General Info

courseProgram

First part: agroecosystems biophysical factors
The agricultural crop (growth indices). Climate and agricultural crops: solar radiation; evapotranspiration; temeperature; rainfall; effective rainfall.
Cultivated and natural soils: definition, functions, composition; soil profile; fertility and productivity.
Soil texture and particle size distribution: stony soils; sandy soils; silty soils; clay soils; loam.
Soil structure: general aspects and structure types; role of soil structure; assemblage and size of aggregates; stability of aggregates; porosity; factors acting on soil structure.
Soil chemical and physico-chemical properties: composition; soil solution and cation exchange capacity; soil pH; salinity anomalies.
Soil water: measuring soil moisture; soil water potential; water retention curve and its determination.

Second part: agroecosystem management
Soil tillage.
Irrigation: irrigation variables; watering rate; water use efficiency; irrigation timing; seasonal crop water requirements; irrigation methods; irrigation water quality.
Soil organic matter (SOM) and organic fertilizers: types of organic matter and their origin; soil transformations and humic balance; factor acting on SOM transformations; SOM functions; organic fertilization; commercial organic fertilizers.
Mineral fertilization: classification and market requirements of mineral fertilizers; nitrogen fertilizers; phosphate fertilizers; potassium fertilizers; composite mineral fertilizers; crop response to fertilizers; optimal fertilization rate; farm requirements and environmental constraints; fertilization plans; yield quality response to fertilization.
Weed management: preventive measures; physical direct means; chemical weed management.
Cropping systems: species sequence and rotations.

examMode

The assessment of knowledge and skills takes place through an oral examination for the entire programme. In the exam 6 questions are asked in which further discussions, clarification and possible calculations are requested, on the whole programme. The overall assessment is obtained from the sum of the score given to each question, a maximum of 5 points each.
In the evaluation of the test and in the attribution of the final grade will take into account: the level of content knowledge demonstrated (superficial, appropriate, precise and complete, complete and thorough), the ability to apply theoretical concepts (errors in applying the concepts, (sufficient, good, good, well-established), the ability to analyse, synthesis and interdisciplinary links (sufficient, good, excellent), the ability to make critical sense and make judgments (sufficient, good, excellent), mastery of expression ( poor exposure, simple, clear and correct, safe and correct).

books

Textbook:
Authors: P. Ceccon, M. Fagnano, C. Grignani, M. Monti, S. Orlandini
title: AGRONOMIA
edition: EDISES 2017 (http://www.edises.it/universitario/agronomia.html)

Lesson slides, recordings and other material made available by the professor

mode

Teaching will take place with classroom lectures supported by slides and discussion with students, laboratory exercises, educational-experimental agricultural company and visits to farms

Lab practicals in the DAFNE Lab of Soil Physics: 15 hours.
Demonstration of the methods of soil sampling and analysis of the main physical soil properties, including e.g.: soil texture, stability of aggregates, porosity, water retention curve. Demonstration of soil moisture measurements and equipment.
Calculation of a fertilization plan based on soil nutrients balance methodology.

Field practicals: 19 hours
Visits to farms (at least a farm in the Province of Viterbo and a large farm outside the Province) with demonstration of the equipment for soil tillage, fertilization, sowing, irrigation and discussion of the agronomic management carried out by the farm.
Visits to the experimental farm of Tuscia University to demonstrate the equipment available, including agrometeorological instruments.

classRoomMode

Attendance, although not mandatory, is essential to achieve the indicated training objectives, especially with regard to exercises.

bibliography

Luigi Giardini
titolo: L'AGRONOMIA per conservare il futuro (6° edizione)
edizione: Patron Editore Bologna 2012

courseProgram

General part
- Importance of vegetable crop production and floriculture in Italy and in the World
- Classification of vegetable crops and flower crops
- Quality of products (vegetables and flowers)
- Propagation and nursery
- Protected cultivation (greenhouses, tunnels)
- Planning productions and crop rotations
- Cultural techniques: soil preparation, planting, mulching, irrigation, fertilization, weed control, growth regulators, harvest.
Special Part
Economic importance, botanical characteristics, pedo-climatic needs, agronomic techniques, low-input and organic production, utilization of edible product in the main vegetable crops (asparagus, artichoke, cawliflower, lettuce, melon, processing tomato and fresh-market tomato) and flower crops (chirsantemum, gerbera, lilium).

