The course of Applied Microbiology to Cropping Systems aims to provide some knowledges on soil microbiology by applicative point of view and with specific reference to agroecosystem and environmental quality and crop production considering the combined use of beneficial soil microorganisms with agronomic management. The microbiology for plant productivity, waste recycling, composting and for soil biogeochemical cycles will be discussed. Phytostimulation and food safety by rhizospheric microbiome management and microbial plant inocula will be also addressed.
EXPECTED LEARNING RESULTS
• Knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire knowledge and understanding about the microbial ecology and the main microbial taxa for soil biogeochemical cycles and for the management of crop systems.
• Apply knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire the skills to apply the theoretical knowledge of the topics discussed in the course with a critical meaning for the role of bacteria and microbioma in the most important biological processes, in soil and rhizosphere, connected with matter cycling and soil management in the agricultural ecosystems.
• Making judgements: The student will be able to identify the strategy for planning microbial soil management and soil monitoring without being influenced by carriers of interest.
• Communication skills: The student will be able to communicate to third parties relevant information and specific problems for different agrotechnical contexts.
• Learning skills: Additional objectives include improving learning abilities and communication skills, more specifically the ability to present topics related to the microbiology of interface plant-soils and crop systems using appropriate terminology.
Physiology of microbial growth, biofilm growth and control of biofilm formation in soils and in the rhizosphere. Bacterial metabolism: aerobic and anaerobic respiration, fermentation. Nutritional types.
Microbial ecology of rhizopheric soil: microbial rhizospheric ratio, selective microbial enrichment for crop rotation. Microbial selection of zymogen.
Microrganisms and biogeochemical cycling of elements: nitrifiers, diazotrophic bacteria, denitrifiers (nitrogen fixing bacteria), ammonium producing microorganisms. Microbial ecology of decomposition, humus formation and mineralization of soil organic matter (SOM). Priming of SOM and r/K co-metabolic effects. Sustainable agronomic biostimulation of soil and microbiome in rhizospheric habitats by mean of organic farming, organic amendments and soil tillage.
Microrganisms for sustainable agriculture and environmental management: arbuscular mycorrhizae (Glomus spp.); plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR and Probiotic bacteria). Relevant phenotypic traits for PGPR and plant inocula application: rhizosphere competence, production of auxin-like compounds, P solubilization, Iron chelation, production of bacteriocins. PGPR as facultative endophytes: Azospirillum spp., Burkholderia spp., Pseudomonas spp. Biostimulants and microbial biofertilizers for phytostimulation. Application of PGPR and mycorrhizae in sustainable cropping systems, in the intercropping and horticulture.
Nitrogen fixation in free living bacteria and by Rhizobium-Leguminosae symbiosis. Rhizobial biology and ecology in free living state and as symbionts: nodules formation and nitrogen fixation. Management of crop systems and effects of the accessions on rhizobial activity. Strain isolation by means of plants as host trap and management of rhizobial effectiveness in isolates for inocula application: edaphic adaptation of symbiosis (cross row technique). Production and co-formulation of rhizobial inocula for commercial application.
Microbial spoliage of silage and bacterial inocula in food safety. Composting of plant biomass and methanogenic microbioma in soil and for biogas production from waste.
Basic knowledge for bacterial characterization and microbial monitoring in soil and rhizosphere.
examMode
The oral exam for final check will take into account: knowledge and understanding of the topics studied, ability to analyze and apply the contents acquired, independent judgment and presentation and/or argumentative skills.
books
Microbiologia Agroambientale (a cura di B. Biavati, C. Sorlini), CEA Ed. 2008 ISBN 978-88-408-1383-7.
II° Edizione CEA-ZANICHELLI ISBN 978-8808-18054-4. Through the Moodle platform, the "lecture notes" (slides), lecture notes and scientific articles for consultation will be made available to frame the detail of the role of microbiology for agricultural management with special emphasis for soil management.
mode
The teaching will include lectures (44 hours) and the monitoring section will be integrated with 4 hours of field and laboratory exercises.
Lectures will be published on official DAFNE site.
Lectures will take place on Ex Facoltà di Agraria in via San Camillo de Lellis snc Viterbo - VITERBO (VT)
classRoomMode
Optional: the teaching will include lectures (44 hours) and the monitoring section will be integrated with 4 hours of field and laboratory exercises.
Lectures will be published on official DAFNE site.
Lectures will take place on Ex Facoltà di Agraria in via San Camillo de Lellis snc Viterbo - VITERBO (VT)
bibliography
Some references are suggested and will be traked on the "lecture notes" (slides). Through the Moodle platform, the "lecture notes" (slides), lecture notes and scientific articles for consultation will be made available to frame the detail of the role of microbiology for agricultural management with special emphasis for soil management.
14939 - LAND ANALYSIS MANAGEMENT AND AGRICULTURAL MECHANISATION
-
14
-
-
Learning objectives
AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION
The aim of the course is to make know the technology and the typologies of the machines and operators used in the agricultural sector, in order to allow the student to analyze the most suitable mechanization models in the different contexts.
DANILO MONARCA
First Semester
6
AGR/09
Learning objectives
Knowledge and Understanding
The course aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge, analytical tools and organisational instructions relating to agricultural mechanisation and the various development models.
Students will acquire the necessary knowledge of the different types of machinery, their functional, energetic and organisational aspects.
Aspects of the selection and sizing of machinery fleets, the analysis of operating costs and logistics will be examined in depth.
Applied Knowledge and Understanding
The course aims to promote the acquisition by the student of knowledge and understanding such as to
- Understand the elements underlying the correct selection and use of an agricultural machine;
- Design suitable work sites and analyse and quantify their economic aspects;
- Apply new technologies to farms, with regard to precision agriculture, the application of new digital technologies, interactions with the environment, effects on the quality of harvested products.
Autonomy of Judgment
The course aims to develop students' autonomy of judgement, such as:
- Knowing how to size the company's machinery fleet and analyse its operating costs;
- Knowing how to assess the efficiency and quality of the work performed by the machines;
- Assessing the effects on workers' health and safety, the environment and product quality (ISO certification).
Communication skills
The aim of the course is also to enable the student to develop his or her own specific skills through group work, with a simulated lesson using the latest teaching technologies. The illustration in the examination trains the student in public presentation and collaborative work.
Learning skills
The course is designed to foster knowledge of modern agricultural machinery, knowledge that can be used in professional and scientific work. Learning skills are assessed in the final oral examination, in which the student must demonstrate the ability to summarise, clarity of presentation, the ability to make technical judgements, knowledge of the topics and mastery of technical language.
General features of agricultural mechanization and the different development models.
Classification of different types of agricultural equipment: functional, energy and organizational features of farm machines and their use in the field.
Equipments for primary and secondary tillage and seedbed preparation, for fertilization, for seeding, for cultivation operations, for the distribution of pesticides and herbicides, for harvesting and storage of forage and fodder, for harvesting of grain, of industrial crops, of fruit and vegetables. Machines and systems for the preservation of products. Mechanization for precision farming.
examMode
DESCRIPTION OF ASSESSMENT METHODS
THE EXAM TAKES PLACE IN THE FORMS ESTABLISHED BY THE ART. 23 OF THE UNIVERSITY EDUCATIONAL REGULATIONS.
Learning outcomes and skills acquired (Dublin descriptors)
1. **Knowledge and Understanding:**
The student must know and understand the technology of agricultural driving and operating machines in their construction, functional and operational aspects with a view to developing the application of ideas, even in a research context.
2. **Application of Knowledge and Understanding:** and 4. **Communication Skills:**
In the practical test the student will apply the knowledge acquired in the creation of a presentation and in the display of the group work carried out. The work is displayed in class, at the end the teacher and the other students ask questions regarding the topics presented. The test is reserved for those who attend them. The illustration of the practical test also trains the student in group work and public presentation.
3. **Judgment Making Skills:** and 5. **Learning Skills:**
The compulsory oral test serves both as an overall assessment of the practical test and to delve deeper into the topics covered in class and the student's learning abilities.
The oral exam is normally made up of three questions, one of which possibly clarifies the ongoing test.
For those who did not follow and therefore did not take the practical test, the exam will be oral only and will focus on the entire program.
The ability to summarize, the ownership of language, the clarity of exposition, the ability to make technical judgments, the knowledge of the topics and the ownership of technical language are assessed.
books
Slides delle lezioni scaricabili dalla piattaforma Moodle.
M. Lazzari, F. Mazzetto – Meccanica e meccanizzazione dei processi produttivi agricoli. Reda, Torino, 2016
mode
The course is organized as follows:
1- Frontal lessons, where the various topics of the course are explained and some exercises are held to help them understand the subject matter and to facilitate preparation for the exam.
2- Practical activities on the field, at the experimental didactic agricultural farm, and educational visits to farms and specialized fairs. The students, accompanied by the teacher, get in touch with the main agricultural machines, deepening the various aspects.
3 - Team work, in which students are assigned a theme to deepen and be developed for mechanization of a particular crop.
classRoomMode
Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended, especially for field exercises.
bibliography
L. Bodria, G. Pellizzi, P. Piccarolo – Meccanica e meccanizzazione agricola. Edagricole, Milano, 2013.
P. Biondi - Meccanica Agraria. Le macchine agricole. UTET, Torino, 1999 (fuori commercio, reperibile in biblioteca)
MARIA NICOLINA RIPA
First Semester
8
AGR/10
Learning objectives
knowledge and understanding;
The course aims to provide the necessary knowledge for territorial analysis and understanding environmental processes, with a particular focus on the impacts of agricultural activities on environmental systems.
applying knowledge and understanding;
Knowledge related to physical matrices (air, water, soil) is utilized to identify, analyze, and evaluate processes related to rural areas.
making judgements;
During the course, students are involved in producing and presenting a critical analysis of the studied phenomena, offering interpretations and potential solutions by drawing on both the knowledge acquired in the course and other knowledge they possess, using a multidisciplinary approach.
communication skills;
Whenever possible, students will also be involved in activities related to ongoing research projects. Basic knowledge of GIS for territorial analysis will also be provided.
learning skills;
By the end of the course, students will have the tools necessary to analyze environmental issues related to agro-forestry activities.
ELEMENTS OF CARTOGRAPHY
Reference systems and the main systems of map projection
Geographic coordinates
Representation systems: UTM and Gauss Boaga.
Altimetry and digital terrain models.
Italian Cartography IGM
Map reading
ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
CLIMATE
Weather variables and their measurement: solar radiation, air temperature, air humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, rainfall.
Climate and territorial processes: climatic indices, process indicators
SOIL
Origin and characteristics of soils
Soil and territorial processes:
Soil-water relations,
surface runoff,
water erosion, methods of calculation and control strategies
Soil/Land usability:
limiting factors and evaluation methods (land capability, land suitability)
WATER
River systems:
hydrographic network, elements of morphometry, zoning longitudinal and transverse
River systems and territorial processes:
water quality
Lake systems:
characteristics and morphology of the lakes
Lake systems and territorial processes:
eutrophication
Underground aquifers:
characteristics and definitions
Underground aquifers and territorial processes:
alteration of the quality of groundwater, and vulnerability assessment methods (DRASTIC, SINTACS)
AGRICULTURAL NON POINT SOURCES OF POLLUTION
mobility of nutrients and pesticides in water and soil,
methods and models for assessing (GLEAMS).
Methods and strategies for control and mitigation
Best Management Pratices (BMP) definition.
examMode
On examination, the student will explain the content of the report, preparing a presentation (Powerpoint or Word format or other suitable). Three questions about the topics arising from the presentation will be asked. The assessment takes into account: acquired skills in the use of GIS, the knowledge of the topics, quality and clarity of the presentation, the ability to apply their knowledge critically, the ability of interdisciplinary connections. The basic cartography useful to prepare the project, are available on the moodle platform. Non-attending students should send an email request to the teacher at the following address: nripa@unitus.it to get credentials for accessing the platform.
books
Leone A., Ambiente e pianificazione. Analisi, processi, sostenibilità, Franco Angeli Ed., Milano 2011
On moodle platform will be available articles and useful material
mode
The class consists of lectures and of practical GIS application. The first part takes about 32 hours during which students acquires concepts and basic knowledge for representation and characterization of the territory through the analysis of the physical components and the identification of the main territorial processes. The second part takes about 32 hours during which students acquires skills related to the representation of the territory and the use of GIS for spatial analysis through the application of the learned concepts to real case studies, following a guided learning path. This second part takes place in the Geomatics room that is equipped with the QGIS software, an open source software that students can freely install on their PC in order to operate independently to complete the project work to be discussed during the exam.
classRoomMode
Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended especially for the applied activities
bibliography
On moodle platform will be available articles and useful material
Prosdocimi et al 2016 Sc of Tot Env The immediate effectiveness of barley straw mulch in reducing soil erodibility and surface runoff generation in Mediterranean vineyards
Sharma et al 2011 ENv Mon Ass Effect of land use land cover change on soil erosion
- Implementation of the 2012 Soil Protection Strategy
- EC Soil Protection Strategy 2006
- FAO Soil Management Guidelines
15133 - OPTIONAL SUBJECT
First Semester
12
15389 - TRAINING STAGE
First Semester
2
MODULE II
-
-
-
-
D
First Semester
4
AGR/09
RELEVANT BACTERIAL PLANT DISEASES
First Semester
3
AGR/12
Learning objectives
Knowledge about the principal bacterial plant pathogens: Psa and Xylella
NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CROP PROTECTION
First Semester
3
AGR/12
Learning objectives
At the end of the course the student will have learned the definitions of nanotechnologies, nanomaterials; will be able to list the main applications with associated potential and limits of nanomaterials in agriculture; will be able to analyze a scientific text concerning these applications by discriminating the validity of the proposed methods and the possible implications of research on industrial scalability and implementation in everyday contexts.
14838 - CROPPING SYSTEMS
FRANCESCO ROSSINI
Second Semester
6
AGR/02
Learning objectives
1) Understanding of interactions among agronomy, crop science and cropping systems
2) Comprehension of variety of factors affecting crop system management and ability to apply specific solutions
3) Capability to analyze cropping systems with special attention to rotations and agronomic practices applied to crops
4) To be able to describe technical features of cropping systems as well as their peculiarities and critical aspects
5) To be able to face questions speaking with an appropriate technical language.
- The evolution of system theory in different branches of science;
- The cropping system: definition, structure, operating, objectives, limitations, elasticity, safety and model analysis;
- Analysis of the interactions between farming regimes (conventional, organic, irrigated, rainfed), locations (plain, hill, mountain), environments with limitations (parks, suburban strips, degraded lands, areas with high soil erosion risk) and cropping systems;
- Description and analysis of some cropping systems: e.g. cereals, industrial crops, forage, horticultural, fruit crops and for energy production.
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: 1) Aspects of cropping systems; 2) analysis of one cropping system; 3) focus on the agronomic practices of crops present in the discussed cropping system.
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
Coltivazioni erbacee (three volumes). Remigio Baldoni e Luigi Giardini. Ed. Pàtron
Agricoltura blu. La via italiana dell'agricoltura conservativa. A cura di M. Pisante, Ed. Edagricole.
Verso un approccio integrato allo studio dei sistemi colturali. A cura di E. Bonari e P. Ceccon. Ed. Franco Angeli.
Lesson notes
mode
Lessons and field exercises.
