, and the management of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), highlighting their importance for soil fertility and crop resilience. It also looks at biological control as a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.
0. Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil
1. Soil Biodiversity - Microbiota, Mesofauna, and Macrofauna
2. Biofertilizers - What are they?
3. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi - Management in Agricultural Systems
4. Biocontrol - What is it, and how can it be used?
How?
This MOOC comprises 5 modules and offers a flexible, self-paced learning experience. Each module includes an asynchronous video session, quizzes, and engaging activities to reinforce key concepts and provide additional educational resources.
The course is delivered in English, with Portuguese subtitles available, making it accessible to agricultural producers, students, and anyone interested in agronomy, biology, or agri-food systems.
You can choose the language in which you want to take the MOOC!
By combining theoretical content with real-world case studies, quizzes, and interactive resources, this MOOC offers a dynamic and practical approach to learning.
Modules content
1. One asynchronous class about the module’s topic
2. Remember - a brief overview of the main concepts covered
3. Explore - Further material to deepen learning and knowledge about the topic
4. The key message is... the most relevant take away
5. Apply your knowledge – exercises to test learning outcomes and facilitate the learners' progress
6. Forum - discuss themes and current and future prospects every week, among others.
The course will run from 1st of May until 1st July.
Registrations are required before 29th April through this link.
Course duration
50h
Investment
Completion certificate
50 €
Enjoy the early bird until April 27th at 40€.
All registrations must be made before 29th April via this link.
Asynchronous classes are taught in English with Portuguese subtitles. The rest of the material will be adapted to the language you choose. You can select the course language when you register.
The course will run from May 1st until July 1st. On May 1st, we will open the course to registered people. You will have 2 months to complete the course asynchronously.
Enjoy the early bird until April 27th at 40€.
Speakers
0. Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil
Rita Castelo Branco is an agronomist with experience in innovation projects and new business development in the agriculture sector. It is with her boots in the field that she feels happy! Has more than one decade dedicated to red fruit production with applied research and supporting the development of more sustainable approaches to production systems, always with the main purpose of doing more with less!
1. Soil Biodiversity - Microbiota, Mesofauna and Macrofauna
Margarida Palma has a PhD in microbiology from Universidade Nova de Lisboa and over 12 years' experience in functional genomics, molecular and cell biology. She has training in sustainable agriculture, organic and integrated production, agricultural business management and beekeeping.
2. Biofertilizers - What are they?
Sofia Pereira holds a PhD in Biology and is a researcher at CBQF and an Invited Assistant Professor at UCP’s Faculty of Biotechnology. Her work focuses on biotechnological solutions for sustainable agriculture and the use of phytoremediation in environmental recovery. She has published over 40 scientific papers and is actively involved in national and international projects, as well as student supervision.
3. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi - Management in agricultural systems
Isabel Brito is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Évora. She holds a PhD in Biology and focuses on the management of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in low-input cropping systems, especially in Mediterranean regions. Her research explores the impact of agronomic practices on AMF diversity and strategies for enhancing soil microbial activity and plant bioprotection.
4. Biocontrol - What is it and how can it be used?
Paula Baptista holds a PhD in Biology from the University of Minho and is a leading researcher in crop protection and sustainable agriculture. She leads projects such as NOVATERRA, OLIVECOA, and BioPest, funded by Horizon 2020 and Portugal 2020. Her work focuses on biological control, plant–pathogen interactions, and microbial characterization, earning her recognition including the "Ciência na Escola" prize.