examMode

Oral test with less than 10 students
Written test with more than 10 students

books

Orticoltura. Principi e pratica. di A. Pardossi, G. Prosdocimi Gianquinto, P. Santamaria, 2018. Edagricole-New Business Media
'Biostimolanti per un'agricoltura sostenibile' Ed. Informatore Agrario. Curatori: Colla, Rouphael

classRoomMode

Optional

bibliography

Orticoltura. Principi e pratica. di A. Pardossi, G. Prosdocimi Gianquinto, P. Santamaria, 2018. Edagricole-New Business Media
'Biostimolanti per un'agricoltura sostenibile' Ed. Informatore Agrario. Curatori: Colla, Rouphael

courseProgram

Introduction to plant propagation and modern nursery production. Plant organs, tissues and plant materials used for in vitro culture. Role of micropropagation in nursery production, germplasm conservation and plant biotechnology. Certification of propagation material, genetic and phytosanitary quality, plant variety protection and intellectual property.
Organization and management of a plant tissue culture laboratory. Laboratory layout, equipment, working areas and aseptic procedures. Preparation and sterilization of materials and culture media. Microbial contamination, in vitro disorders and strategies for their prevention and control.
Culture environment and media. Composition of culture media: macro- and micronutrients, vitamins, carbon sources, gelling agents and plant growth regulators. Effects of medium components on the physiological and morphogenic response of explants. Effects of light, temperature, gas exchange, culture vessels and environmental conditions on in vitro growth.
The micropropagation process. Selection and management of stock plants; explant selection and aseptic culture establishment. Shoot multiplication through axillary shoot proliferation and adventitious organogenesis. Shoot elongation, in vitro and ex vitro rooting, acclimatization and transfer to ex vitro conditions. Factors affecting propagation efficiency and major physiological disorders, including hyperhydricity, phenolic oxidation and recalcitrance.
Advanced in vitro propagation technologies. Liquid culture systems and temporary immersion systems, automation and scale-up of micropropagation. Somatic embryogenesis and synthetic seeds. Micrografting and its applications. Embryo culture and embryo rescue; in vitro approaches to overcome reproductive incompatibility.
Sanitation, germplasm conservation and plant characterization. Shoot-tip and meristem culture and other approaches for the elimination of systemic pathogens. In vitro conservation under slow-growth conditions and introduction to cryopreservation. Genetic stability, clonal fidelity and characterization of micropropagated plants.
In vitro cultures as tools for research and plant breeding. Plant cell and tissue cultures and their applications. Cell cultures as biofactories for the production of metabolites and high-value compounds. Somaclonal variation and in vitro selection using osmotic, salt, biological and other selective agents. Elicitors and the study of plant–pathogen interactions.
Protoplasts, genetic transformation and emerging plant biotechnologies. Protoplast isolation and culture, somatic fusion, somatic hybrids and cybrids. Main gene-transfer methods in herbaceous and woody species: Agrobacterium spp., PEG-mediated transformation, electroporation and biolistics. Regeneration of transformed plants and challenges associated with recalcitrant species. Introduction to genome-editing technologies and the role of in vitro culture in next-generation plant breeding.
Production and applied aspects. Planning of micropropagation processes, production costs, automation and economic sustainability. Case studies on woody, fruit, vegetable and ornamental species and critical discussion of scientific papers.
Practical activities: laboratory exercises in Lab.
Seminars: lectures and seminars by researchers and professionals working in micropropagation, nursery production and plant biotechnology.

examMode

Interview. The evaluation consists of an interview to verify the knowledge acquired, to verify the critical ability and the capacity to analyze recent literature. In addition, the student can prepare an in-depth presentation on a topic agreed with the teacher (however, this activity does not exclude the study of the entire program and does not exempt from taking the oral test).
Everyone will be asked a question aimed at ascertaining their ability to carry out basic operations and calculations for the formulation and preparation of the culture media.

books

- Material provided by the teacher
- Pierik R. L. 1999, In Vitro Culture of Higher Plants , Kluwer Academic Publishers
- Triggiano et al 2010, English version
- Hartman e Kester Propagazione delle piante. EDAGRICOLE

mode

Teaching will be delivered in presence , following the Rules of Tuscia University

classRoomMode

course attendance is optional, however strongly recommended.

bibliography

see adopted testbooks

courseProgram

A) rural buildings

- Construction Science
Generalities on elastic bodies, Hooke's law; real behavior of bodies under load; coefficients of resistance and safety.
Simple and Compound Solicitations: Solicitations simple structures with straight axis; diagrams of tensions; solids loaded tip.
Theory of beams: constraints; load mode; diagrams of the bending moment and shear; calculation and verification of isostatic beams.
Snow load, wind load. Method semi-probabilistic limit state. The laminated wood. Design and verification of reinforced concrete structures.