On farm visits.
classRoomMode
In-person and online lessons
In-person exercises
bibliography
Further in-depth material will be recommended by the teacher during the course
119882 - SPECIALISED ARBORICULTURE AND FRUIT QUALITY
ROSARIO MULEO
Second Semester
6
AGR/03
Learning objectives
knowledge and understanding;
The information acquired by the students will enable them to understand the biology and phenology of fruit tree production. They will be exposed to the physiological, genetic and agronomic aspects in interaction with the environment, peculiar to achieving a production that guarantees the nutraceutical and functional quality of the fruit, environmental sustainability and producer income.
applying knowledge and understanding;
The knowledge acquired and experience gained through exercises as well as attendance of lectures will enable students to penetrate the topics, and through analysis, and exercising critical methodology to understand the problems in the field and to put forward hypotheses for overcoming them, as well as to formulate innovative use hypotheses, with originality and with multidisciplinary approaches (ecophysiology, plant physiology, arboriculture, chemistry and gronomy), in the use of tree fruit crop plants.
making judgements;
The understanding of biological peculiarities and physiological issues, such as rootstock-graft interaction, their framing in environmental and agronomic processes, and the generation of hypotheses for applications will strengthen the student's ability to synthesise and integrate knowledge and will enable him/her to generate judgements anchored in reality and advance hypotheses for study and agronomic applications to acquire new information in the production of functional fruits with scientific rigor.
communication skills;
The set of experiences conducted will enable the student to expose his knowledge, reflections and conjectures to a wide audience, enriched by extensive knowledge of cultivation, scientific literature and methodologies and with the necessary robustness, as a result of a solid training that will enable him to generate original conclusions. The student will thus be able to address a specialized audience and clearly disseminate knowledge to a broad public.
learning skills;
Through classroom lectures, exercises and study visits, the student will acquire the tools for in-depth independent knowledge and independent thinking
1. The fruit tree plant.
Life and ontogenetic cycle of fruit tree plants. Organography and development of the various organs in interaction with the systems regulating the relationships between vegetative and reproductive activity: role, constitution and utilisation of resources. The role of metabolic pathways in the control of growth and development. Environmental factors and their regulatory action on plant growth and development.
2. Plant, soil and agronomic systems interaction.
Soil and soil-climatic conditions, anthropogenic coenosis of orchards (planting density and planting distances, training forms and plant pruning) in relation to quantitative production and the synthesis and accumulation of nutraceutical compounds. Water consumption in the orchard: reminders on air/plant/soil/water ratios; irrigation and fruit quality.
3. Agronomic factors governing production quality
Agronomic activities and cultivation techniques and fruit quality. Rootstocks and fruit quality. Plant formation pruning and production pruning and fruit quality, vegetative balance and product quality. Fertilisation of the orchard: relationship between fertilisation and quality; production fertilisation; validity of nutrient maps. Cultivated fruit species: role of genotype in fruit quality production.
4. Physiology and biochemistry of secondary metabolites.
Physiology of fruit development: fruit growth, growth rate and physical changes; biochemical changes during fruit development; effect of environmental factors on fruit growth; effect of internal factors on fruit growth; changes during fruit ripening. Environmental factors and fruit quality: abiotic stresses, biotic stresses; light intensity and quality; photoreceptor systems and secondary metabolite synthesis.
5. Fruit ripening and harvesting
Ripening and quality of fruit species at harvest: time of harvest and fruit quality, ripening indices, commercial aspect, organoleptic aspect, nutritional aspect, health aspect.
6. Molecular physiology and biofortified fruit
Notes on the genetic determinants that regulate fruit production and quality and the metabolic pathways of secondary metabolites. Biofortified fruits.
Monographical notes on the main characters and metabolites of apple, pear, peach, cherry, apricot, plum, actinidia, table grapevine, olive and their function in human nutrition and health.
Two CFUs (8 hours) will be dedicated to exercises
1. The exercises conducted in the field, on the University of Tuscia's farm, will concern production pruning for the development of plant structure and fruit production. Thinning for increasing fruit quality in relation to quality production.
2. Some exercises will be conducted in fruit farms in the district and/or the experimental fields of research centres, depending on the availability of funds for the course.
One CFU (8 hours) will be dedicated to laboratory activities and will be conducted in the Laboratory of Molecular Ecophysiology of Tree Plants (room 232)
1. Biochemical and spectrophotometric analyses of the main metabolite groups:
Chlorophyll, Carotenoids, Polyphenols. Analysis of starch, simple sugars, total acidity. Quantification of secondary metabolite contents for the qualitative determination of the fruit.
2. Molecular genotyping analysis of species and varieties with SNP markers using HRMS technology. Analysis and determination of the presence of miRNAs in the fruit for the determination of molecules with a health function.
The analytical determinations will be conducted in the Molecular Ecophysiology of Tree Plants laboratory. TREE CROPS FOR PRODUCTION QUALITY
examMode
The final judgment and grade will evaluate the knowledge and concepts acquired, the ability to analyze problems, to link interdisciplinary knowledge, to formulate hypotheses and judgments, and the mastery and clarity of expression and exposition. The candidate will be asked five questions covering the whole program, each of which will be assessed with a score from 0 to 10. Student may choose to develop a design for an orchard that aims for quality fruit production under sustainable agronomic and economic conditions. Candidates should recognize the main fruit tree species by observing one-year-old branch and growing shoots. The final grade corresponds to the average of the five individual votes.
In critical situations, such as peculiarities of one or more candidates, the examination can be carried out in written form with five open-ended questions, assessed as for the oral one. Candidates will be given one and a half hours to answer.
books
Monografie della collana “Coltura & Cultura” (melo, pero, pesco, olivo, Vite) edite da Bayer CropScience srl Milano, Alcuni Capitoli saranno forniti dal docente
Zucconi F. Nuove tecniche per i frutteti: Fisiologia e metodi innovativi nell'allevamento di fruttiferi. Edagricole.
Arboricoltura Generale. A cura di S. Sansavini et al, 2012. Patron Editore, Bologna
Nuove frontiere dell'arboricoltura italiana. A cura di S. Sansavini. 2007. Alberto Perdisa Editore
Arboricoltura Speciale, a cura di Gentile, Inglese; tagliavini, 2022. Edagricola
Da parte del docente saranno dati delle review sui metaboliti secondari e la loro sintesi nei frutti.
mode
The course features up to 60% of the hours in the classroom, and the remaining 40% administered as field laboratory activities, visits in farms. Phenological and plant development observations are carried out, together with the pruning of plants. Metabolites and health functional molecules measurements and other fruit quality parameters will be measured in some fruit crops. Lectures will be supported by powerpoint presentations of the issues and will be available to students to promote further discussion. Additionally, novelty articles published recently and/or during the teaching period will be distributed and discussed with the aims to advance the knowledge on the topics of the teaching subjects. Therefore, students will be called to the debate to increase understanding and hypothesize possible solutions.
classRoomMode
Optional
Although attendance is not compulsory, it is strongly recommended for the exercises
bibliography
Monografie della collana “Coltura & Cultura” (melo, pero, pesco, olivo, Vite) edite da Bayer CropScience srl Milano, Alcuni Capitoli saranno forniti dal docente
Zucconi F. Nuove tecniche per i frutteti: Fisiologia e metodi innovativi nell'allevamento di fruttiferi. Edagricole.
Arboricoltura Generale. A cura di S. Sansavini et al, 2012. Patron Editore, Bologna
Nuove frontiere dell'arboricoltura italiana. A cura di S. Sansavini. 2007. Alberto Perdisa Editore
Arboricoltura Speciale. 2022. A cura di Gentile A., Inglese P., Tagliavini M. Edagricole Editore, Bologna.
Da parte del docente saranno dati delle review sui metaboliti secondari e la loro sintesi nei frutti.
119885 - ECO-SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES IN THE PROTECTION OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS
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12
-
-
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide the essential training objectives for managing the entomological challenges posed by newly introduced insects in the European territory. Students will become familiar with the supranational, European, and Italian systems involved in the alerting and management of non-native insects. Students will participate in group activities to formulate an appropriate strategy for monitoring and initial control of alien insects; they will engage in practical actions involving the description and management of case studies related to plant protection from phytophagous insects. Additionally, students will attend specialized seminars with entomologists and professionals from Italy and abroad. These activities will enable students to develop independent judgment in identifying new phytophagous insects in the European territory and in formulating control strategies. The course will also help students acquire communication skills to provide operators with knowledge about innovations in regulations and phytosanitary strategies.
1) Knowledge and Understanding
The course aims to develop in students’ knowledge and understanding, such as:
· Knowing and understanding the main characteristics of the entomological world
· Knowing the principles of insect movement around the world
· Knowing and understanding the international and national organizations of phytosanitary systems
2) Applied Knowledge and Understanding
The course will allow the application of knowledge and understanding, enabling, for example:
· Using the EPPO platform
· Ability to interact with national institutions dedicated to safeguarding agricultural production
· Identifying the most environmentally sustainable approach to controlling newly introduced entomological threats on national territory in accordance with current regulations
3) Judgment Autonomy
The course will help develop judgment autonomy at various levels, such as:
· Identifying new entomological issues on national territory
· Proposing the most appropriate monitoring and control strategies
4) Communication Skills
Attending lectures and exercises, and independently utilizing the provided materials will facilitate the development and application of communication skills, such as:
· Providing a sufficient range of practical examples for the application of rapid recognition and control systems
· Using an appropriate and up-to-date agronomic technical vocabulary
5) Learning Skills
Attending lectures and exercises, and independently utilizing the provided materials will help consolidate one’s learning skills, allowing, for example:
· Stimulating an independent program of continuous knowledge updating
· Independently identifying ways to acquire information from farmers’ experiential knowledge and agronomists’ professional knowledge
· Identifying and utilizing the most useful sources of information for personal updating.
MODULE II
STEFANO SPERANZA
First Semester
6
AGR/11
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide the essential training objectives for managing the entomological challenges posed by newly introduced insects in the European territory. Students will become familiar with the supranational, European, and Italian systems involved in the alerting and management of non-native insects. Students will participate in group activities to formulate an appropriate strategy for monitoring and initial control of alien insects; they will engage in practical actions involving the description and management of case studies related to plant protection from phytophagous insects. Additionally, students will attend specialized seminars with entomologists and professionals from Italy and abroad. These activities will enable students to develop independent judgment in identifying new phytophagous insects in the European territory and in formulating control strategies. The course will also help students acquire communication skills to provide operators with knowledge about innovations in regulations and phytosanitary strategies.
1) Knowledge and Understanding
The course aims to develop in students’ knowledge and understanding, such as:
· Knowing and understanding the main characteristics of the entomological world
· Knowing the principles of insect movement around the world
· Knowing and understanding the international and national organizations of phytosanitary systems
2) Applied Knowledge and Understanding
The course will allow the application of knowledge and understanding, enabling, for example:
· Using the EPPO platform
· Ability to interact with national institutions dedicated to safeguarding agricultural production
· Identifying the most environmentally sustainable approach to controlling newly introduced entomological threats on national territory in accordance with current regulations
3) Judgment Autonomy
The course will help develop judgment autonomy at various levels, such as:
· Identifying new entomological issues on national territory
· Proposing the most appropriate monitoring and control strategies
4) Communication Skills
Attending lectures and exercises, and independently utilizing the provided materials will facilitate the development and application of communication skills, such as:
· Providing a sufficient range of practical examples for the application of rapid recognition and control systems
· Using an appropriate and up-to-date agronomic technical vocabulary
5) Learning Skills
Attending lectures and exercises, and independently utilizing the provided materials will help consolidate one’s learning skills, allowing, for example:
· Stimulating an independent program of continuous knowledge updating
· Independently identifying ways to acquire information from farmers’ experiential knowledge and agronomists’ professional knowledge
· Identifying and utilizing the most useful sources of information for personal updating.
Definitions and general information about insects that could potentially be newly introduced into the national territory. The dietary regimes of insects. The phenology of insects and plants. The logic of global trade as a risk factor in the movement of insects. The HUB and SPOKE logic in insect movement. The IPPC and EPPO. Pest Risk Analysis (PRA). The central phytosanitary service and the regional phytosanitary service. Case studies and integrated and biological control strategies against some phytophagous insects recently introduced into European territory and of agricultural interest. Throughout the course, numerous seminars will be conducted with instructors and recognized figures from the scientific and technical communities who are experts in low-environmental-impact control of phytophagous insects.
During the course, an experimental activity will also be conducted through group work to develop the ability to interpret the types of insects at risk of invading the national territory and to formulate hypotheses for the best low-environmental-impact control strategies.
examMode
The final grade will take into account the knowledge and concepts acquired, the ability to analyze problems, to link interdisciplinary knowledge, to formulate hypotheses and judgments, mastery and clarity of expression and presentation.
A presentation card for a phytophagous insect on the EPPO Alert List needs to be constructed. The student will be given 30 minutes to develop the card. The student will then have 30 minutes to present the card.
books
Teaching material made available to the student on the Google Classroom UNITUS platform.
classRoomMode
There will be lectures, seminars conducted by national and international experts, classroom exercises and activities in selected companies in the province of Viterbo.
bibliography
Pollini A. - Manuale di Entomologia applicata - Edagricole, Bologna
Tremblay E. - Entomologia agraria - Liguori Editore. Napoli.
Maurizio Severini e Simone Pesolillo - Modelli per la difesa delle piante. Aracne Editrice.
Viggiani G. - Lotta biologica e integrata nella difesa fitosanitaria. Vol.2: Lotta integrata - Liguori Editore, Napoli, 1994
AA.VV. Edible insects: Future prospects for food and feed security. FAO Forestry Paper 171. 2013. 187 pp.
MODULE II
SARA FRANCESCONI
First Semester
6
AGR/12
Learning objectives
Eco-sustainable strategies in the protection of agricultural crops (part of plant pathology) is a teaching that has the objectives of:
1) Highlight the main characteristics of phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi;
2) Transfer knowledge about the eco-sustainable principles of phytopathological defense;
3) Provide the practical-applicative phytoiatric knowledge with particular reference to the agrochemicals allowed under eco-sustainable and organic agriculture for the protection of agricultural crops;
4) Describe case studies of bacterial and fungal diseases affecting the main agricultural crops both in phytopathological terms and in terms of the development of eco-sustainable protection approaches.
What is plant pathology, bacteria, fungi and viruses. Conventional strategies to control plant diseases: conventional pesticides (fungicides and copper salts), resistant varieties, agronomic techniques, previsional models. Innovative strategies to control plant diseases: the new green deal and the reduction of pesticides in agricolture, natural sobstitutes to conventional pesticides, natural-based molecules, antagonist microrgansism, nanotechnology, plant phenomics, genetically modified organisms. Pathogend detection: conventional and classical detection, serological methods, molecular methods, in-field methods.
examMode
At the beginning of the course, each student will receive a case study and the study will develop a power point presentation. At the beginning of the course it will be decided if the student will present its project during the course as a flipped classroom or during the exam session, depending on the numerosity of the course. Answers about the course will follow during the exam session.
books
Slides and papers furnished by the teacher
mode
Frontal lectures, didactic visits, lab
classRoomMode
Not mandatory
bibliography
Slides and papers furnished by the teacher
MODULE II
-
-
-
-
LEGISLATION AND CASE STUDIES FOR PROFESSIONAL AGRONOMISTS
First Semester
8
AGR/01
Learning objectives
Assessment based on the level of knowledge of the contents, the ability to apply the theoretical concepts, the ability to analyze, synthesize and interdisciplinary connections, the correct use of technical language.
Discussion of the appraisal report written by the candidate during the course.
D
First Semester
4
AGR/09
First Semester
3
AGR/19
Learning objectives
The teaching has the general objective of acquiring knowledge on the effect and impact of climate change on the physiology, metabolism, production, well-being and health of farm animals and on the adaptation systems useful for reducing the negative effect of exposure of animals to heat stress conditions.
1) Knowledge and understanding - The student will gain basic and advanced knowledge relating to the effects that climate change (global warming) has on the health and production efficiency of animals in livestock systems.
2) Applied knowledge and understanding - The knowledge and skills acquired will allow the student to apply the knowledge to case studies relating to the management of farm animals exposed to heat stress conditions.
3) Making judgment - The students will acquire the ability to independently develop their own assessments regarding the resolution of problems relating to the management of animals exposed to heat stress conditions.
4) Communication skills - The student will be able to effectively communicate what they have learned using suitable, clear and highly professional language.
5) Learning skills - The student will be able to develop the ability to learn the critical approach to assessing the condition of well-being of animals exposed to heat stress conditions.
CARTOGRAPHY AND DIGITAL SOIL MONITORING
First Semester
6
AGR/14
Learning objectives
The main objective of the course is to provide knowledge of the methods and tools for observing and analyzing the territory, offering advanced insights into Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, and spatial analysis of territorial data.
Knowledge and understanding
The student will acquire specific skills related to the acquisition of georeferenced data available from major databases (such as the National Geoportal, ISTAT database, Copernicus, Regional Web GIS, etc.), the analysis and processing of such data, and the production of georeferenced data through monitoring or derived from spatial analyses. Whenever possible, students will be involved in activities related to ongoing research projects.
Applying knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course, the student will be familiar with the fundamental elements of cartography and digital cartographic representation. They will be able to create thematic maps related to territorial elements, conduct spatial analyses of various phenomena, and develop a cartographic project. The student will have gained proficiency in using GIS software and employing remotely sensed images for territorial analyses.
