Aarhus Universitets segl

Exploring the use of soundscapes and other alternative methods to enhance understanding of farms as systems

Main subject area: Farm system analysis, methods, sustainable agriculture, data science

Short project description

Although a wide range of quantitative methods can be applied to farm systems to understand specific biophysical stocks and flows, we are interested in applying systems thinking, and experimenting with innovative methodologies that engage various senses to understand farming systems more holistically. This project includes a review of literature and collecting farm system data from diversified farm system(s). This could include recording soundscapes and visual documentations. The goal is to find methodologies for data collection that simultaneously support societal engagement and data collection for empirically based farm system research that capture aspects of sustainable transitions.

Project start

Flexible

Physical location of project and students work

Flexible location – student may be based at the Viborg or Aarhus campus, or some combination.

Extent and type of project

30 ECTS: Theoretical thesis based on literature studies and/or analysis of issued and edited data sets.

45 ECTS: Experimental theses in which the student is responsible for collection and analysis of his/her own original data

60 ECTS: Experimental theses in which the student is responsible for planning, trial design and collection and analysis of his/her own original data

Relevant articles to read

Quinn, John E., Calla Pederson, Caroline E. Vickery, Emilia Hyland, and James O. Eckberg. "Acoustic indices are responsive to local-scale but not landscape-scale agricultural land use." Ecological Indicators 160 (2024): 111868.

Pijanowski, Bryan C., Almo Farina, Stuart H. Gage, Sarah L. Dumyahn, and Bernie L. Krause. "What is soundscape ecology? An introduction and overview of an emerging new science." Landscape ecology 26 (2011): 1213-1232.