Cows's stables: Types of the stables; design and construction of the stables; organization and sizing of free stalls; structural characteristics of the different areas and the utility rooms.
Stables for calves: General organization of the buildings for the breeding of cattle for fattening; types of fences and paving; management of manure.

Stables for pigs: General organization of pig; classification of piggeries: types of stalls for childbirth: their size; organization of piggeries; types of flooring; management of manure.
Hospitalizations for pigs: General organization of the buildings for the breeding of pigs; classification of piggeries: types of stalls for childbirth: their size; organization of piggeries; flooring; management of manure.

Greenhouses: The greenhouse effect; the energy balance; materials transparent coating; types of greenhouses, sizing, control microclimate.

- Control of environmental conditions
Role of the buildings in the modern farm; basic requirements of the farm buildings.
The energy balance in farm buildings: bio-climatic factors and physical factors that characterize the microclimate; the terms of the energy balance; the air-steam mixture; the psychrometric chart.

B) Topography
Survey instrument and methods, GPS survey, cartography.

examMode

During the course and at the end of this course, students, to access the exam, must set up and draw up some design drawings (plan, section and elevation) of an agricultural building for animal or vegetable breeding. During the preparation of the papers these are subjected to revision by the professor.
For the purposes of assigning the mark, the level of knowledge of the contents, the capacity for analysis, synthesis and interdisciplinary connections, the capacity for critical sense and the clarity of presentation are taken into account.

books

Teaching material provided by the teacher during the course;

mode

Lectures and classroom exercises. Technical visits

classRoomMode

Lectures and classroom exercises. Technical visits

bibliography

Open access scientific articles provided by the professor

courseProgram

Description and classification, crop cycle and environmental requirements, agronomic practices and yield of the following crops:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Corn
- Rapeseed
- Sunflower
- Soybean
- Fava bean
- Chickpea
- Lentil
- Forage crops (alfa-alfa, clovers)

examMode

The oral exam is based on three questions. The first concerns the identification of crop species.
Each question will be evaluated according to a 0-10 score.
The final score will be determined by the following aspects: knowledge, ability to think critically and to summarize, correct use of technical terminology.
The right answer to the first question is compulsory.

books

- Coltivazioni erbacee, Volume 1 - Cereali e colture industriali.
A cura di Giuliano Mosca e Amedeo Reyneri
Edagricole - Edizioni Agricole di New Business Media srl (2023)

- Coltivazioni erbacee, Volume 2 - Aromatiche e officinali, orticole agroindustriali, foraggere e colture a fini ecosistemici ed energetici.
A cura di Giuliano Mosca e Amedeo Reyneri
Edagricole - Edizioni Agricole di New Business Media srl (2024)

mode

Class lectures and practical field training

classRoomMode

Attendance is optional

bibliography

- Coltivazioni erbacee, Volume 1 - Cereali e colture industriali.
A cura di Giuliano Mosca e Amedeo Reyneri
Edagricole - Edizioni Agricole di New Business Media srl (2023)

- Coltivazioni erbacee, Volume 2 - Aromatiche e officinali, orticole agroindustriali, foraggere e colture a fini ecosistemici ed energetici.
A cura di Giuliano Mosca e Amedeo Reyneri
Edagricole - Edizioni Agricole di New Business Media srl (2024)

