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MANAGEMENT OF AGRO-PASTORAL SYSTEMS
PARIDE D'OTTAVIO

Seat Agraria
A.A. A.A. 2016-2017
Credits 6
Hours 54
Period 2^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code LM FORESPA W000248

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of Agronomy, Plant biology, Crop science.

Development of the course

The teaching method includes lectures (4CFU) adopting power point presentations (provided in copies to the students), room practical exercises and teamwork activity (involving all the students) and field visits to agro-pastoral farms and mountain areas (2 CFU). The course will be also available through an e-learning version using the Moodle platform. Within this platform, the course will be divided into: (i) teaching materials composed by different learning units; (ii) additional didactic material (e.g., documents, videos, web links, presentations of seminars, …); (iii) self-assessment tests; (iv) information on practicals, field trips, procedures and materials for the teamwork activity.

 

Learning outcomes

Knowledge. The course enables students to acquire the fundamental knowledge about the tools for the analysis of agro-pastoral systems and for the planning of forage resources management at farm and landscape scale.

 

Applying knowledge and understanding. The main aim of this course is to provide the students the skills for a systemic, integrated and participative analysis of complex situations concerning the agronomic issues in agro-pastoral systems in order to identify site-specific management strategies and options adapted to farm and landscape scale.

 

Cross-expertise. (i) making judgements: ability to identify the information needed to the management of the agro-pastoral resources and systems in mountain areas; (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 in the mountain agro-pastoral systems (engineer, architect, biologist, administrator).

 

Program

1. Elements of system analysis of agro-pastoral systems. Classification of pastoral, agro-pastoral and agro-forestry systems (2 ECTS).

2. Tools for the analysis of agro-pastoral systems. Principles of system and participatory analysis.

 Analysis of case studies (2 ECTS).

3. Classification of the crops, with particular regard to cereals, temporary and permanent forage crops. Classification and management of permanent grasslands. Grazing management. Methods for the assessment of the stocking rate. Forage chains (2 ECTS).

 

Development of the examination

Learning evaluation methods

 

Final evaluation will consist of two tests: teamwork activity and oral discussion. (i) The teamwork (teams of 4 students) will analyse a subject shared with the students and, in generally, to be referred to the following topics: analysis of a agro-pastoral system, drafting of a pastoral management plan, planning of the management of mountain permanent grasslands. The project can be started from the beginning of May and will be reported by a team-power point presentation (by the end of the course) and by a final report (personal drafting) to be presented at the exam. (ii) Oral exam will be based on two main questions concerning the main subjects listed in the teaching program. Oral discussion on three of the subjects listed in the teaching program. During the course, there are also going to be available self-evaluation tests (e-learning mode), in order to provide the students useful information about their skill level.

 

 

Learning evaluation criteria

The student, throughout the teamwork will have to demonstrate the knowledge of the criteria used for: (i) the application of the tools for the analysis of the agro-pastoral systems; (ii) the planning of the site-specific strategies and management options adapted at different (farm and landscape) scale.

In the oral classwork, the student will have to demonstrate the knowledge of the main criteria used for: (i) the classification and management of pastoral systems; (ii) the classification and management of crops, with particular regard to the permanent grasslands; (iii) the systemic, integrated and participative analysis of agro-pastoral systems. To pass the oral exam, the student must demonstrate both an overall understanding of the contents using appropriate technical terminology.

 

 

Learning measurement criteria

The final mark is attributed in thirtieths. Successful completion of the examination will lead to grades ranging from 18 to 30 “cum laude”.

 

Final mark allocation criteria

The teamwork gives a score from 0 to 10. The oral examination consists of two main questions concerning the subjects listed in the teaching programme; each of ones will be quantified in the range 0 - 10. The score of the teamwork and those obtained in the oral exam are added together to determine the final grade. The degree of 30 “cum laude” is attributed when the student demonstrates complete mastery of the subject.

 

Recommended reading

Baldoni R, Giardini L, 2000. Coltivazioni erbacee. Cereali e proteaginose. Pàtron ed., Bologna.

Baldoni R, Giardini L, 2000. Coltivazioni erbacee. Foraggere e tappeti erbosi. Pàtron ed., Bologna.

Pearson CJ, Ison RL. 1997. Agronomy of grassland systems. Cambridge Univ. Press.

 

 

Tutorial session

 

Tuesday from 3 pm to 5 pm.

Courses

• C.L.M. Scienze Forestali, dei Suoli e del Paesaggio (FORESPA)