Making judgements The course aims to develop analytical skills at the territorial scale with the goal of proposing technical and practical solutions
Communication skills
The student will be required to produce an exam work by applying the acquired knowledge, conducting part of the work independently and part in a group to promote learning ability and work autonomy.
Learning skills
During the course, the student will be able to develop learning skills through active participation. Throughout the lessons, the student will have the opportunity to identify methods for acquiring and updating information, select and utilize the most useful sources, apply the acquired knowledge, and assess their own level of learning.
SUBJECT
SEMESTER
CFU
SSD
LANGUAGE
14841 - AGRICULTURAL POLICY AND FARM MANAGEMENT
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12
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-
Learning objectives
The course aims to develop the knowledge and the ability to understand the conditions of profitability and financial sustainability of a farm through the ability to reconstruct:
a. the technical-structural and economic characteristics of the farm, framing and attributing an economic value to the elements of Working Capital, Fixed Capital (here determining the depreciation rates), Third Party Capital, and Net Capital (beginning and end of the administrative year).
b. The value of total revenues, variable costs, added value, gross income, fixed costs, operating and net income, the main taxes and duties applied in agriculture.
c. The availability and work needs of the various company activities.
d. The profitability of the farm with the estimate of capital income and income from work.
e. The general conditions of the equity structure with the relevance of the various types of third party capital and the various types of debt.
f. The financial conditions of farms and their ability to generate cash flows and liquidity to counter the processes of obsolescence and senescence, as well as support the investment process.
All these acquisitions will have to develop knowledge and understanding skills applied to real farms through an ability to design management and investment activities in agriculture, in particular, specifying the Business Plan of an investment project in a farm.
The ability to make independent judgments will be developed by processing the data of a real farm, specifying its balance sheet, income statement and main structural and technical characteristics. Based on those data, the student will have to reconstruct an investment project for that company, verifying its economic and financial sustainability by calculating the indicators of ROI, ROE, ROS, equity indices and financial cash flow indicators. The student must also be able to reconstruct the evaluation of a project through the Cost-Benefit Analysis.
The student's communication skills will be developed by preparing and presenting a report based on Powerpoint slides and relating to the economic and financial condition of the company and the results of the investment project.
The learning skill will be developed and evaluated with reference to the development of an investment project, designed independently and original by the student based on the data of a real farm provided by the teacher.
SIMONE SEVERINI
Second Semester
6
AGR/01
Learning objectives
The course aims to develop knowledge and the ability to understand agricultural policy and agri-food product markets. More specifically, the course is focused on: a) the economic processes that characterize the national and international markets of agri-food products, as well as the structural evolution of the agri-food system; b) the role of EU Agricultural Policies in the management of agricultural markets, in the pursuit of environmental sustainability, in determining the results and economic choices of agricultural businesses and in rural development.
This knowledge and this ability to understand must be applied to the economic reality in which the master's graduates will operate.
The objective is that they can thus develop an autonomous ability to make judgments on the issues of economic sustainability of the sectoral realities in which the graduates will operate, of the production activities that take place within the agri-food system and of the agri-food markets.
For this reason, we intend to develop adequate communication skills to operate in professional activities related to the application of agricultural and rural development policies and the functioning of agri-food markets.
The final objective is to develop in graduates an adequate ability to learn, especially in the field of ongoing training, to adapt to the continuous evolution of agricultural and rural development policies, as well as market conditions.
Part A. Characteristics and evolution of agri-food product markets.
Introduction: Transforming our food systems for a sustainable world without hunger.
A.1. Structure of the agri-food system (SAA):
A.2. Italian agri-food trade balance:
A.3. Evolutionary trends in the markets and prices of agricultural products:
A.4. Riskiness of business activities:
Part B. Agricultural policy.
B.1. Introductory elements on the Community Agricultural Policy (CAP).
B.2. The first pillar of the CAP (Market and direct income support policies).
B.3. II pillar of the CAP (Rural development policies).
• General part: Definition, objectives and general principles of rural development policy.
• Special part: The structure of the Rural Development Plan of the Lazio Region. Analysis of some measures.
examMode
Verification of the achievement of the training objectives is carried out through an oral test which is based on three questions relating to the topics indicated in the programme. The judgment and final grade will take into account the results of the oral exam. The judgment considers the knowledge of the concepts acquired and the ability to analyze problems, to connect interdisciplinary knowledge, to formulate hypotheses and judgements, as well as the mastery and clarity of expression and exposition. Each question in the oral test is evaluated with a score from 0 to 10.
For attending students, there is an ongoing written test which serves to verify and make students verify the level of preparation they are acquiring, to encourage them to follow the course and to identify any problems. This last aspect is useful for carrying out any corrective interventions in the program and returning with lessons on some parts of the program that are unclear. This test consists of 10 different questions, both open-ended and closed-ended, as well as relating to numerical and graphical exercises. This test is evaluated out of thirty considering up to three points for each question. It can be used for the purpose of the overall evaluation and, in case of acceptance by the student, it is averaged with the score of the oral exam.
books
Messori F. e Ferretti F., "Economia del mercato agro-alimentare". Edagricole. 2010 Pagine: 2-44.
Mariani A. e Viganò E. "Il Sistema Agroalimentare dell'Unione Europea". Carocci Editore. Roma, 2002. Pagine: 91-114; 175-186.
Severini S.. Notes.
Severini S. Presentations developed by the instructor.
Sotte F. “La politica agricola europea. Storia e analisi”. Firenze University Press. 2023. - https://agriregionieuropa.univpm.it/it/content/journal/la-storia-della-pac
mode
The training objectives are achieved through lectures, classroom exercises, group work, learning tests, as well as seminars with sector operators and technical visits to production and professional realities.
classRoomMode
In the assigned classrooms.
bibliography
CREA (2024). "Italian Agriculture in Figures 2023". 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+2023_INGLESE_def_WEB+%281%29.pdf/e3c63e1f-65b7-6739-7a22-195b4ae60a66?t=1715264854341
The knowledge developed in the master’s degree in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences LM69 requires that the student, a future agronomist, in addition to being able to evaluate the profitability conditions in which the agricultural business operates, be able to identify possible improvements in its management, as well as investments that can preserve and develop its competitive capacity.
This knowledge and understanding must be related to three elements:
1. Procedures for determining the income of agricultural businesses, as well as evaluating the profitability of invested capital and the work carried out by the farmer and his family assistants.
2. Adaptation to the peculiarities of agricultural businesses of the classic methods for determining and evaluating the asset structure (short and long-term indices and margins), as well as the financial conditions [operating cash flows (FCFO) and cash flows to equity (FCFE)].
3. Construction of a business plan of an investment project in a farm, which identifies technical-economic, patrimonial and financial characteristics in the pre-investment condition; changes to these conditions in the implementation phase of the investment; technical-economic, patrimonial and financial structure of the farm with the investment in operation.
The acquisition of this knowledge is verified with a written test.
The student's autonomy of judgment and learning skills are achieved by developing an analysis and design work for an investment or a management change. For this purpose, students are divided into groups that are provided with data from real farms, extracted anonymously from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). Students must develop autonomy of judgment on the technical-economic, capital and financial condition of these farms. Then, they must demonstrate learning skills by defining the peculiarities of an investment hypothesis for those farms, of which they must evaluate the technical-economic, patrimonial and financial implications of the implementation. The project must be presented as a written report, accompanied by Excel tables relating to the various technical, economic and financial analyses.
The ability to communicate the peculiarities and results of the project must be expressed in an oral test, which is designed as the presentation of a request for financing to a bank or a public institution. The students of each group, using PowerPoint presentations, in turn and with reference to the various sections of the project, will have to describe the conditions of the farm in the pre-investment period, in the investment implementation phase and in the investment situation at full capacity.
DETERMINATION OF INCOME AND PROFITABILITY IN AGRICULTURAL BUSINESSES
Structure of the agricultural business and characteristics of production techniques. The work used by the farm. Structural, technical and economic aspects of the agricultural business with reference to hazelnut production, sheep breeding and dairy cattle breeding. The balance sheet and the income statement of the agricultural business. Investments, debt and calculation of the repayment installments of borrowed capital. Indices for an economic evaluation of the economic results of an agricultural business. The remuneration of the production factors provided by the entrepreneur and his family. Profitability indices (profitability of invested capital - profitability of the work carried out by the entrepreneur and his family). Public support and the economic results of the agricultural business without public aid: the case of the single farm payment (PUA).
DETERMINATION OF PROFITABILITY, CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY IN A FARM THAT PRODUCES SHEEP MILK
Introduction.
General aspects of business management. Managed plots: acquisition and construction costs of tree plants. Partial wear and tear capital: amortization and repayment of debts. Calculating the repayment installments of borrowed capital. The labor employed by a dairy sheep farm. Technical and economic aspects of dairy sheep farming. The balance sheet of a dairy sheep farm. The income statement of a dairy sheep farm. Indicators for evaluating the results of the dairy sheep farm. Compensation for production factors provided by the entrepreneur and his family. Profitability indicators. Indicators of asset structure (margins and short and long-term ratios) and financial (cash flows). The results of the dairy sheep farm without the Single Farm Payment (PUA). The production of liquidity to repay the debt (FCFO-FCFE).
EVALUATION OF THE INVESTMENT PROJECT OF A DAIRY FARM THAT REQUIRES A PSR CONTRIBUTION TO PURCHASE MACHINERY.
The Balance Sheet in the year preceding the investment. The Profit and Loss Statement in the year preceding the investment. The change in the year in which the investment is made. The change in the structure of the dairy farm in the final year of the process. The synthetic judgment and the admissibility criteria of the business plans for the PSR of the Lazio Region.
EVALUATION OF PUBLIC INVESTMENTS BY COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS
Cost-Benefit Analysis. Calculating the present value of benefits and costs. Applications of Cost-Benefit Analysis. Defining objectives. The effects of the investment. The case of the construction of a cherry orchard.
PRACTICAL EXERCISES
Practical exercises involve the analysis of real agricultural companies, whose data are extracted, completely anonymous, from the Agricultural Accounting Information Network (RICA). Students are guided to define the economic and financial structure of these companies, and to evaluate their economic, equity and financial condition using the relevant indices. Furthermore, students are guided to define the technical and economic characteristics of an investment hypothesis (arboriculture, livestock farming, herbaceous crops, horticulture and greenhouses, product transformation, agritourism, machinery and equipment, agricultural structures) and to evaluate the economic, equity and financial implications of its implementation.
examMode
The student will have to take a written test and a test for the implementation of an investment project in an agricultural company.
The written test will take place during the teaching period. It will concern the theoretical section of the program and will have the objective of verifying the knowledge of the methods of evaluating profitability, the asset structure and the financial condition of agricultural production activities. The same applies to the theoretical characteristics of cost-benefit analysis. This test will be given a score out of thirtieths.
The student who during the course period is unable to participate in the written test will take it when the project is delivered. This must be done at least 7 days before the exam session.
The implementation of the investment project will take place on the basis of data from a real agricultural business, extracted anonymously from the FADN network. Students attending the Course will be divided into groups of 1, 2, 3 or 4 people, each of whom will be provided with data on a specific agricultural company. During the lessons, as a practice and in-depth activity, the teacher will assist the various groups in preparing their project. At the end, the various groups will deliver the written project to the teacher and will present it in an exam session. The teacher will assign a grade out of thirtieths to the project and a grade out of thirtieths to the presentation of each individual student.
The final score of the individual student will be the average of the score of his written test, the score of the project and the score of his project presentation. The exam will be passed if the average of these three scores is greater than or equal to 18/30.
books
Economics and Management of Agricultural Business, Gabriele Dono, 2024 publisher Fernandez, Viterbo
- part 1 - basic elements for economic, equity and financial analysis in agricultural businesses;
- part 2a - equity and financial indicators in an dairy sheep farm;
- part 2b - Business Plan for investment in a dairy cattle farm;
- part 3 - Cost-Benefit Analysis.
mode
The teaching will take place with lectures and class exercises.
The lessons and practical exercises concern the analysis of the technical-structural and economic data of real farms, extracted anonymously from the Agricultural Accounting Information Network (FADN). The exercises guide students to frame and attribute an economic value to the elements of Working Capital, Fixed Capital (here determining the depreciation rates), Third Party Capital, and Net Capital (start and end of the administrative year). Then, the exercises guide the students to define the value of the Income, of the Variable Costs, of the Added Value, of the Gross Income, of the Fixed Costs, of the Operating and Net Income, of the main Taxes and taxes applied in agriculture. The exercises also guide the students to evaluate the profitability of the farm by estimating the income of capital, and the income of labour. In the same way, students will be guided to evaluate the patrimonial and financial conditions of the farm. All these knowledges will allow to specify the Business Plan of an investment project on a farm. In this regard, the class students will be divided into groups of 4-5 units, each of which will be provided with the data concerning the balance sheet, the income statement and the main structural and technical characteristics of a real farm. Based on those data, students will have to reconstruct an investment project of that farm, verifying its economic and financial sustainability by calculating the ROI, ROE, ROS indicators, the capital ratios and the financial cash flow indicators. The exercises will serve to discuss the problems of specifying the economic and financial results of the farm activities and the construction of the investment project.
classRoomMode
Attendance is optional, even if the student is invited to follow the lessons of the Course which will be held with two weekly sessions, lasting 2 hours each.
The teaching method includes two phases: the first with theoretical lessons, the second with exercises for the construction of the budget and of an investment project in an agricultural company and its economic and financial evaluation. The exercises on the construction of the budget and the investment project are based on real farm data that will be delivered to the students in the first lessons of the Course.
More specifically, the first phase of the course lasts about 25 hours and includes classic lectures, dedicated to the theoretical bases on the construction of the economic balance of the farm, as well as on the assessment of its conditions of profitability, capital structure and financial sustainability. . This phase takes place in the first half of the course and is conducted by comparing the classic system of compilation and reclassification of the economic balance with the system adopted by the Agrarian Accounting Information Network (RICA), managed by CREA-PB. At the end of this phase the student will be subjected to a written test (exemption) of the acquired knowledge which will be associated with a grade: this grade will weigh for one third of the final result of the exam.
The second phase of the course lasts about 25 hours and consists of exercises on the construction of the economic balance and an investment project in a real farm. These exercises are based on technical, structural and economic data of real farms. They also investigate the problems of companies whose data will have been delivered to each of the groups of students constituted in the first lessons of the Course. The exercises concern the problems of constructing the economic balance of the various types of farms (dairy and meat livestock, arboreal, greenhouse and open field, etc.) as well as the various types of investment projects (renewal of the machinery, establishment of new orchards, construction of new stables and processing plants, marketing of products and farm holidays, etc.). Further investigations will be carried out to clarify students' doubts about the farm data provided to each working group, as well as about the problems posed by the investment whose implications on farm profitability, capital structure and financial condition they want to evaluate.
bibliography
Baumol, W., Panzer, J. and Willig, R., 1982, Contestable Markets and the Theory of Industry Structure, New York, Harcourt Brace, Jovanovich.
Bruni F., Franco S., 2003, Economia dell’impresa e dell’azienda agraria, FrancoAngeli, Milano.
Bruni F., 2000, Lezioni di Contabilità Agraria, collana DEAR, sezione Materiali didattici, Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Viterbo.
Cerioli, D. (2016) – Costo del lavoro: profili retributivi, contributivi e fiscali, Diritto & Pratica del Lavoro, 42/2016.
De Benedictis, M., Cosentino V. (1979) – Economia dell’Azienda Agraria, Il Mulino, Bologna.
De Luca G., De Rosa C., Minieri S., Verrilli A., 2014, Dizionario di Economia Politica Gruppo Editoriale Esselibri - Simone, Napoli
Fontana C., 2017, La fiscalità delle imprese agricole. G. Giappichelli Editore – Torino Galbraith J.K., II nuovo stato industriale, Einaudi, Torino, 1968
Giacinti R., Tellarini V., Salvini E., Di Iacovo F., Andreoli M., Moruzzo R., Olivieri D., 2002, Analisi e gestione economico-contabile per l’impresa agro-zootecnica, Franco Angeli,
Milano.