courseProgram

The course, corresponding to 6 ECTS credits, is organized according to the main production chains of particular relevance to mountain areas. The following topics will be covered during the lectures:
The course, corresponding to 6 ECTS credits, is organized according to the main industrial production chains of the agri-food sector. The following topics will be covered during the lectures:
1. Introductory concepts (0.5 ECTS).
2. Vegetable oils and fats industry (1 ECTS): olive oil extraction technologies, with reference to discontinuous and continuous systems; quality and regulatory aspects of the final product; classification of edible oils. Seed oil extraction: seed preparation, extraction technologies, and refining of crude oils. Basic principles of margarine production.
3. Wine industry (2 ECTS): classification of alcoholic beverages; biochemistry of the winemaking process; principles and main stages of red and white winemaking; sparkling wine production by the traditional method and the Charmat method.
4. Dairy industry (1.5 ECTS): chemical composition of milk. Lactose: solubility, sweetening power, crystalline forms, main fermentations and alterations. Lipid fraction: structure and technological functionality of the milk fat globule. Proteins: classification and main functional properties. Fluid milk: pasteurization, sterilization and main technological treatments. Rennet coagulation and cheesemaking: characteristics and use of rennet, main stages of cheesemaking, influence of raw material quality and technological parameters on the process. Production of the main dairy products, with particular reference to cream, butter and yogurt. Management and valorization of dairy industry by-products.
5. Meat industry (1 ECTS): conversion of muscle into meat; meat tenderization; main preservation techniques; production and characteristics of cured meat products.

examMode

The examination is in oral form. The assessment is expressed in the thirtieth with the possibility of honours. The exam is passed with a minimum vote of 18/30.
The student is assessed based on their knowledge of the course content, ability to analyze and summarise the topics covered, propensity to make interdisciplinary links, and use of correct scientific and technical language.

books

Alais C., Scienza del latte, Tecniche Nuove.
Cappelli P., Vannucchi V., Principi di chimica degli alimenti.
Supplementary teaching materials
Teaching materials provided by the lecturer during the course, including lecture slides, scientific articles, and additional selected materials for further study of the topics covered.

classRoomMode

Attendance is not mandatory

courseProgram

Module 1: Foundations of Agri-Food Economics
Course introduction
Principles of Microeconomics: Markets, Demand and Supply

Module 2: Structure of the Agri-Food System
The Food Industry
Distribution, Catering and Consumption
Italian Agri-Food System: Context analysis and statistical data
Distribution channels and Vertical integration

Module 3: Organizational Forms in the Agri-Food Sector
Cooperatives in the Agri-Food sector: characteristics, functioning and economic role
Producer Organizations (POs) and inter-professional agreements: regulation, structure and market impact

Module 4: Quality and Sustainability
Sustainability of the Agri-Food sector: economic, environmental and social dimensions
Quality Aspects of Agri-Food Products: certifications, designations and valorization

Module 5: Policies and Governance
How the European Union works: institutions, decision-making processes and agri-food policies

examMode

Written or oral exams on the whole program

books

CREA (2022). "L'agricoltura italiana conta 2022". Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’analisi di economia agraria - Centro di ricerca Politiche e Bioeconomia (CREA), Roma. https://www.crea.gov.it/documents/68457/0/ITACONTA+2022_ITA_WEB.pdf/e1c4f49f-5fc4-12eb-180a-07327db02f90?t=1671525618819

Menozzi D. (2023). Economia del sistema agroalimentare. EdiSES Edizioni. Pagine: 460. Capitoli 1; 4, 5, 6, 7 e 8. ISBN9788836231621. https://www.edises.it/universitario/economia-sistema-agroalimentare.html

classRoomMode

Participation in synchronous lessons is recommended, as they facilitate learning through direct interaction and offer the opportunity to take the mid-term written test.

courseProgram

Physics and mechanics applied to machines. Introduction to thermodynamics.
The constitution of agricultural machines (endothermic engines, mechanical and hydraulic transmissions, pneumatic, guide and control organs, tool connection systems, machine safety, ergonomics).
The correct use of agricultural machines (grip, slip control, soil compaction).
Measurement of working times and losses, field yields, operating costs, cost-benefit analysis.
The certification and approval of agricultural machinery.

Physique et mécanique appliquées aux machines. Introduction à la thermodynamique.
La constitution des machines agricoles (moteurs endothermiques, transmissions mécaniques et hydrauliques, pneumatiques, organes de guidage et de commande, systèmes de connexion des outils, sécurité des machines, ergonomie).
L'utilisation correcte des machines agricoles (adhérence, contrôle du glissement, compactage du sol).
La ​​mesure des temps de travail et des pertes, les rendements des champs, les coûts d'exploitation, l'analyse coûts-bénéfices.
La certification et l'homologation des machines agricoles.

examMode

THE EXAM IS HELD IN THE FORMS ESTABLISHED BY ART. 23 OF THE UNIVERSITY EDUCATIONAL REGULATIONS.
The student must know the technology of agricultural driving machines in its construction, functional and operational aspects.

