Unit PRINCIPLES OF SCIENCE OF CULTIVATIONS

Course
Biotechnology
Study-unit Code
A000982
Curriculum
In all curricula
Teacher
Francesco Tei
Teachers
  • Francesco Tei
Hours
  • 42 ore - Francesco Tei
CFU
6
Course Regulation
Coorte 2020
Offered
2022/23
Learning activities
Affine/integrativa
Area
Attività formative affini o integrative
Academic discipline
AGR/02
Type of study-unit
Opzionale (Optional)
Type of learning activities
Attività formativa monodisciplinare
Language of instruction
Italian
Contents
Ecology and agro-meteorology. Crop eco-physiology. Agronomy and agro-systems management (Soil tillage. Water and irrigation management, irrigation systems. Fertilization. Weed control. Crop rotation, inter-cropping. Sowing and planting). Seeds. Types of agriculture. Crop classification.
Reference texts
1. AAVV. Agronomia. A cura di Ceccon et al. Edises s.r.l. Napoli. www.edises.it - info@edises.it. 2017
2. F. Bonciarelli e U. Bonciarelli, agronomia, Edagricole scolastico, Bologna. 2003.
Educational objectives
The course objective is to provide students with the basic knowledge of agro-ecology and agonomy.

In particular:

Knowledge (know)
1. Components of agro-ecosystems.
2. Climatic factors and microclimate at the base of crop production
3. Relations between agronomic fertility and chemical, physical, hydrological, and biological properties of the agricultural land
4. Cultivation System.
5. Agronomic techniques and sustainable management of agroecosystems.

Skills (skills)
1. Measure and interpret the climate and microclimate parameters.
2. Use the methods for the determination of agronomic traits and water status of the soil and interpret the analytical results.
3. Manage the agronomic techniques in compliance with the qualitative, economic and environmental, and learn to predict the affects on the
environment.
4. Adapt the agricultural techniques to the climatic and environmental conditions of specific agricultural areas.
5. Capacity for analysis and synthesis.
6. Capacity of organization and planning.

Behaviors (interpersonal skills)
1. Being able to work in multidisciplinary groups.
2. Be aware of the ecological role of agricultural production techniques.
Prerequisites
nothing
Teaching methods
The course is organized as follows:
- lectures on all topics of the course;
- theoretical lessons and practical training;
- field trips.
Other information
Lectures attendance is optional, but strongly recommended.

Means to help teaching and learning:
- Overheads, slides and videos.
- Technical and scientific papers.
- Reference Books.
- Drafts based on slides.

Learning means (besides attendance to lectures):
- Study on reference books and drafts.
- Reading of technical and scientific papers provided by the teacher.
- Practicing for technical abilities on field crops.
- Practicing for technical and professional abilities on hypotetical farm contexts.
Learning verification modality
The oral exam (duration 60-90 minutes) consists on a discussion aiming to ascertain the knowledge level and the understanding capability
acquired by the student on the theoretical, methodological and practical contents mentioned in the program.
The oral exam will also test the student ability to apply the acquired skills, the student communication skills and his autonomy in the organization and exposure of the theoretical and practical topics.
Extended program
Elements of ecology.
Ecosystems and agro-ecosystems.
Climatic environment: radiation; atmosphere (composition and physical properties, interaction between atmosphere and solar radiation, wind); temperature (air and soil temperature, temperature and vegetation); water (water cycle, atmospheric humidity, hydrometeors, evapotranspiration); climate (elements and climatic factors, climatic classification).
Soil: physical and mechanical characteristics, chemical and biological properties; hydrology and air.
Agricultural techniques and management of agro-ecosystems: agricultural drainage systems; tillage (aims, tools, types); dryland farming (principles and applications); irrigation (aims, types, irrigation techniques, systems and irrigation methods); fertilization (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the plant and in the soil, laws of fertilization, the technique of fertilization, mineral and organic fertilizers); weed control (classification of weeds, indirect and direct weed control methods, non-chemical and chemical weed control methods); crop rotation and intercropping (principles and types); methods of planting crops; seed (agricultural and genetic characteristics). Type of agriculture (conventional, integrated, organic). Crop classification.
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