Giunta e Pisani, 2008, Il bilancio, APOGEO, Milano
Grillenzoni M., Grittani G. e Malagoli C., 2007, ESTIMO, Manuale di Ingegneria Civile e Ambientale, ZANICHELLI, Bologna, 2007.
Iacoponi L., Romiti R., 1994, Economia e Politica Agraria, Edizioni Agricole del Sole 24 Ore, Bologna.
Malagoli C., 2007, Estimo territoriale e ambientale, ARACNE EDITRICE, Roma, 2007, pagg. 487.
Mantino F., a cura di, 1995, – Impresa Agraria e dintorni. Contributi allo studio dell’impresa e delle sue trasformazioni nel territorio. Studi & Ricerche INEA.
Marenco G., 1995, “L’economia dell’azienda agraria serpieriana fra concezione aziendalistica e teoria manageriale dell’impresa” in Marinelli A., Nanni P. (a cura di) Arrigo
Serpieri e la sua costruzione teorica tra economia politica e realtà settoriale, Officine Grafiche Stianti, Firenze.
Marris R.L., La teoria economica del capitalismo manageriale, Einaudi, 1972 126
Mazzapicchio. G., 2004, Tesi di Laurea: Un tentativo di verifica della congruità dei Valori Agricoli Medi nel contesto espropriativo, relatore Prof. Lorenzo Venzi, Anno Accademico
2003/2004.
Prestamburgo M., Saccomandi V., 1995, Economia agraria, Etaslibri tutor, Milano
Simon H., Models of Thought (vol. II), Yale University Press, New Haven, CT, 1989.
Cyert RM e March JG, Teoria del comportamento dell'impresa, Franco Angeli, 1970.
Torquati B., 2003, Economia e Gestione dell’Impresa Agraria, Edizioni Agricole del Sole 24 Ore, Bologna.
Williamson O.E., 1987, Le istituzioni economiche del capitalismo. Imprese, mercati, rapporti contrattuali, Franco Angeli, Milano.
Zamagni S., 1994, Economia Politica, NIS, Roma.
15144 - EXPERIMENTAL METHODS IN AGRICULTURE
FEDERICA CARUCCI
First Semester
6
AGR/02
Learning objectives
The course intends to provide students with essential skills, including understanding the methods for processing and visualization of data utilized in technical-scientific papers within journals specialized in agricultural production, accurately conducting experimental tests, and selecting suitable procedures to analyse and present experimental data.
Expected learning results:
• interpret the results reported in technical and scientific journals;
• organise and summarise datasets using descriptive statistics;
• plan commonly used experimental designs;
• independently carry out simple analyses of experimental results, presenting key information through the most commonly used graphs and tables.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES. The course aims to provide knowledge on the greenhouse sector with particular reference to greenhouse structures, covering materials, microclimate management, ecophysiology and soilless cultivation techniques; moreover, the course will provide the knowledge and technical skills for the planning and sustainable management of the main vegetable and flower crops in soilless systems with particular reference to the greenhouse structures typical of the Mediterranean basin. At the end of the course, students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired in the different production realities (applying knowledge and understanding), independently and with adequate critical skills (making judgements). The course will focus on improving communication skills in various professional contexts. Students will acquire the ability to promote their own self-updating (learning skills).
The greenhouse industry in Italy, Europe and in the World
Quality of products of vegetables and flowers
Types of greenhouses and covering materials
Microclimate control
Ecophysiology and planning crop production
Propagation and nursery
Soilless culture (classification, floating systems, NFT, aeroponics, substrate culture, ebb and flow, types of substrates, nutrient solution preparation and management)
The main production chains of vegetable crops and flowers under greenhouse conditions
examMode
Oral test with written evaluation of nutrient solution formulation
books
Angeli F., 1988. Un migliore uso dell'energia delle serre. Franco Angeli Libri, Milano
Autori vari, 2003. Uso razionale delle risorse nel florovivaismo: I fabbisogni energetici. Quaderno ARSIA 2/2003
Tesi R., 2001. Colture protette, Calderini Edagricole, Bologna
Tesi R., 2002. Colture fuori suolo in orticoltura e floricoltura, Edagricole, Bologna
Pimpini F., 2001. Principali sistemi di coltivazione fuori suolo, Veneto Agricoltura
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
'Colture fuori suolo. Idroponica e coltivazione in substrato' Edagricole. Incrocci, Malorgio, Massa.
classRoomMode
Optional
bibliography
none
PLANT BREEDING FOR CROP VARIETY RELEASE
FABRIZIO OLIVIERI
Second Semester
6
AGR/07
Learning objectives
The course aims to establish plant breeding programs for agricultural plant species, with particular attention to climate change and the associated stresses with it, using possible in vivo and in vitro strategies. It will enable students to acquire knowledge and skills to:
• Leverage plant biology to identify the best strategy to apply in breeding programs.
• Identify the best genetic traits to exploit with a plant breeding program of a species of interest.
• Develop traditional or biotechnological systems for breeding programs, in accordance with current regulations in Italy and Europe.
Expected Learning Outcomes
• Knowledge and Understanding: Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the fundamental genetic principles and plant breeding techniques for the creation of new varieties/hybrids.
• Application of Knowledge and Understanding: Students will acquire the ability to apply the multidisciplinary concepts learned theoretically, with particular attention and critical spirit in developing the best plant breeding strategy for a given agricultural species.
• Judgment Autonomy: Students will be able to evaluate, within the context of a specific species of interest, the advantages and disadvantages of a particular plant breeding technique (whether traditional or biotechnological) and identify potential genetic traits that can be used to their advantage.
• Communication Skills: Students will be capable of effectively presenting, with a critical spirit, to others (primarily seed companies, but also farmers and agricultural enterprises) the information regarding a defined plant breeding program, explaining the reasons for their choices and finding solutions to potential bottlenecks.
• Learning Skills: The topics will be addressed in such a way as to seek, together with the student, a practical application to the issues treated, which may appear mostly theoretical, gradually developing knowledge of the course and verifying intermediate learning capabilities through questions on topics discussed in previous lessons and, if chosen by the student, through the evaluation of a genetic improvement project of their interest.
1. Introduction: history and role of genetic improvement, objectives of genetic improvement, concept of ideotype.
2. Recalls of basic concepts: Mitosis, Meiosis and Mendel's laws
3. Outlines of the botany of reproduction:
Floral morphology and structure, macro and microsporogenesis, macro and microgametogenesis, pollination, progamic phase, fertilisation, embryogenesis, seed and fruit development.
4. Types of reproduction (sexual, vegetative and apomictic reproduction), sex determination (hermaphroditism, monocyticism and diocyticism), union system (autogamy and allogamy). Male sterility (genetic, cytoplasmic and genetic-cytoplasmic, functional and conditional male sterility). Self incompatibility (sporophytic and gametophytic). Apomixis genetic control, genetic improvement of obligate and facultative apomictic species and prospects for transfer of apomixis to sexual species.
5. Fruit biology. Fruit set and development, parthenocarpy. Fruit ripening, ripening and pigment mutants.
6. Genomics and quantitative genetics: heritability, molecular markers and types of markers. Statistics applied to genetics. Use of bioinformatics in agriculture.
7. Sources of variability: genetic diversity and the gene pool concept, genetic resources, conservation and characterisation. Polyploidy.
Cross-breeding: intra- and interspecific crossing, sex barriers between species, heterosis Biotechnology to aid interspecific crossing
In vitro genetic improvement techniques: in vitro cultures, genetic transformation, somaclonal variability, interspecific hybridisation, haploid production, assisted evolution techniques.
8. Selection theory: Principles of selection theory for monogenic and polygenic traits. Selection of autogamous and allogamous plants. Assisted selection
9. Genetic structure of populations of autogamous, allogamous and vegetatively propagated and apomictic species.
Genetic improvement schemes:
- In predominantly autogamous species, selection in existing populations, mass selection and selection by pure line.
- Selection in segregating populations and single seed descent, doubled haploids. Backcrossing method for dominant and recessive allele, multilineage varieties, F1 hybrids in autogamous species.
Breeding schemes for predominantly allogamous species: mass selection concept of recurrent selection, synthetic varieties, F1 hybrids in allogamous species, use of male sterility in hybrid production schemes.
10. Elements of seed production genetics: evaluation of new introductions and entries in the Varietal Register, conservation selection and seed production, isolation, multiplication generations. Seed legislation. Biotechnology for variety protection (use of molecular markers for distinguishability), estimation of gene flow and its containment in conventional and genetically modified varieties.
Seminars: course students will be invited to attend one or two in-depth technical or scientific seminars on course topics.
Exercises: the practical activity will be dedicated to the knowledge of genetic variability in a species of agricultural interest, the examination of mutations involved in flower development, the execution of controlled crosses and an educational visit to a company operating in the improvement and/or seed production of species of agricultural interest.
examMode
Generally, the oral test consists of three questions, one of which is on a topic of the student's choice. Alternatively, the student may write a genetic improvement programme on a species of his or her interest in place of the topic of choice.
books
Since this is a multidisciplinary subject, I have included the reference bibliography for you to consult.
classRoomMode
Strongly recommended attendance given the multidisciplinary nature of the course.
bibliography
Materiale fornito dal docente tramite il Portale Docente.
QUALITY OF ANIMAL PRODUCTS
PIERPAOLO DANIELI
Second Semester
6
AGR/18
Learning objectives
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING - The student will acquire advanced knowledge to understand and describe the foundational principles of the EU Food Safety Policy and the various dimensions of quality (intrinsic and extrinsic) of animal origin products, with specific reference to: meat products, milk and dairy products, eggs and egg products, beekeeping products, and seafoods. Among the advanced aspects of the quality of animal origin foods, the student will be able to understand the significance of microbial and chemical (trace toxic elements, persistent organic compounds, mycotoxins, and others) contaminations (primary and secondary).
APPLYNG KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING - Based on the acquired knowledge, the student will be able to apply the general principles of the sector to various agro-zootechnical supply chains, utilizing technical aspects grounded in the knowledge of evaluation systems, current regulatory limits, and basic and advanced methods for quality assessment from multiple perspectives: hygienic, rheological, and technological.
MAKING JUDGMENT - The skills and knowledge acquired, including practical experience, will ensure the student has the judgment capacity to make reasoned choices in the specific sector.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS - The acquired knowledge will provide the student with adequate communication skills to effectively interact with other stakeholders (farmers, veterinarians, and other industry operators).
LEARNING SKILLS - The gained abilities will enable the student to undertake self-learning paths based on specific cases encountered in their professional career.
Definitions and evolution of the concept of intrinsic quality (organoleptic, nutritional, hygienic, total) applied to the food sector.
Introduction to the European legislation of the sector: Food law, Hygiene package and vertical regulations for the different production chains.
Extrinsic quality (environmental, animal welfare, other).
Technical aspects of quality: laboratory techniques and basic quantitative evaluation (rheology) and advanced (molecular methods for micro nutrients, contaminants, bioactive substances, etc.). Elements of microbiology with reference to the main pathogenic or altering organisms and substances released by them into the matrix causing toxinfection and/or toxicosis in humans.
Quality and safety of the supply chain of animal products: meat, milk and dairy products, eggs and egg products, bee products.
examMode
Before the end of the course, the student will present the work of an individual study around a topic addressed during the course, based on scientific works published on the major international databases. For non-attending students, the same type of work will be presented in "essay" mode at least two weeks before the exam date. The evaluation of the presentations or papers will compose the final grade after the oral exam, according to a scheme available to students in Unitus Moodle together with teaching materials
books
None. Teaching materials are made available to students via Unitus Moodle platform
mode
Frontal lessons, case study analysis, tutorials/visits, individual and/or group work.
classRoomMode
Attendance is optional, but widely recommended.
bibliography
None. Teaching materials are made available to students via Unitus Moodle platform
SAFETY IN AGRICULTURE
MASSIMO CECCHINI
Second Semester
6
AGR/09
Learning objectives
The teaching will be oriented towards problem solving, risk analysis and risk assessment, planning of appropriate prevention and protection measures, paying attention to deepening the causes of different risk levels. It will enable the acquisition of following knowledge / skills:
- identify the hazards and assess the risks in the sector workplaces, including ergonomic and stress-related hazards;
- identify the preventive measures and specific protection for the sector, including IPDs, in reference to the specific nature of the risk and of work;
- help to identify appropriate technical, organizational and procedural solutions for each type of risk.
EXPECTED LEARNING RESULTS
• Knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire knowledge and understanding about the risk factors present in the farms, forestry and fishing industries and the reference regulations.
• Apply knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire the skills to apply the theoretical knowledge of the topics discussed in the course with a critical meaning for the risk assessment and the identification of appropriate prevention and protection measures in accordance with current rules.
• Making judgements: The student will be able to identify the dangers, assess the risks and propose the appropriate prevention and protection measures, to be as objective as possible and without being influenced by carriers of interest.
• Communication skills: The student will be able to communicate to third parties (employers, clients such as farms, forestry companies, etc.) effectively, risk information and related prevention and protection measures to be taken, motivating their choices.
• Learning skills: The topics will be dealt to stimulate the will to learn, in the logic of gradually developing knowledge, from the risks for safety to risks for health and transversal ones. The same logic is required in the creation of a textbook or presentation that will be considered in the assessment of learning.
Specific techniques of risk assessment and analysis of accidents.
Environment and workplaces.
- Work environments in agriculture, livestock, forestry and fisheries
Fire Risk and emergency management:
- ATEX
Safety risks:
- Machinery, plants and agricultural and forestry equipment and on-board work equipment
- Electrical hazard
- Mechanical hazard
- Cargo handling: lifting and cargo handling equipment
- Falls from height(on-board and off-board)
Ergonomic and work organization related risks:
- Manual handling of loads
- VDU
Psychosocial risks:
- Work-related stress
- Mobbing and burnout syndrome
Physical agents:
- Noise and vibrations in the agricultural, forestry and fisheries.
- Hyperbaric atmospheres.
Chemicals, carcinogenic and mutagenic, asbestos:
- Exposure to chemical, biological, carcinogens used in agriculture
Risks related to particular activities:
- Confined environments and / or enviroments with suspicion of pollution
- Road activities
- Waste management
The risks of drugs, psychotropic and alcohol.
Organization of production processes.
Personal protective equipment
CEI sandards for structures and systems of agriculture, livestock and fisheries.
Exercise: 8 hours
2 visits at Teaching-Experimental Farm with analysis of the safety of machines and workplace.
2 classroom exercises for the risk assessment of noise, vibration and/or manual handling of loads.
"Work safety in agriculture" allows the achievement of "modulo B", for sector SP1 (agriculture, forestry, fishing) for Employees and Managers of the Prevention and Protection (subject to compulsory attendance at least 90% of the hours). For those who are not interested in the issue of that certificate the class attendance is optional.
examMode
The ongoing test will consist of a practical problem related to a specific risk factor.
For the practical test the candidate must illustrate a risk factor, previously assigned, through a paper in Word and / or a Power Point presentation. In particular, it must report on: - description of the danger; - effects on operators; - risk assessment methods; - reference legislation; - risk mitigation or remediation (prevention and protection). Two other questions will go over the whole course program. The presentation on the risk factor and the two questions will be evaluated with a score from 0 to 10. The final grade will be given by the sum of the three individual scores.
For the attribution of the vote, the level of knowledge of the contents shown and the ability to apply the concepts learned will be taken into account; synthesis and language properties will also be taken into consideration.
In critical situations, such as a high number of candidates, or peculiarities of one or more candidates, the exam can be done in written form with two open-ended questions, and the resolution of a practical case. Candidates will be given one and a half hours to respond. Furthermore, at the request of individual students, it is possible to take the exam in written or oral form, regardless of what is reported in the official appeal.
In any case, the same evaluation criteria described above will apply.
books
Cecchini M., Monarca D., CD Rom "Sicurezza del lavoro in agricoltura" (available on-line at the link: https://moodle.unitus.it/moodle/course/view.php?id=93)
mode
Frontal teaching: 40 hours
Exercise: 8 hours
2 visits at Teaching-Experimental Farm with analysis of the safety of machines and workplace.
2 classroom exercises for the risk assessment of noise, vibration and/or manual handling of loads.
Lessons and exercises will be developed to provide students with the basic tools to deepen, with competence and autonomy, the specific knowledge of specific risk factors by developing remediation and / or management procedures in accordance with current standards. To this end, the student is asked to explore a specific risk factor through the development of a thesis or presentation. During the lessons a participatory approach will be stimulated by the learners.