The in itinere test (written) is carried out at the end of the lessons and is reserved for those who attend them. The text concerns the calculation of operating costs, the determination of traction forces, the main topics covered in the course (2-3 questions with a time of 60-90 minutes to complete). The mandatory oral test serves both as an overall verification of the in itinere test and to delve into some aspects not covered in the questions. In particular, the study of a specific model of machine (operating or driving) chosen by the student.
The oral test usually consists of three questions, one of which may clarify the in itinere test.
For those who did not follow and therefore did not take the test in progress, the exam will be oral only and will focus on the entire program.
The ability to summarize, the use of language, clarity of exposition, knowledge of the topics and the use of technical language will be assessed.

Learning outcomes and skills acquired (Dublin descriptors)
1. **Knowledge and understanding:**
The student must know the technology of agricultural tractor machines in its construction, functional and operational aspects.
2. **Application of knowledge and understanding:**
In the written test, the student will apply the knowledge acquired in the creation of a written paper on the calculation of operating costs, the determination of traction forces, the main topics covered in the course.
4. **Communication skills:** It concerns an individual work, with a ppt presentation on a particular model of agricultural machine chosen by the student. The test is reserved for those who wait for them. The illustration trains the student for public presentation.
3. **Judgement skills:** and 5. **Learning skills:**
The mandatory oral exam serves both as an overall assessment of the written exam and to delve deeper into the topics covered in class and the student's learning skills.
The oral exam is normally composed of three questions, one of which possibly clarifies the exam in progress.
For those who did not follow and therefore did not take the written exam, the exam will only be oral and will focus on the entire program.
The ability to summarize, mastery of language, clarity of exposition, ability to express technical judgments, knowledge of the topics and mastery of technical language are assessed.

L'EXAMEN SE DÉROULE DANS LES FORMES ÉTABLIES PAR L'ART. 23 DU RÈGLEMENT DE L'ENSEIGNEMENT UNIVERSITAIRE.
L'étudiant doit connaître la technologie des machines agricoles motrices dans ses aspects constructifs, fonctionnels et opérationnels.

L'épreuve in itinere (écrite) est réalisée à la fin des cours et est réservée à ceux qui y assistent. Le texte concerne le calcul des coûts d'exploitation, la détermination des forces de traction, les principaux sujets abordés dans le cours (2-3 questions avec un temps de 60-90 minutes à compléter). L'épreuve orale obligatoire sert à la fois de vérification globale de l'épreuve in itinere et d'approfondir certains aspects non abordés dans les questions. En particulier, l'étude d'un modèle spécifique de machine (opérante ou motrice) choisi par l'étudiant.
L'épreuve orale se compose généralement de trois questions, dont l'une peut clarifier l'épreuve in itinere.
Pour ceux qui n'ont pas suivi et n'ont donc pas passé l'épreuve en cours, l'examen sera uniquement oral et portera sur l'ensemble du programme.
La capacité de synthèse, l'utilisation de la langue, la clarté de l'exposé, la connaissance des sujets et l'utilisation du langage technique seront évaluées.

Résultats d'apprentissage et compétences acquises (descripteurs de Dublin)
1. **Connaissances et compréhension :**
L'étudiant doit connaître la technologie des machines de tracteur agricole dans ses aspects constructifs, fonctionnels et opérationnels.
2. **Application des connaissances et de la compréhension :**
Lors du test écrit, l'étudiant appliquera les connaissances acquises dans la création d'un document écrit sur le calcul des coûts d'exploitation, la détermination des forces de traction, les principaux sujets abordés dans le cours.
4. **Compétences en communication :** Il s'agit d'un travail individuel, avec une présentation ppt sur un modèle particulier de machine agricole choisi par l'étudiant. Le test est réservé à ceux qui les attendent. L'illustration entraîne l'étudiant à la présentation en public.
3. **Compétences de jugement :** et 5. **Compétences d'apprentissage :**
L'examen oral obligatoire sert à la fois d'évaluation globale de l'examen écrit et d'approfondir les sujets abordés en classe et les compétences d'apprentissage de l'étudiant.
L'examen oral est normalement composé de trois questions, dont une permettant éventuellement d'éclaircir l'examen en cours.
Pour ceux qui n'ont pas suivi et n'ont donc pas passé l'examen écrit, l'examen sera uniquement oral et portera sur l'ensemble du programme.
La capacité de synthèse, la maîtrise de la langue, la clarté de l'exposé, la capacité à exprimer des jugements techniques, la connaissance des sujets et la maîtrise du langage technique sont évaluées.

books

"Slide" delle lezioni
"Slide" des leçons

classRoomMode

Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended, especially for field exercises.

