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GENERAL AGRONOMY
RODOLFO SANTILOCCHI

Seat Agraria
A.A. A.A. 2016-2017
Credits 9
Hours 81
Period 1^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code STA 3A017

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of plant biology, organic and inorganic chemistry.

Development of the course

The teaching method includes both lectures (6 CFU) and practicals (3 CFU), performed as room exercises and field visits. 

Learning outcomes

Knowledge. The course enables students to acquire the fundamental knowledge on agro-meteorology, physical and hydrological characteristics of agricultural soils and on the basic principles of their water and fertility management.

 

Applying knowledge and understanding. The main aim of this course is to deepen the information already gained with the basic courses, in order to form a technician able to handle the complex agronomic problems typical of modern agriculture.

 

Cross-expertise: (i) making judgements: ability to identify the information needed to manage the main agronomic issues of the agricultural soils; (ii) communications: ability to clearly and exhaustively communicate notions, ideas, problems and technical solutions to interlocutors, either professional or not, representative of the various and specific competencies involved in the management of the cropping systems (farmers, engineer, architect, biologist, administrator).

 

Program

1. Presentation of the course. Importance of the agro-meteorology. Insights on the climatic factors (radiation, temperature, precipitation, wind, air humidity) and their effects on the growth of crops (1 ECTS). Insights on evapotranspiration and water balance (0.5 ECTS).

2. The soil environment. Assessment of the physical characteristics of soils (texture, porosity, structure, etc.) in relation to the growth of crops (1 ECTS). Insights on various aspects of agricultural hydrology (water potential, soil water retention curve, water movement in the soil) (1 ECTS).

3. Water management issues in agricultural soils. Soil water management: importance and application techniques (1 ECTS). Dryland farming. Irrigation: technical elements of irrigation, irrigation systems (1.5 ECTS).

4. Soil tillage: functions, instruments, classification, new guidelines (1.5 ECTS).

5. Management of fertility of soils: nutrient cycling, meaning of the terms fertilization, correction, amendment. Chemical fertilizers, fertilization plans (2 ECTS).

 

Development of the examination

Learning evaluation methods

Final assessment will focus on an oral interview.

Learning evaluation criteria

In the oral classwork, the student will have to demonstrate the knowledge in each of the areas covered in the program.

Learning measurement criteria

The final mark is attributed in thirtieths.

Final mark allocation criteria

The oral examination consists of four main questions that will be quantified in the range 0 – 7.5. The degree of 30 “cum laude” is attributed when the student demonstrates complete mastery of the subject.

 

Recommended reading

Bonciarelli F., Bonciarelli U., 2003. “Agronomia”. Edagricole scolastico, Milano.

Giardini L., 2001. “Agronomia generale, ambientale ed aziendale”. Patron Editore, Bologna.

LANDI R., 1999. “Agronomia e ambiente”. Edagricole, Bologna.

 

Tutorial session

Monday to Friday, from 11 am to 1 pm.

Courses

• C.L.T. - Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie Curriculum TECNOLOGIE AGRARIE (STA - TA)
• C.L.T. - Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie Curriculum VITICOLTURA ED ENOLOGIA (STA - VE)