"Work safety in agriculture" allows the achievement of "modulo B", for sector SP1 (agriculture, forestry, fishing) for Employees and Managers of the Prevention and Protection (subject to compulsory attendance at least 90% of the hours). For those who are not interested in the issue of that certificate the class attendance is optional.
classRoomMode
Attendance at lectures and tutorials is recommended, but not mandatory.
"Work safety in agriculture" allows the achievement of "modulo B", for sector SP1 (agriculture, forestry, fishing) for Employees and Managers of the Prevention and Protection (subject to compulsory attendance at least 90% of the hours). For those who are not interested in the issue of that certificate the class attendance is optional.
bibliography
It is possible to download useful bibliographic references from the website www.ergolab-unitus.com
14839 - LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
BRUNO RONCHI
Second Semester
6
AGR/18
Learning objectives
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING - The student will need to acquire the ability to understand the fundamental aspects of animal production technologies, including the operation of the main systems and techniques for breeding animals of zootechnical interest, as well as the aspects of the quality of animal-derived products related to breeding technologies, including the most innovative ones aimed at increasing production sustainability.
APPLIED KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING - The acquired skills will enable the student to apply them to real and/or simulated cases, considering relevant aspects from a professional and scientific perspective, such as: being able to manage different production systems (milk, meat, wool) with the aim of maximizing quality and sustainability, optimizing the management of the livestock farm to obtain quality products and minimize the environmental footprint.
MAKING JUDGEMENTS
The competencies and knowledge acquired, including practical experience, will ensure that the student can make well-reasoned choices in the specific sector, guaranteeing sound judgement.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
The acquired knowledge will enable the student to effectively communicate with other stakeholders (farmers, veterinarians, agronomists, employees, and collaborators of agro-zootechnical companies, etc.).
LEARNING SKILLS
The acquired skills will allow the student to undertake self-learning pathways based on specific cases they will encounter in their professional life.
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The student will acquire knowledge regarding the role of agriculture in the context of rural areas and the ability to use economic and political data, in order to understand the logic underlying rural development and the interactions between farms and territories.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The skills acquired will enable the student to process and analyze economic and political data regarding the farms in the context of rural areas and from the perspective of sustainable development through the application of rural development policy interventions.
MAKING JUDGEMENTS
The skills and knowledge acquired will allow the student to be able to select among the various interventions of rural development policy by making sustainable choices from a technical-economic point of view.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
The knowledge acquired will allow the student an adequate ability to communicate effectively with other stakeholders and to collaborate with professionals in the sector regarding rural development policy.
LEARNING SKILLS
The skills acquired will allow the student to learn autonomously, and to be able to carry out processing and analysis based on the specific case studies with which he will have to deal in his professional life regarding rural development policy.
First part: INTRODUCTION TO RURAL DEVELOPMENT
- Definitions and concepts of "development" and "rural"
- Evolution of the concept of rural in time and space
- Rural development and sustainability
Second part: ECONOMY OF RURAL AREAS
- Information sources and data for the analysis of rural areas
- Territorial analysis and diagnosis
- Local strategies for the sustainable development of rural areas
Third part: RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
- Historical evolution of rural development policies
- Strategic Plan of the CAP 2023-2027
- The rural development interventions envisaged in the 2023-2027 programming
Fourth part: CASE STUDIES
The case studies analyzed will address the following topics:
- competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector
- sustainable management of natural resources and climate action
- balanced territorial development of rural economies and communities
- knowledge, innovation and digitization processes
examMode
Midterm written test.
Final oral exam with presentation of a project.
The finale examination and its assessment are carried out in 3 phases:
1. the student elaborates and develops a written paper where addresses a topic / several topics of the program and delivers the paper to the teacher at least 5 days before the exam session
2. during the examination session the student presents the topics, analysis methodologies and main results of his paper with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation
3. at the end of the presentation, the teacher asks questions on the topics covered by the written paper, and other topics of the program to evaluate the student's overall knowledge
The evaluation is carried out considering the following aspects:
- quality of the written paper delivered by the student
- ability to exhibit and master the subject matter: after the presentation of the student, questions will be asked on aspects relating to the subject
- overall knowledge of the topics: questions will be asked on other topics of the program
books
Teaching material made available by the teacher.
mode
Mixed mode: in the classroom with students in presence and with students connected in live streaming.
classRoomMode
The frequency of lectures is highly recommended.
bibliography
Downloadable material from the following sites:
https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/rural-development_it
https://www.reterurale.it/PAC_2023_27
http://www.pianetapsr.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/2835
FORAGE CROPS
ROBERTO MANCINELLI
Second Semester
6
AGR/02
Learning objectives
Course objectives
The course aims to provide basic knowledge and understanding skills, including applied knowledge, on forage crops and Italian forage systems.
1) Knowledge and understanding - The student will acquire basic and advanced knowledge to approach the main knowledge and understandings on the implication of forage crops in agroecosystems.
2) Applying knowledge and understanding - The advanced skills acquired will allow the student to formulate judgments, communication skills in the acquisition of agronomic skills for the management, production and evaluation of forage crops in environments with a Mediterranean climate.
3) Formulating judgments - The student will have the ability to develop their knowledge in the analysis of the management of different forage crops with a critical understanding of the potential production capacity.
4) Communication skills - The student will be able to analyze and communicate what he has learned during the course using appropriate, clear and highly professional language.
5) Learning skills - The student will be able to develop a holistic approach in the interpretation of the results of scientific research and in the understanding of the characteristics of forage cultivation systems. The course integrates and deepens the forage crops treated in the field of herbaceous crops, deepening the aspects related to the conservation and use of forage resources and breeding systems, to the evaluation of the impacts of forage breeding systems in livestock farms.
Course contents
Lectures in the class: 40 hours.
Brief notes on the agro-ecosystem: energy flow, structure, operation, useful agricultural production and implications in the cycles of C, N, P, K and water.
The pedoclimatic Mediterranean environment: localization and general characteristics; general effects of the Mediterranean climate.
General aspects of forage crops: objectives, elements and constraints of the forage-livestock systems; specifications and definitions of fodder and forage crops; plant species of forage interest.
Classification of forage crops: procedures for use and planting, durability, inclusion in a crop rotation, number of species, the position and altitude, irrigation.
Typology and localization of forage crops.
Effects of forage crops in the agroecosystem: agronomic characteristics of the main forage species in the Mediterranean environment; use and benefits of forage legumes in the Mediterranean environment.
Main uses of forages depending on the type of farming and orientation of grassland in Italy.
Criteria and evaluation characters of forage species: precocity, attitude regrowth, leaf ratio / stalks, vitality, competitiveness, resistance and adaptive characters.
Evaluation and quality of fodder: chemical composition, dietary function or nutritional value, palatability.
Processing value of forage and methods of measurement.
Utilization of forage crops: green, preserved, direct grazing.
Importance of green fodder: factors, environmental aspects and implications.
Needs of forage conservation and methodologies.
Conservation method of haymaking: stages, cutting, conditioning, harvesting and baling, losses.
Preservation method silage: stages, cutting and collecting, compacting and closing of the silo; characteristics of the forage for silage; process management in silos; losses in storage in silos.
Pastures: advantages, composition, influence of climate, evaluation, types; effects of grazing; types of pastures; pasture improvement.
Grass and meadow: forage alternated; utilization of meadows; technical and management techniques itineraries; inclusion in the rotation, rotation and intercropping; characteristics of the main forage species grass meadow in agro-ecosystems in the Mediterranean climate.
Field exercises: 8 hours.
Some concrete situations will be observed on field, concerning the following theoretical aspects discussed in the classroom.
Some general aspects of forage crops.
Some aspects of the classification of forage crops.
Some types of forage crops.
Some effects of forage crops in agricultural systems.
Some species for the grass and meadow.
examMode
At the end of the course, the students have the assessment test with an oral exam. The evaluation and the final grade will take into account the knowledge and concepts acquired, the ability to analyze problems, connect interdisciplinary knowledge, formulate hypotheses and judgments, mastery and clarity of expression and exposure. At the candidate will be asked several questions ranging over the whole program, each of which will be evaluated with a score from 0 to 30. The final grade corresponds to the average of the individual grades.
In critical situations, such as a high number of candidates in the booking, or peculiarities of one or more candidates, the exam can be done in written form with six open-ended questions, evaluated as for the oral exam. Candidates will be given one and a half hours to answer. Furthermore, upon explicit request by individual students, it is possible to take the exam in written or oral form, regardless of what is reported in the official appeal.
At the request of the candidate, a PowerPoint presentation can be discussed concerning the deepening of a topic chosen by the student and agreed with the teacher, followed by some questions about the program. A score from 0 to 30 will be assigned to the presentation and to each of the answers to the questions. The final grade corresponds to the average of the individual grades defined as for the oral exam.
books
- Lesson slides, available on Dropbox at link provided by the teacher,- Suggested bibliography during the course.
- Baldoni R., Giardini L., Coltivazioni erbacee - Foraggere e Tappeti Erbosi, Ed. Patron, 2002. Bologna
mode
The course is structured in lessons in classroom and lessons in the field.
The classroom lessons include all topics of the course program.
The lessons in the field concern the concrete application of some specific aspects discussed in the classroom.
classRoomMode
Attendance is optional according to the current legislation
bibliography
Bibliografia individuata durante il corso
PLANNING OF RURAL AREAS
FABIO RECANATESI
Second Semester
6
AGR/10
Learning objectives
1. Knowledge and Understanding: Students will gain a thorough understanding of the creation and management of a Territorial Information System (TIS) for risk identification and management. They will learn to comprehend and analyze territorial scales and hydrographic basins, recognize the processes of eutrophication and the vulnerability of water bodies. They will deepen their knowledge of key factors for territorial analysis, including elevation, slope, aspect, and land use maps, and understand how aerial and satellite imagery can support territorial planning.
2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding: Students will apply theoretical and practical knowledge to design and manage a TIS focused on environmental risk management. They will use GIS tools to analyze territorial data, assess vulnerability, and plan mitigation interventions. They will be able to implement and manage Best Management Practices (BMPs) for risk mitigation within TIS, and apply multicriteria analysis (MCA) to support informed decision-making in environmental risk management. They will develop projects for environmental risk mitigation at both the basin and enterprise scales.
3. Making Judgements: Students will develop the ability to critically assess the effectiveness of environmental risk management strategies and the application of BMPs. They will evaluate the quality and relevance of territorial data and multicriteria analyses, and be able to make informed decisions regarding the implementation of risk mitigation solutions in complex contexts.
4. Communication Skills: Students will be able to clearly and effectively communicate the results of their analyses and projects through technical reports and oral presentations. They will demonstrate skills in preparing detailed documentation and presenting risk analysis results, using appropriate technical language and data visualization tools.
5. Learning Skills: Students will develop skills for autonomous and continuous learning, applying acquired knowledge to new challenges in environmental risk management and territorial planning. They will be capable of staying updated with the latest methodologies and technologies for risk management and planning, and improving their skills through practical application and self-reflection.
Implementation and management of a spatial information system for risk identification and management. The spatial scale and the watershed. The Process of eutrophication and the vulnerability of the water body. The main factors for land use analysis: elevation, slope, exposure and land use map.
Photointerpretation to support land use planning: aerial and satellite imagery.
BMPs for hazard mitigation: what they are, how they are applied, and how they are managed in spatial information systems.
The implementation of a project for environmental risk mitigation at the watershed and farm scale.
examMode
At the end of the cycle of lectures, students are allowed to take the relevant assessment test in the forms previously approved by the Degree Course Council. The exam is oral and is based on the discussion of a paper (report) to be implemented through the use of GIS. This test is aimed at verifying the achievement of the objectives set for the specific discipline. The exam takes place in the forms established by the University Teaching Regulations. A specific report is drawn up for the execution, signed by the President and the members of the commission and by the student examined. The mark is expressed in thirtieths, with possible praise. Passing the exam requires the awarding of a grade not lower than eighteen / thirty and involves the assignment of the corresponding university educational credits.
books
- lecture notes;
- scientific articles provided by the lecturer;
- handouts provided by the lecturer;
- texts indicated by the lecturer during the course.
mode
Attendance is recommended due to the numerous laboratory activities conducted in the GIS environment in the dedicated classroom (geomatics classroom).
classRoomMode
Attendance is recommended due to the numerous laboratory activities conducted in the GIS environment in the dedicated classroom (geomatics classroom).
bibliography
- lecture notes;
- scientific articles provided by the lecturer;
- handouts provided by the lecturer;
- texts indicated by the lecturer during the course.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ANIMAL FEEDING AND NUTRITION
UMBERTO BERNABUCCI
Second Semester
6
AGR/18
Learning objectives
The teaching belongs to the area of knowledge of animal production and is aimed at providing in-depth knowledge on the production and marketing of feed and supplements according to current legislation and on the correct feeding of animals of zootechnical interest (ruminants and monogastrics) and for the rationing of ruminants (dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep and goats) and monogastrics (pigs, poultry).
1) Knowledge and understanding - The student will gain basic and advanced knowledge of the main aspects relating to the feed technique and rationing of animals in livestock production.
2) Applying knowledge and understanding - The advanced skills acquired will allow the student to apply the knowledge to real case studies (e.g., feed industry, livestock) relating to the formulation of feeds and supplements and the formulation of diets intended for monogastric and ruminants.
3) Making judgements - The student will have the ability to independently develop their own assessments regarding the resolution of practical problems relating to the setting of feeding plans and the formulation of feeds and supplements for the various livestock species that fall within the cases addressed during the course.
4) Communication skills - The student will be able to effectively communicate what they have learned using suitable, clear and highly professional language.
5) Learning skills - The student will be able to: - develop the ability to learn the approach to the production, marketing of feeds and supplements and the rationing of animals in livestock production in different production contexts; - interpret the results of scientific research on animal nutrition and nutrition.
Program
Frontal lessons
Technical production and marketing of feeds
- Legislation relating to the production, marketing and labelling of feeds
- Legislation on GMOs in animal feeding
- The feed industry
- The production of feeds
Technical production and marketing of additives
- Legislation in force for the regulation of trade, distribution and use of additives
- Classification of additives
- For use in animal feeds
Feeding of ruminants
- feeding and nutrition of dairy cattle
- feeding and nutrition of beef cattle
- feeding and nutrition of buffalo
- feeding and nutrition of sheep
- feeding and nutrition of goats
Feeding monogastrics
- feeding and nutrition of pigs
- feeding and nutrition of poultry
- feeding and nutrition equines
Use the software for diets formulation.
examMode
In the evaluation of the test (or of the tests) in the attribution of the final grade, the following will be taken into account: the demonstrated level of knowledge of the contents (superficial, appropriate, precise and complete, complete and thorough), the ability to apply the theoretical concepts (discrete, good, well-established), of the capacity for analysis, synthesis and interdisciplinary connections (sufficient, good, excellent), the capacity for critical sense and the formulation of judgments (sufficient, good, excellent), of the mastery of expression (lacking exposure, simple, clear and correct, safe and correct). In particular, the judgment and the final grade will take into account the knowledge and concepts acquired, the ability to analyze problems, to connect interdisciplinary knowledge, to formulate hypotheses and judgments, mastery and clarity of expression and exposure. The exam will be taken in oral form.
The candidate must demonstrate to have acquired knowledge in the field of feed technology and feeding and nutrition of the main farms species. The final grade will be formulated taking into account the level of knowledge of the contents, the capacity for analysis, synthesis and interdisciplinary connections, the capacity for critical sense and expository clarity.
books
1. Dell'Orto, Savoini - Feeding of the dairy cow - Edagricole, 2005.
2. In-depth material provided by the teacher.
A link will be inserted to access the teaching material at the beginning of the course.
mode
Classroom lessons lasting 40 hours overall plus 8 exercises and seminars. The 36 hours include presentations (ppt or Inkscape) with graphic illustrations and photographs. More seminars held by teachers and technicians. Remote (Moodle, DropBox).
PRACTICAL EXERCISES
The tutorials provide technical visits to livestock farms (cattle, sheep, goats), feed industries, and use of software for the formulation of feed and diets for animals in livestock production (8 hours).
classRoomMode
Attendance to the lessons of the course is not mandatory
bibliography
Guoyao Wu, 2017. Principal of animal nutrition, CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
VITICULTURE
ELENA BRUNORI
Second Semester
6
AGR/03
Learning objectives
- Provide an updated overview of Viticulture in the national and international context, of vineyard planting and management techniques according to the different cultivation areas and oenological objectives.