La présence n'est pas obligatoire mais fortement recommandée, notamment pour les exercices sur le terrain

bibliography

Biondi P., Meccanica agraria. Le macchine agricole. UTET, Torino 1999 (text out of print, but some copies are available in the library in via De Lellis)
(texte épuisé, mais quelques exemplaires sont disponibles à la bibliothèque via De Lellis)

courseProgram

Agronomie - concepts de base. Facteurs de production de plantes agricoles Le terrain agricole et sa fertilité. Caractéristiques physiques, chimiques et biologiques. Eau dans le sol: constantes hydrologiques du sol. Sols et substrats naturels. Le climat et les plantes agricoles: rayonnement, évapotranspiration, pluie, température, vent. Choix agronomiques et interventions en relation avec les facteurs climatiques. Gestion des excès d'eau : stagnation des eaux, érosion, aménagements plats et en pente, drainage tubulaire souterrain. Travail du sol : aspects généraux, travail du sol principal, complémentaire et consécutif, travail du sol minimum, non-travail, travail du sol en arboriculture. Fertilisation. Matière organique dans le sol et fertilisation organique. Fumier, eaux usées du bétail. Fertilisation minérale : engrais azotés, e. phosphates, e. potassium, e. composés, e. organominéraux, réponse à la fertilisation, techniques de fertilisation Irrigation: besoins en eau, variables d'irrigation, calendrier d'intervention, méthodes d'irrigation, notes sur la qualité de l'eau. Agriculture en condition de ariditée. Fertirrigation Lutte contre les mauvaises herbes : moyens de lutte préventifs, moyens de lutte physiques, biologiques et chimiques. Rotations et associations des cultures. Semences et matériel de multiplication. Les itinéraires techniques des cultures

examMode

Questions will have the aim to verify the comprehension of the topics discussed during the course and listed in the program.
The oral exam is based on three questions
Each question will be evaluated according to a 0-10 scoring scale, taking into account the following aspects: understanding level of the subject; ability to analyse and sum the topic up, correct use of techical language

books

Matériel fourni par le professeur

classRoomMode

La présence en classe n'est pas obligatoire.

bibliography

Further in-depth material will be recommended by the teacher during the course

courseProgram

The course is structured around the following thematic units:

1. Fundamentals of Livestock and Pastoral Systems
Basic livestock terminology. Productive and reproductive cycles in animal farming systems. Types and organization of extensive and semi-extensive livestock farms. Definition of pastoralism and its historical and evolutionary framework. Classification of pastoral systems (nomadism, transhumance, agro-pastoralism). Comparative analysis of the main pastoral systems worldwide, with particular reference to Mediterranean and European contexts.

2. Pastoral Resources and Ecological Management
Plant and animal resources in pastoral systems. Types of natural and cultivated forage resources in Mediterranean environments. Factors affecting the availability and quality of plant resources. Management of silvo-pastoral resources. Animal feeding in extensive systems. Effects of climate change on rangelands and grazing animals. Livestock biodiversity (species and local breeds) and its role in the resilience of production systems.

3. Health and Management Aspects
Main livestock diseases in extensive systems and an overview of zoonoses. Elements of health management in grazing systems. Interactions between climatic conditions, animal welfare, and productive performance.

4. Socio-Economic Structure and Pastoral Policies
Social organization of pastoral communities. Animal production systems, processing, and marketing. Economic and social challenges of contemporary pastoral systems. Policies supporting pastoralism and instruments of territorial governance.

5. Sustainability and Innovation
Environmental, economic, and social sustainability of pastoral systems. The role of pastoralism in land management and the provision of ecosystem services. Prospects for technical and managerial innovation in integrated livestock systems.

examMode

In accordance with the guidelines of the Degree Programme, the final assessment will take into account the level of theoretical knowledge acquired, the ability to analyse and establish interdisciplinary connections, the capacity for critical thinking and independent judgement, as well as clarity of expression and appropriate use of technical terminology, particularly during the oral examination.