- Provide methodologies for the description and recognition of vine species and varieties.
- Knowledge and understanding: students will have to acquire knowledge on the main phases of the vegetative and reproductive cycle of the vine and on the different plant response mechanisms to biotic and abiotic stress. They will also have the fundamental skills for the evaluation of vine growing environments.
- Applying knowledge and understanding: students will acquire knowledge related to the choice of variety and to the management of the vineyard with both organic and conventional cultivation method.
- Making judgements: students will acquire the ability to weigh the operational choices with an interdisciplinary approach.
- Communication skills: students will acquire technical language and the ability to develop technical documents using appropriate terminology.
- Learning skills: students will acquire the ability to consult and use bibliographic sources for updating and critical analysis of the main issues of the viticultural sector.
The course aims to provide the cognitive fundamentals of the concepts of soil quality, as well as an in-depth knowledge of the dynamics of nutrients in soil and the problems related to their availability to plants, with particular reference to the mechanisms of nutrient acquisition at the level of the soil-plant system (rhizosphere).
Knowledge and understanding of 1) the approaches available for the assessment of soil quality and fertility, 2) the effects that natural or anthropogenic disturbances have on soil and the nutrient cycle, and 3) the soil-plant relationships, with the aim of defining the basis for the development of strategies aimed at achieving greater nutrient efficiency, understood as better utilisation of available resources, in both good quality and degraded soils.
Ability to apply the knowledge acquired from theoretical lectures and practical laboratory activities to 1) identify the most suitable analytical methods for assessing and monitoring soil quality and health, 2) hypothesise changes in soil characteristics and nutrient cycles as a result of natural or anthropogenic disturbances, 3) hypothesise changes in nutrient availability as a result of natural or anthropogenic disturbances.
During the lectures and exercises, the student will acquire autonomy of judgement that will allow him/her to 1) judge the nutrient dynamics and quality of a soil from a forest and environmental point of view; 2) critically evaluate the quality of available technical/scientific information.
Ability to present acquired skills with appropriate language and the use of technical and specific terms and to retrieve information from online bibliography. Communication skills will be tested in the examination.
Acquisition of learning strategies: at the end of the course, the student will have developed the ability to autonomously learn new concepts, to describe situations different from those considered during the course, also combining different theories, in order to apply them both in a continuation of third-level studies (PhD) and in professional life.
The course of “Microbial Soil Management” deals on microbial monitoring, conservation and biodiversity restoration of agricultural soils to improve sustainability for crop productions in Mediterranean area.
EXPECTED LEARNING RESULTS
• Knowledge and understanding:The student acquire knowledge and understanding about:1) microbial monitoring of main soil habitat, as rizosphere and detritusphere, that are relevant for the biogeochemical cycles; 2) microbial ecology and molecular microbial ecology in order to select different microbial indicator of soil quality; 3) inoculum management of beneficial microorganisms in soil-plant system; 4) biotransformation of agricultural waste for soil management by organic farming.
• Apply knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire the skills to apply the theoretical knowledge of the topics discussed in the course with a critical meaning for role of microbiology in improving nutrients for plants, microbiome sciences, and fertilization by farm waste that are rich in organic nitrogen.
• Making judgements: The student will be able to identify the strategy for planning soil monitoring and restoration of microbial diversity and assess the risks for human pathogen in food.
• Communication skills: The student will be able to communicate to third parties relevant information and specific problems for different technical contexts.
• Learning skills: Additional objectives include improving learning abilities and communication skills, more specifically the ability to present topics related to the microbiology of interface plant-soils using appropriate terminology.
120446 - AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION AND AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
-
9
-
-
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge, analytical tools and organisational instructions relating to agricultural mechanisation and the various development models.
Students will acquire the necessary knowledge of the different types of machinery, their functional, energetic and organisational aspects.
Aspects of the selection and sizing of machinery fleets, the analysis of operating costs and logistics will be examined in depth.
Applied Knowledge and Understanding
The course aims to promote the acquisition by the student of knowledge and understanding such as to
- Understand the elements underlying the correct selection and use of an agricultural machine;
- Design suitable work sites and analyse and quantify their economic aspects;
- Apply new technologies to farms, with regard to precision agriculture, the application of new digital technologies, interactions with the environment, effects on the quality of harvested products.
Autonomy of Judgment
The course aims to develop students' autonomy of judgement, such as:
- Knowing how to size the company's machinery fleet and analyse its operating costs;
- Knowing how to assess the efficiency and quality of the work performed by the machines;
- Assessing the effects on workers' health and safety, the environment and product quality (ISO certification).
Communication skills
The aim of the course is also to enable the student to develop his or her own specific skills through group work, with a simulated lesson using the latest teaching technologies. The illustration in the examination trains the student in public presentation and collaborative work.
Learning skills
The course is designed to foster knowledge of modern agricultural machinery, knowledge that can be used in professional and scientific work. Learning skills are assessed in the final oral examination, in which the student must demonstrate the ability to summarise, clarity of presentation, the ability to make technical judgements, knowledge of the topics and mastery of technical language.
MODULE II
DANILO MONARCA
Second Semester
6
AGR/09
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge, analytical tools and organisational instructions relating to agricultural mechanisation and the various development models.
Students will acquire the necessary knowledge of the different types of machinery, their functional, energetic and organisational aspects.
Aspects of the selection and sizing of machinery fleets, the analysis of operating costs and logistics will be examined in depth.
Applied Knowledge and Understanding
The course aims to promote the acquisition by the student of knowledge and understanding such as to
- Understand the elements underlying the correct selection and use of an agricultural machine;
- Design suitable work sites and analyse and quantify their economic aspects;
- Apply new technologies to farms, with regard to precision agriculture, the application of new digital technologies, interactions with the environment, effects on the quality of harvested products.
Autonomy of Judgment
The course aims to develop students' autonomy of judgement, such as:
- Knowing how to size the company's machinery fleet and analyse its operating costs;
- Knowing how to assess the efficiency and quality of the work performed by the machines;
- Assessing the effects on workers' health and safety, the environment and product quality (ISO certification).
Communication skills
The aim of the course is also to enable the student to develop his or her own specific skills through group work, with a simulated lesson using the latest teaching technologies. The illustration in the examination trains the student in public presentation and collaborative work.
Learning skills
The course is designed to foster knowledge of modern agricultural machinery, knowledge that can be used in professional and scientific work. Learning skills are assessed in the final oral examination, in which the student must demonstrate the ability to summarise, clarity of presentation, the ability to make technical judgements, knowledge of the topics and mastery of technical language.
1. Knowledge and Understanding: Students will gain a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts of cartography and reference systems used in territorial representation. They will deepen their knowledge of how to create and manage a Territorial Information System (TIS) for spatial planning within a GIS environment, including basic and detailed informational layers. They will learn to interpret and analyze hydrographic basins using multispectral aerial and satellite images, such as those from Sentinel-2 satellites. Additionally, they will understand the principles of diachronic analysis to evaluate the evolution of agricultural and forest areas, and the applications of LIDAR data for biomass and stand volume determination.
2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding: Students will apply theoretical and practical knowledge to create and manage a TIS in a GIS environment, integrating and utilizing basic and detailed informational layers. They will use multispectral Sentinel-2 images for hydrographic basin analysis and photo interpretation techniques to study the evolution of agricultural and forest areas. They will be capable of applying LIDAR data for biomass and stand volume determination and monitoring surface changes using the NDVI index derived from multispectral data of the Copernicus program.
3. Making Judgements: Students will develop the ability to critically assess the effectiveness of techniques and tools used for territorial planning and environmental analysis. They will be able to make informed decisions regarding the interpretation of cartographic and satellite data, the analysis of LIDAR data, and the use of monitoring indices such as NDVI.
4. Communication Skills: Students will be able to clearly and effectively communicate the results of their analyses and projects using GIS and cartographic visualization tools. They will demonstrate skills in creating maps, reports, and technical presentations, using appropriate technical language and supporting their conclusions with visual and analytical data.
5. Learning Skills: Students will develop skills for autonomous and continuous learning, applying acquired knowledge to new challenges in cartography and environmental monitoring. They will be capable of staying updated with the latest technologies and methodologies for territorial planning and data analysis, continuously improving their skills through practical application and self-reflection.
120447 - ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY OF MEDITERRANEAN FARMING SYSTEMS
-
9
-
-
Learning objectives
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The student will acquire knowledge regarding sustainable management and adaptation strategies from a economic point of view in different scenarios characteristic of the Mediterranean area with particular reference to climate change and agricultural policy.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The skills acquired will allow the student to be able to reconstruct the technical-productive and economic sheets of the cultivation and breeding activities and identify possible future scenarios for farms operating in the Mediterranean area.
MAKING JUDGEMENTS
The skills and knowledge acquired will allow the student to be able to select sustainable choices from an economic point of view for farms operating in the Mediterranean area.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
The knowledge acquired will allow the student an adequate ability to communicate effectively with other stakeholders and to collaborate with professionals in the sector regarding management and adaptation strategies.
LEARNING SKILLS
The skills acquired will allow the student to learn autonomously, and to be able to carry out processing and analysis based on the specific case studies with which he will have to deal in his professional life regarding management and adaptation strategies.
MODULE II
RAFFAELE CORTIGNANI
Second Semester
3
AGR/01
Learning objectives
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The student will acquire knowledge regarding sustainable management and adaptation strategies from a economic point of view in different scenarios characteristic of the Mediterranean area with particular reference to climate change and agricultural policy.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The skills acquired will allow the student to be able to reconstruct the technical-productive and economic sheets of the cultivation and breeding activities and identify possible future scenarios for farms operating in the Mediterranean area.
MAKING JUDGEMENTS
The skills and knowledge acquired will allow the student to be able to select sustainable choices from an economic point of view for farms operating in the Mediterranean area.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
The knowledge acquired will allow the student an adequate ability to communicate effectively with other stakeholders and to collaborate with professionals in the sector regarding management and adaptation strategies.
LEARNING SKILLS
The skills acquired will allow the student to learn autonomously, and to be able to carry out processing and analysis based on the specific case studies with which he will have to deal in his professional life regarding management and adaptation strategies.
1.Reconstruction of the technical-productive and economic sheets of the agricultural activities.
2.Optimizing and sustainable choices from an economic point of view.
3.Adaptation strategies in different climate and agricultural policy scenarios.
examMode
The assessment of knowledge will be based on the ability to analyze and discuss scientific papers on the proposed topics.
The evaluation will be carried out in progress basis with intermediate and final tests.
books
Teaching material and scientific papers made available by the teacher.
classRoomMode
Optional.
MODULE II
GABRIELE DONO
Second Semester
3
AGR/01
Learning objectives
The module of the Course taught by Prof. Gabriele Dono (3 CFU) requires the student to acquire knowledge on evaluating the profitability conditions in which the farm operates, the possible improvements in its management, the investments that can preserve and develop its competitive capacity.
This knowledge and understanding will concern three elements:
4. Procedures for determining the income of agricultural enterprises, as well as evaluating the profitability of the capital invested and of the work carried out by the farmer and his family assistants.
5. Adaptation to the peculiarities of the farms of the classic methods for determining and evaluating the capital structure (short and long-term indices and margins), as well as the financial conditions [operating cash flows (FCFO) and intended for internal financing sources (FCFE)].
6. Evaluation of an investment project that identifies the farm’s technical-economic, patrimonial and financial characteristics in the pre-investment conditions; the changes to these conditions in the implementation phase of the investment; the technical-economic, patrimonial and financial structure of the farm with the investment in operation.
The student will have to take a written exam that will be held during the course. The exam will be used to verify the knowledge of the Balance Sheet and the Income Statement, as well as the main profitability indicators (ROI - ROE) calculated for agricultural production activities. The result of this exam will be assigned a score out of thirtieths. The student who during the course is unable to attend the written exam, will take it 7 days before the oral exam session.
The final score of the individual student will be the average of the score of his/her oral exam and the score of his/her written exam. The exam will be passed if the average of these two scores is greater than or equal to 18/30.
books
Economics and Management of Agricultural Business, Gabriele Dono, 2024 publisher Fernandez, Viterbo
- part 1 - basic elements for economic, equity and financial analysis in agricultural businesses;
- part 2a - equity and financial indicators in an dairy sheep farm.
classRoomMode
Attendance to the lectures is optional, although the student is invited to take the lectures that will be held with two weekly sessions, lasting 2 hours each.
The teaching method includes two phases: the first with theoretical lessons, the second with exercises for the construction of the balance sheet of a farm and its economic and financial evaluation. The exercises are based on real farms data.
The course is based on classic frontal lectures dedicated to the theoretical bases for the construction of the economic balance sheet of a farm, as well as on the evaluation of its profitability conditions. These lessons will be held by comparing the classic system of compilation and reclassification of the economic balance sheet, with the system adopted by the European Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN), managed in Italy by CREA-PB. At the end of this phase the student will be subjected to a written test of the knowledge acquired which will be associated with a grade that will weigh for half of the final result of the exam.
In the oral exam, the student must demonstrate knowledge of the indicators that are used to specify the conditions of asset structure and financial sustainability of an agricultural company. This oral exam will be associated with a grade that will weigh for half of the final result of the exam.
bibliography
Baumol, W., Panzer, J. and Willig, R., 1982, Contestable Markets and the Theory of Industry Structure, New York, Harcourt Brace, Jovanovich.
Bruni F., Franco S., 2003, Economia dell’impresa e dell’azienda agraria, FrancoAngeli, Milano.
Bruni F., 2000, Lezioni di Contabilità Agraria, collana DEAR, sezione Materiali didattici, Università degli Studi della Tuscia, Viterbo.
Cerioli, D. (2016) – Costo del lavoro: profili retributivi, contributivi e fiscali, Diritto & Pratica del Lavoro, 42/2016.
De Benedictis, M., Cosentino V. (1979) – Economia dell’Azienda Agraria, Il Mulino, Bologna.
De Luca G., De Rosa C., Minieri S., Verrilli A., 2014, Dizionario di Economia Politica Gruppo Editoriale Esselibri - Simone, Napoli
Fontana C., 2017, La fiscalità delle imprese agricole. G. Giappichelli Editore – Torino Galbraith J.K., II nuovo stato industriale, Einaudi, Torino, 1968
Giacinti R., Tellarini V., Salvini E., Di Iacovo F., Andreoli M., Moruzzo R., Olivieri D., 2002, Analisi e gestione economico-contabile per l’impresa agro-zootecnica, Franco Angeli,
Milano.
Giunta e Pisani, 2008, Il bilancio, APOGEO, Milano
Grillenzoni M., Grittani G. e Malagoli C., 2007, ESTIMO, Manuale di Ingegneria Civile e Ambientale, ZANICHELLI, Bologna, 2007.
Iacoponi L., Romiti R., 1994, Economia e Politica Agraria, Edizioni Agricole del Sole 24 Ore, Bologna.
Malagoli C., 2007, Estimo territoriale e ambientale, ARACNE EDITRICE, Roma, 2007, pagg. 487.
Mantino F., a cura di, 1995, – Impresa Agraria e dintorni. Contributi allo studio dell’impresa e delle sue trasformazioni nel territorio. Studi & Ricerche INEA.
Marenco G., 1995, “L’economia dell’azienda agraria serpieriana fra concezione aziendalistica e teoria manageriale dell’impresa” in Marinelli A., Nanni P. (a cura di) Arrigo
Serpieri e la sua costruzione teorica tra economia politica e realtà settoriale, Officine Grafiche Stianti, Firenze.
Marris R.L., La teoria economica del capitalismo manageriale, Einaudi, 1972 126
Mazzapicchio. G., 2004, Tesi di Laurea: Un tentativo di verifica della congruità dei Valori Agricoli Medi nel contesto espropriativo, relatore Prof. Lorenzo Venzi, Anno Accademico
2003/2004.
Prestamburgo M., Saccomandi V., 1995, Economia agraria, Etaslibri tutor, Milano
Simon H., Models of Thought (vol. II), Yale University Press, New Haven, CT, 1989.
Cyert RM e March JG, Teoria del comportamento dell'impresa, Franco Angeli, 1970.
Torquati B., 2003, Economia e Gestione dell’Impresa Agraria, Edizioni Agricole del Sole 24 Ore, Bologna.
Williamson O.E., 1987, Le istituzioni economiche del capitalismo. Imprese, mercati, rapporti contrattuali, Franco Angeli, Milano.
Zamagni S., 1994, Economia Politica, NIS, Roma.
MODULE II
SIMONE SEVERINI
Second Semester
3
AGR/01
Learning objectives
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The course aims at providing basic knowledge and the ability to understand the basic elements of economic policies aimed at encouraging the sustainability of agri-food systems with a particular focus on the European Union.
Furthermore, it is intended to provide the elements to allow the future acquisition of knowledge, skills and independent judgment on these issues.
Further objectives are the improvement of the ability to learn and communication skills, i.e. the ability to know how to explain these issues with appropriate terminology.
Finally, the course aims to enable students to use available policies to improve the sustainability of the sectoral realities in which they will operate.
120448 - GENETIC IMPROVEMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE CROPPING SYSTEMS
SAMUELA PALOMBIERI
First Semester
6
AGR/07
Learning objectives
1- Knowledge and understanding of Genetic improvement for sustainable cropping systems: Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices involved in genetic improvement, including the latest technologies such as CRISPR, marker-assisted selection, and traditional breeding techniques. This includes an understanding of how these techniques contribute to the sustainability of cropping systems by improving yield, quality, resilience to climate change, disease resistance, and resource use efficiency.
2- Applying knowledge and understanding of Genetic improvement for sustainable cropping systems: Learners will be able to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios, such as designing and executing breeding programs, analyzing genetic data, and selecting appropriate crops/varieties for specific environments. They will also learn how to implement sustainable practices in agricultural systems, using genetically improved crops, both with traditional and innovative techniques.
3- Making judgements about Genetic improvement for sustainable cropping systems: Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate the effectiveness, ethical implications, and sustainability of different genetic improvement strategies. They will be equipped to make informed decisions on the best approaches to adopt in various agricultural contexts, balancing productivity with environmental and societal considerations.
4- Communication skills about Genetic improvement for sustainable cropping systems: The course will enhance students' ability to effectively communicate complex genetic concepts and the benefits of sustainable cropping systems to a range of audiences, including farmers, policymakers, and the general public. This includes the ability to write reports, present findings, and engage in discussions about the potential and challenges of genetic improvement.
5- Learning skills about Genetic improvement for sustainable cropping systems: Students will develop independent learning skills that enable them to stay updated with the rapidly evolving field of genetic improvement and sustainable agriculture. They will learn how to critically analyze scientific literature, engage in lifelong learning, and adapt to new challenges and technologies in their professional careers.
The course aims to provide the cognitive fundamentals of the concepts of soil quality, as well as an in-depth knowledge of the dynamics of nutrients in soil and the problems related to their availability to plants, with particular reference to the mechanisms of nutrient acquisition at the level of the soil-plant system (rhizosphere).
Knowledge and understanding of 1) the approaches available for the assessment of soil quality and fertility, 2) the effects that natural or anthropogenic disturbances have on soil and the nutrient cycle, and 3) the soil-plant relationships, with the aim of defining the basis for the development of strategies aimed at achieving greater nutrient efficiency, understood as better utilisation of available resources, in both good quality and degraded soils.
Ability to apply the knowledge acquired from theoretical lectures and practical laboratory activities to 1) identify the most suitable analytical methods for assessing and monitoring soil quality and health, 2) hypothesise changes in soil characteristics and nutrient cycles as a result of natural or anthropogenic disturbances, 3) hypothesise changes in nutrient availability as a result of natural or anthropogenic disturbances.
During the lectures and exercises, the student will acquire autonomy of judgement that will allow him/her to 1) judge the nutrient dynamics and quality of a soil from a forest and environmental point of view; 2) critically evaluate the quality of available technical/scientific information.
Ability to present acquired skills with appropriate language and the use of technical and specific terms and to retrieve information from online bibliography. Communication skills will be tested in the examination.
Acquisition of learning strategies: at the end of the course, the student will have developed the ability to autonomously learn new concepts, to describe situations different from those considered during the course, also combining different theories, in order to apply them both in a continuation of third-level studies (PhD) and in professional life.
The course of “Microbial Soil Management” deals on microbial monitoring, conservation and biodiversity restoration of agricultural soils to improve sustainability for crop productions in Mediterranean area.
EXPECTED LEARNING RESULTS
• Knowledge and understanding:The student acquire knowledge and understanding about:1) microbial monitoring of main soil habitat, as rizosphere and detritusphere, that are relevant for the biogeochemical cycles; 2) microbial ecology and molecular microbial ecology in order to select different microbial indicator of soil quality; 3) inoculum management of beneficial microorganisms in soil-plant system; 4) biotransformation of agricultural waste for soil management by organic farming.
• Apply knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire the skills to apply the theoretical knowledge of the topics discussed in the course with a critical meaning for role of microbiology in improving nutrients for plants, microbiome sciences, and fertilization by farm waste that are rich in organic nitrogen.
• Making judgements: The student will be able to identify the strategy for planning soil monitoring and restoration of microbial diversity and assess the risks for human pathogen in food.
• Communication skills: The student will be able to communicate to third parties relevant information and specific problems for different technical contexts.
• Learning skills: Additional objectives include improving learning abilities and communication skills, more specifically the ability to present topics related to the microbiology of interface plant-soils using appropriate terminology.
MODULE II
STEFANIA ASTOLFI
First Semester
3
AGR/13
MODULE II
ELENA DI MATTIA
First Semester
3
AGR/16
120905 - PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL IN ORGANIC CROPPING SYSTEMS
-
12
-
-
Learning objectives
Eco-sustainable strategies in the protection of agricultural crops (part of plant pathology) is a teaching that has the objectives of:
1) Highlight the main characteristics of phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi;
2) Transfer knowledge about the eco-sustainable principles of phytopathological defense;
3) Provide the practical-applicative phytoiatric knowledge with particular reference to the agrochemicals allowed under eco-sustainable and organic agriculture for the protection of agricultural crops;
4) Describe case studies of bacterial and fungal diseases affecting the main agricultural crops both in phytopathological terms and in terms of the development of eco-sustainable protection approaches.
MODULE II
SARA FRANCESCONI
First Semester
6
AGR/12
MODULE II
STEFANO SPERANZA
First Semester
6
AGR/11
120906 - ORGANIC LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
RICCARDO PRIMI
First Semester
6
AGR/18
Learning objectives
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with an in-depth and applied understanding of organic livestock production systems, with a particular focus on the integration of environmental sustainability, animal welfare, product quality, and future perspectives in the sector.
Knowledge and understanding
Through the introductory and thematic modules, students will acquire:
• knowledge of the principles, historical evolution, and regulations governing organic livestock production;
• an overview of the main production systems (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry) and their specific features;
• a scientific basis in animal nutrition, forage resource management, health, and welfare;
• competencies to understand the interactions between livestock systems, the environment, and society.
Applied knowledge and understanding
Through case studies and practical examples, students will be able to:
• critically evaluate feeding strategies and forage management, considering local resources and regulatory limits on the use of feed and supplements;
• apply tools to monitor and improve animal welfare and health in organic systems, adopting preventive and alternative approaches;
• analyze environmental management practices, with attention to nutrient cycles, waste management, and ecosystem services.
Making judgements
Students will develop the ability to:
• interpret data and information related to environmental impacts, production performance, and product quality;
• design sustainable and adaptable solutions for different livestock systems;
• elaborate independent management strategies that balance productivity, animal welfare, and sustainability.
Communication skills
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
• clearly communicate concepts and results related to organic livestock systems to different audiences (technicians, policymakers, consumers);
• prepare technical reports and documents on product quality, traceability, and certifications;
• contribute to discussions and debates on the future perspectives of organic farming, including precision livestock farming and climate change adaptation.
Learning skills
Students will acquire the ability to:
• stay up to date with sector innovations (genetics, precision technologies, sustainable practices);
• integrate new knowledge with scientific literature and evolving regulations;
• critically address emerging challenges, with a focus on markets, consumers, and the resilience of organic livestock systems under climate change scenarios.
- Introduction and principles of organic farming (4h)
• Origins, evolution, and basic principles
• EU and international regulations, certification schemes
- Organic livestock production systems (12h)
• Dairy and beef cattle (4h)
• Sheep and goats (2h)
• Pigs (2h)
• Poultry (4h)
- Feeding and forage resources (8h)
• Forage production and management in organic systems
• Nutrition and ration formulation using local resources
• Restrictions and opportunities for feed additives and supplements
- Animal welfare and health (8h)
• Indicators and assessment of animal welfare
• Health management in organic farms: biosecurity and allowed veterinary practices
• Preventive and alternative approaches
- Environmental aspects and sustainability (6h)
• Environmental impacts of organic livestock systems
• Manure management and nutrient cycles
• Ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation
- Product quality and supply chains (6h)
• Quality traits of organic milk, meat, and eggs
• Food safety, traceability, and certification
• Markets, consumers, and value chains
- Innovations and future perspectives (4h)
• Precision livestock farming in organic systems
• Climate change adaptation and resilience
• Breeding strategies and genetic improvement in organic contexts
examMode
In line with the regulations of the Master’s degree program, the final assessment will take into account several aspects:
• the level of theoretical knowledge of the topics presented during lectures (ranging from superficial to complete and in-depth);
• the ability to analyse, synthesise, and make interdisciplinary connections (from sufficient to excellent);
• the ability to think critically and formulate independent judgements (from sufficient to excellent);
• linguistic competence and clarity of presentation, particularly in the oral examination (from poor to confident and accurate).
Specifically, the final grade will be based on:
1. the acquisition of knowledge and mastery of key concepts;
2. the ability to analyse problems and integrate interdisciplinary knowledge;
3. the ability to elaborate hypotheses and formulate critical judgements;
4. clarity, coherence, and organisation of oral and written expression.
The assessment consists of a written examination and, upon request or in specific cases, an integrative oral examination.
Written examination
The written test is designed to evaluate theoretical knowledge and the understanding of livestock farming technologies presented during the course, with emphasis on precision livestock farming and environmentally sustainable practices. It includes:
• 23 multiple-choice questions, scored 0–1 point each (0 for incorrect or missing answer; 1 for correct answer);
• 2 open-ended questions, scored 0–2 points each, based on accuracy, depth, analytical skills, and personal elaboration (0 = incorrect, missing or superficial answer; 2 = excellent, well-structured and articulated answer).
The maximum achievable score from the open-ended questions is 4 points.
The total duration of the written exam is 60 minutes.
Results will be communicated to students via e-mail. In case of refusal of the grade, students may register for the integrative oral examination.
Integrative oral examination
The oral examination may be requested by:
• students who scored 16 or 17 in the written test and wish to achieve a passing grade;
• students who scored between 18 and 27 and wish to improve their result.
The final grade will be expressed on a scale of 30 points.
books
1) Vaarst M., Roderick S., Lund V., Lockeretz W. (eds.) (2004). Animal Health and Welfare in Organic Agriculture. CABI. Available at: https://share.google/vbBHkj1hxl0OltsoX
2) EU Regulation 2018/848 and related documents. Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/IT/legal-content/summary/eu-rules-on-producing-and-labelling-organic-products-from-2022.html
3) Additional teaching materials provided by the lecturer.
classRoomMode
Attendance is not formally compulsory for the final examination. Nevertheless, regular and consistent participation in the lectures is strongly recommended. Continuous attendance enables students to follow the progression of topics in a coherent way, to take part in classroom discussions, to benefit from the lecturer’s additional explanations, and to develop a more effective study approach, especially given the specialised and interdisciplinary nature of the course contents.
bibliography
- Vaarst, M., & Roderick, S. (Eds.) (2019). Improving Organic Animal Farming. Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing. ISBN: 978-1786761804.
- Lampkin, N. (1997). Organic Farming. Farming Press.
- Åkerfeldt, M. P., Gunnarsson, S., Bernes, G., Blanco-Penedo, I., & altri (2021). “Health and welfare in organic livestock production systems — a systematic mapping of current knowledge.” Organic Agriculture, 11: 105-132.
- Vaarst, M., & Alrøe, H. F. (2012). “Concepts of Animal Health and Welfare in Organic Livestock Systems.” Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, 25:333-347.
- Coffey, L., et al. (2012). Guide for Organic Livestock Producers. USDA AMS.
Animal Health and Welfare for Sustainable Livestock Systems (2022). GASL (Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock).
120444 - EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND STATISTICAL MODELLING
FEDERICA CARUCCI
First Semester
6
AGR/02
Learning objectives
The course intends to provide students with essential skills, including understanding the methods for processing and visualization of data utilized in technical-scientific papers within journals specialized in agricultural production, accurately conducting experimental tests, and selecting suitable procedures to analyse and present experimental data.
Expected learning results:
• interpret the results reported in technical and scientific journals;
• organise and summarise datasets using descriptive statistics;
• plan commonly used experimental designs;
• independently carry out simple analyses of experimental results, presenting key information through the most commonly used graphs and tables.
Frontal Teaching: 21 hours
Course introduction.
Content and organization, final exam methods.
Overview of research in agriculture in Italy and the global context.
Bibliographic research.
Data.
Inductive and deductive methods.
Basic concepts of experimental methodology.
Sampling.
Descriptive statistics: frequency distribution, measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion. Data presentation.
Theoretical frequency distributions.
Normal distribution.
Central Limit Theorem.
Statistical tests for parametric and non-parametric mean comparisons.
Student's t-test: assumptions, data transformation, paired and unpaired data, Fisher's F-test.
Comparisons between groups of means.
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for one factor.
Assumptions, ANOVA operation.
ANOVA for completely randomized and randomized block experimental designs.
Multiple comparisons of means using least significant difference (LSD) and post-hoc comparison tests.
Experiments with 2 or more factors, the concept of interaction.
ANOVA for factorial and split-plot experimental designs.
Relationships between two variables: parametric correlation (Pearson), and simple linear regression.
Exercises: 27 hours
Computer exercises on the topics covered in the lectures are performed during the exercises. Real experimental data and instructions for their analysis are provided, and students are encouraged to independently perform data analysis using MS Excel for Windows and the DSAASTAT plug-in (available for download on the Moodle platform).
examMode
Upon completion of the course, students will have to take an assessment test consisting of a written/practical exam. This exam will take place in the computer room and students will be provided with agricultural experiment data in Excel, along with a brief description of the experimental objectives. Students will be required to choose an appropriate data analysis methodology and carry it out in Excel. They must then provide a short written report that follows the typical scientific presentation scheme (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Conclusions). At the end of the exam, students must submit their Excel file and Word report in digital format to the teacher. A grading system will evaluate the student's work based on a set of criteria which includes the correctness and completeness of analysis, evaluation of analysis assumptions and test power, accuracy of results, correct interpretation of results, and the quality of the written report. The final grade will be determined by the sum of scores for all the criteria. Throughout the course, students will engage in an ongoing test that involves presenting the results obtained from bibliographic research on agreed-upon topics. This test will be awarded a score of 0 to 2 points, which will be added to the final test score.
books
Slides
Instructions and data for completing the exercises
classRoomMode
It is highly recommend attending continuously
bibliography
Monti A., 2005. "Metodologia statistica per la sperimentazione agronomica. Aspetti generali" Aracne Editore
Fowler J.; Cohen Louis, 2002. “Statistica per ornitologi e naturalisti”. Franco Muzzio Editore
Gomez K.A., Gomez A.A., 1984. Statistical Procedures for Agricultural Research. 2nd edn. John Wiley & Sons, New York. (per gli schemi sperimentali e l'ANOVA)
Sokhal Rholf, 1995. "Biometry: The Principles and Practices of Statistics in Biological Research”
120909 - ORGANIC TREE CROPS PRODUCTION IN MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
CRISTIAN SILVESTRI
Second Semester
6
AGR/03
Learning objectives
knowledge and understanding;
Students will acquire advanced knowledge of the physiology and phenology of tree crops, integrated with the main cultivation techniques applicable in different environmental contexts. Genetic, physiological and agronomic aspects will be explored in relation to the environment, with particular emphasis on practices and innovations that promote organic production. The course will address topics such as fruit quality, orchard management systems, environmental and economic sustainability, training and pruning systems, soil and water management, conventional and biotechnological breeding (including new genomic techniques), as well as strategies for adapting to climate change.
applying knowledge and understanding;
The knowledge acquired and the experience gained through exercises and class attendance will enable students to critically deepen the topics addressed, to understand sector-related issues and to propose possible solutions. They will also be able to formulate innovative hypotheses for the use of fruit tree species, with originality and a multidisciplinary approach (plant physiology, tree crop science, plant biotechnology and agronomy).
making judgements;
By understanding biological, physiological and technical aspects students will learn to synthesize knowledge and formulate realistic, scientifically sound judgements. They will be able to propose scenarios and applications aimed at producing high-quality, functional fruits within an organic framework, balancing environmental, economic and social dimensions.
communication skills;
Students will acquire the ability to present their knowledge with scientific rigor and communicative clarity. The training will provide them with the tools to discuss organic fruit tree production, including innovative use of biotechnology, cultivation techniques and precision agriculture, ensuring effective communication with researchers, technicians, growers and policy makers.
learning skills;
Through classroom lectures, exercises and study visits, students will acquire tools for independent learning and critical thinking, enabling them to further develop their knowledge and address emerging challenges in organic tree crop production and orchard management.