In particular, the evaluation will consider: mastery of the concepts covered during the course; the ability to analyse issues related to livestock and pastoral systems; the capacity to develop interdisciplinary links and formulate well-reasoned critical judgments; and the ability to present arguments in a clear, coherent, and technically appropriate manner.

Assessment consists of a mandatory written examination and, upon request or in specific cases, an additional oral examination.

Written Examination

The written examination is designed to assess students’ theoretical knowledge and understanding of the topics addressed during the course, with particular reference to extensive livestock systems, sustainable management practices, and the innovative approaches discussed in class.

The written test consists of 23 multiple-choice questions, each graded from 0 to 1 point (0 for incorrect or missing answers; 1 for correct answers), and 2 open-ended questions, each graded from 0 to 2 points, based on accuracy, level of detail, analytical ability, and personal critical elaboration (0 = incorrect or missing answer; 2 = excellent, well-structured and well-argued answer).

The maximum score for the open-ended section is 4 points.
The total duration of the written examination is 60 minutes.

Results will be communicated to students via email. In case of refusal of the grade, students may take the additional oral examination.

Additional Oral Examination

Students may request the additional oral examination if they have obtained a score of 16 or 17 in the written test and wish to achieve a passing grade, or if they have obtained a score between 18 and 27 and wish to improve their final mark.

The final grade will be expressed on a 30-point scale.

books

- Gestione dei pascoli e dei territori pascolivi, Andrea Pardini, Aracne Editrice, 2005, ISBN 978-8854802957.
- Teaching materials (slides, scientific articles, technical reports and supplementary resources) provided by the instructor.

classRoomMode

Attendance is not compulsory for the final examination; however, regular and consistent participation in lectures is strongly recommended. Continuous attendance allows students to follow the development of topics in a coherent and structured manner, to actively engage in classroom discussions, to benefit from the instructor’s additional explanations and insights, and to acquire a more effective study method, particularly in view of the specialised and interdisciplinary nature of the course contents.

bibliography

- FAO – La gestione sostenibile dei pascoli e delle risorse pastorali
- Rangeland Systems: Processes, Management and Challenges — a cura di David D. Briske (Springer).

courseProgram

A) rural buildings

- Construction Science
Generalities on elastic bodies, Hooke's law; real behavior of bodies under load; coefficients of resistance and safety.
Simple and Compound Solicitations: Solicitations simple structures with straight axis; diagrams of tensions; solids loaded tip.
Theory of beams: constraints; load mode; diagrams of the bending moment and shear; calculation and verification of isostatic beams.
Snow load, wind load. Method semi-probabilistic limit state. The laminated wood. Design and verification of reinforced concrete structures.

Cows's stables: Types of the stables; design and construction of the stables; organization and sizing of free stalls; structural characteristics of the different areas and the utility rooms.
Stables for calves: General organization of the buildings for the breeding of cattle for fattening; types of fences and paving; management of manure.

Stables for pigs: General organization of pig; classification of piggeries: types of stalls for childbirth: their size; organization of piggeries; types of flooring; management of manure.
Hospitalizations for pigs: General organization of the buildings for the breeding of pigs; classification of piggeries: types of stalls for childbirth: their size; organization of piggeries; flooring; management of manure.

Greenhouses: The greenhouse effect; the energy balance; materials transparent coating; types of greenhouses, sizing, control microclimate.

- Control of environmental conditions
Role of the buildings in the modern farm; basic requirements of the farm buildings.
The energy balance in farm buildings: bio-climatic factors and physical factors that characterize the microclimate; the terms of the energy balance; the air-steam mixture; the psychrometric chart.

B) Topography
Survey instrument and methods, GPS survey, cartography.

examMode

During the course and at the end of this course, students, to access the exam, must set up and draw up some design drawings (plan, section and elevation) of an agricultural building for animal or vegetable breeding. During the preparation of the papers these are subjected to revision by the professor.
For the purposes of assigning the mark, the level of knowledge of the contents, the capacity for analysis, synthesis and interdisciplinary connections, the capacity for critical sense and the clarity of presentation are taken into account.

books

Teaching material provided by the teacher during the course;

mode

Lectures and classroom exercises. Technical visits

classRoomMode

Lectures and classroom exercises. Technical visits

bibliography

Open access scientific articles provided by the professor