120438 - AGROECOLOGY IN ORGANIC AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
ROBERTO MANCINELLI
Second Semester
6
AGR/02
Learning objectives
Course objectives
The course of General and Applied Agroecology aims to provide students the applying knowledge and understanding tools for ability to integrate and analyze theoretical and practical knowledge of agricultural systems.
1) Knowledge and understanding - The student will gain basic and advanced knowledge of the aspects concerning different agroecosystems management methods with a critical understanding of potential flaws and values.
2) Applying knowledge and understanding - The advanced skills acquired will allow the student to apply the knowledge to agroecosystems through a systemic approach.
3) Making judgements - The student will have the ability to develop their own knowledges in the analyze of different agroecosystems management methods with a critical understanding of potential capacity in food quality production and low environmental impact.
4) Communication skills - The student will be able to analyze and communicate what they learned during the course by using suitable, clear and highly professional language.
5) Learning skills - The student will be able to develop a holistic approach ability in the interpreting results of scientific research and in the agroecosystem design and management for sustainable food quality production.
Agroecology definition, principles and practice.
Systemic approach applied to the agriculture: concept of agroecosystem; agroecosystem properties (productivity, stability, sustainability).
The farm as agroecosystem.
Designing and managing agroecological systems.
Importance of the agroecosystem biodiversity and mixed farming.
Importance of structural complexity between and within the fields: hedges and polyculture.
Environmental impact of agriculture: pollution and loss of biodiversity.
Presentation of concrete examples of crops agroecologically managed.
Field exercise: some concrete situations on field will be observed concerning some agronomic applications addressed to the sustainable management of agroecosystems.
Organic Agriculture in Italy
Organic farm management
Agronomic techniques in organic farming
examMode
At the end of the course, the students have the assessment test with an oral exam. The evaluation and the final grade will take into account the acquired knowledge and concepts, the ability to analyze problems, connect interdisciplinary knowledge, formulate hypotheses and judgments, mastery and clarity of expression and exposure. Several questions will be asked to the candidates ranging over the whole program, each of which will be evaluated with a score from 0 to 30. The final grade corresponds to the average of the individual grades.
In critical situations, such as a high number of candidates in the booking, or peculiarities of one or more candidates, the exam can be done in written form with six open-ended questions, evaluated as for the oral exam. Candidates will be given one and a half hours to answer. Furthermore, upon explicit request by individual students, it is possible to take the exam in written or oral form, regardless of what is reported in the official appeal.
At the request of the candidate, a PowerPoint presentation can be discussed concerning the deepening of a topic chosen by the student and agreed with the teacher, followed by some questions about the program. A score from 0 to 30 will be assigned to the presentation and to each of the answers to the questions. The final grade corresponds to the average of the individual grades defined as for the oral exam.
books
- Slides showed during the lessons available in Google Drive .
- Papers and Books suggested during the lessons
- Anderson, C. R., et al. (2021). Agroecology now!: Transformations Towards More Just and Sustainable Food Systems. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
- K. Martin, J. Sauerborn, Agroecology (Springer, Dordrecht, 49-102, 2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5917-6_3
mode
The course is structured in classroom lessons and/or in remote lessons (via video-conference), and in field lesson.
The classroom and remote lessons include all topics of the course program.
The lesson in the field concerns the application of some specific and theoretically discussed aspects.
classRoomMode
The course is structured in classroom lessons and/or in remote lessons (via video-conference), and in field lesson.
The classroom and remote lessons include all topics of the course program.
The lesson in the field concerns the application of some specific and theoretically discussed aspects.
bibliography
- Slides showed during the lessons available in Google Drive .
- Papers and Books suggested during the lessons
- Anderson, C. R., et al. (2021). Agroecology now!: Transformations Towards More Just and Sustainable Food Systems. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
- K. Martin, J. Sauerborn, Agroecology (Springer, Dordrecht, 49-102, 2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5917-6_3
120908 - FOOD QUALILTY AND SECURITY IN ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
EMANUELE RADICETTI
Second Semester
6
AGR/02
120907 - ORGANIC HERBACEOUS CROP PRODUCTION IN MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
ROBERTO RUGGERI
Second Semester
6
AGR/02
Learning objectives
1. Knowledge and understanding
The course aims to provide the basic knowledge upon major field crops grown in the Mediterranean environment and the full understanding of the topics developed during lectures.
Students will learn the basic principles of sustainable agriculture and those of organic cultivation applied to each single crop, focusing on Mediterranean cropping systems and agronomic practices.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
The knowledge gained during the course will provide students with the competencies needed to analyze and solve farming problems, especially in Mediterranean organic cropping systems.
3. Making judgements
Students will be able to compare, choose, apply and plan the most common agronomic practices, adapting them to specific production contexts (e.g., different cropping systems and cultivation environments) and farms’ targets.
4. Communication skills
Students will develop the ability to communicate the acquired concepts with an appropriate terminology to all the stakeholders of the sector.
5. Learning skills
Upon ending the course, students will have developed the knowledge to critically analyze future changes of sustainable crop production under limiting pedoclimatic conditions.
121334 - PEST AND SISEASE CONTROL IN ORGANIC CROPPING SYSTEMS
-
12
-
-
Learning objectives
Eco-sustainable strategies in the protection of agricultural crops (part of plant pathology) is a teaching that has the objectives of:
1) Highlight the main characteristics of phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi;
2) Transfer knowledge about the eco-sustainable principles of phytopathological defense;
3) Provide the practical-applicative phytoiatric knowledge with particular reference to the agrochemicals allowed under eco-sustainable and organic agriculture for the protection of agricultural crops;
4) Describe case studies of bacterial and fungal diseases affecting the main agricultural crops both in phytopathological terms and in terms of the development of eco-sustainable protection approaches.
MODULE II
First Semester
4
AGR/11
MODULE II
First Semester
4
AGR/12
121335 - GENETIC IMPROVEMENT (SEED OF FIELD CROPS)
First Semester
6
AGR/07
121289 - SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH WORK AND PREPARATION AND DEFENSE OF MASTER'S THESIS
First Semester
6
AGR/18
121364 - ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITI OF FARMING SYSTEMS
-
9
-
-
MODULE II
First Semester
6
AGR/01
121366 - AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION
-
6
-
-
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge, analytical tools and organisational instructions relating to agricultural mechanisation and the various development models.
Students will acquire the necessary knowledge of the different types of machinery, their functional, energetic and organisational aspects.
Aspects of the selection and sizing of machinery fleets, the analysis of operating costs and logistics will be examined in depth.
Applied Knowledge and Understanding
The course aims to promote the acquisition by the student of knowledge and understanding such as to
- Understand the elements underlying the correct selection and use of an agricultural machine;
- Design suitable work sites and analyse and quantify their economic aspects;
- Apply new technologies to farms, with regard to precision agriculture, the application of new digital technologies, interactions with the environment, effects on the quality of harvested products.
Autonomy of Judgment
The course aims to develop students' autonomy of judgement, such as:
- Knowing how to size the company's machinery fleet and analyse its operating costs;
- Knowing how to assess the efficiency and quality of the work performed by the machines;
- Assessing the effects on workers' health and safety, the environment and product quality (ISO certification).
Communication skills
The aim of the course is also to enable the student to develop his or her own specific skills through group work, with a simulated lesson using the latest teaching technologies. The illustration in the examination trains the student in public presentation and collaborative work.
Learning skills
The course is designed to foster knowledge of modern agricultural machinery, knowledge that can be used in professional and scientific work. Learning skills are assessed in the final oral examination, in which the student must demonstrate the ability to summarise, clarity of presentation, the ability to make technical judgements, knowledge of the topics and mastery of technical language.
MODULE II
First Semester
2
AGR/09
121292 - RESEARCH METHODS IN CROP SCIENCE
Second Semester
6
AGR/02
121334 - PEST AND SISEASE CONTROL IN ORGANIC CROPPING SYSTEMS
-
12
-
-
Learning objectives
Eco-sustainable strategies in the protection of agricultural crops (part of plant pathology) is a teaching that has the objectives of:
1) Highlight the main characteristics of phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi;
2) Transfer knowledge about the eco-sustainable principles of phytopathological defense;
3) Provide the practical-applicative phytoiatric knowledge with particular reference to the agrochemicals allowed under eco-sustainable and organic agriculture for the protection of agricultural crops;
4) Describe case studies of bacterial and fungal diseases affecting the main agricultural crops both in phytopathological terms and in terms of the development of eco-sustainable protection approaches.
MODULE II
First Semester
2
AGR/11
120445 - ELECTIVES TEACHING COURSES
Second Semester
12
121364 - ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITI OF FARMING SYSTEMS
-
9
-
-
MODULE II
First Semester
3
AGR/01
121366 - AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION
-
6
-
-
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge, analytical tools and organisational instructions relating to agricultural mechanisation and the various development models.
Students will acquire the necessary knowledge of the different types of machinery, their functional, energetic and organisational aspects.
Aspects of the selection and sizing of machinery fleets, the analysis of operating costs and logistics will be examined in depth.
Applied Knowledge and Understanding
The course aims to promote the acquisition by the student of knowledge and understanding such as to
- Understand the elements underlying the correct selection and use of an agricultural machine;
- Design suitable work sites and analyse and quantify their economic aspects;
- Apply new technologies to farms, with regard to precision agriculture, the application of new digital technologies, interactions with the environment, effects on the quality of harvested products.
Autonomy of Judgment
The course aims to develop students' autonomy of judgement, such as:
- Knowing how to size the company's machinery fleet and analyse its operating costs;
- Knowing how to assess the efficiency and quality of the work performed by the machines;
- Assessing the effects on workers' health and safety, the environment and product quality (ISO certification).
Communication skills
The aim of the course is also to enable the student to develop his or her own specific skills through group work, with a simulated lesson using the latest teaching technologies. The illustration in the examination trains the student in public presentation and collaborative work.
Learning skills
The course is designed to foster knowledge of modern agricultural machinery, knowledge that can be used in professional and scientific work. Learning skills are assessed in the final oral examination, in which the student must demonstrate the ability to summarise, clarity of presentation, the ability to make technical judgements, knowledge of the topics and mastery of technical language.
MODULE II
First Semester
2
AGR/09
MODULE II
First Semester
2
AGR/09
121365 - HERBACEOUS CROP PRODUCTION
-
6
-
-
MODULE II
First Semester
3
AGR/02
MODULE II
First Semester
3
AGR/02
CHOICE GROUPS
YEAR/SEMESTER
CFU
SSD
LANGUAGE
MODULE II
-
-
-
18353 - D
First Year / First Semester
4
AGR/09
Learning objectives
118339 - RELEVANT BACTERIAL PLANT DISEASES
First Year / First Semester
3
AGR/12
Learning objectives
Knowledge about the principal bacterial plant pathogens: Psa and Xylella
119340 - NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CROP PROTECTION
First Year / First Semester
3
AGR/12
Learning objectives
At the end of the course the student will have learned the definitions of nanotechnologies, nanomaterials; will be able to list the main applications with associated potential and limits of nanomaterials in agriculture; will be able to analyze a scientific text concerning these applications by discriminating the validity of the proposed methods and the possible implications of research on industrial scalability and implementation in everyday contexts.
15125 - LEGISLATION AND CASE STUDIES FOR PROFESSIONAL AGRONOMISTS
First Year / Second Semester
8
AGR/01
Learning objectives
Assessment based on the level of knowledge of the contents, the ability to apply the theoretical concepts, the ability to analyze, synthesize and interdisciplinary connections, the correct use of technical language.
Discussion of the appraisal report written by the candidate during the course.
118294 -
First Year / Second Semester
3
AGR/19
Learning objectives
The teaching has the general objective of acquiring knowledge on the effect and impact of climate change on the physiology, metabolism, production, well-being and health of farm animals and on the adaptation systems useful for reducing the negative effect of exposure of animals to heat stress conditions.
1) Knowledge and understanding - The student will gain basic and advanced knowledge relating to the effects that climate change (global warming) has on the health and production efficiency of animals in livestock systems.
2) Applied knowledge and understanding - The knowledge and skills acquired will allow the student to apply the knowledge to case studies relating to the management of farm animals exposed to heat stress conditions.
3) Making judgment - The students will acquire the ability to independently develop their own assessments regarding the resolution of problems relating to the management of animals exposed to heat stress conditions.
4) Communication skills - The student will be able to effectively communicate what they have learned using suitable, clear and highly professional language.
5) Learning skills - The student will be able to develop the ability to learn the critical approach to assessing the condition of well-being of animals exposed to heat stress conditions.
120601 - CARTOGRAPHY AND DIGITAL SOIL MONITORING
First Year / Second Semester
6
AGR/14
Learning objectives
The main objective of the course is to provide knowledge of the methods and tools for observing and analyzing the territory, offering advanced insights into Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, and spatial analysis of territorial data.
Knowledge and understanding
The student will acquire specific skills related to the acquisition of georeferenced data available from major databases (such as the National Geoportal, ISTAT database, Copernicus, Regional Web GIS, etc.), the analysis and processing of such data, and the production of georeferenced data through monitoring or derived from spatial analyses. Whenever possible, students will be involved in activities related to ongoing research projects.
Applying knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course, the student will be familiar with the fundamental elements of cartography and digital cartographic representation. They will be able to create thematic maps related to territorial elements, conduct spatial analyses of various phenomena, and develop a cartographic project. The student will have gained proficiency in using GIS software and employing remotely sensed images for territorial analyses.
Making judgements The course aims to develop analytical skills at the territorial scale with the goal of proposing technical and practical solutions
Communication skills
The student will be required to produce an exam work by applying the acquired knowledge, conducting part of the work independently and part in a group to promote learning ability and work autonomy.
Learning skills
During the course, the student will be able to develop learning skills through active participation. Throughout the lessons, the student will have the opportunity to identify methods for acquiring and updating information, select and utilize the most useful sources, apply the acquired knowledge, and assess their own level of learning.
MODULE II
-
18
-
-
18268 - C
GIUSEPPE COLLA
Second Year / First Semester
6
AGR/04
Learning objectives
LEARNING OBJECTIVES. The course aims to provide knowledge on the greenhouse sector with particular reference to greenhouse structures, covering materials, microclimate management, ecophysiology and soilless cultivation techniques; moreover, the course will provide the knowledge and technical skills for the planning and sustainable management of the main vegetable and flower crops in soilless systems with particular reference to the greenhouse structures typical of the Mediterranean basin. At the end of the course, students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired in the different production realities (applying knowledge and understanding), independently and with adequate critical skills (making judgements). The course will focus on improving communication skills in various professional contexts. Students will acquire the ability to promote their own self-updating (learning skills).
The greenhouse industry in Italy, Europe and in the World
Quality of products of vegetables and flowers
Types of greenhouses and covering materials
Microclimate control
Ecophysiology and planning crop production
Propagation and nursery
Soilless culture (classification, floating systems, NFT, aeroponics, substrate culture, ebb and flow, types of substrates, nutrient solution preparation and management)
The main production chains of vegetable crops and flowers under greenhouse conditions
examMode
Oral test with written evaluation of nutrient solution formulation
books
Angeli F., 1988. Un migliore uso dell'energia delle serre. Franco Angeli Libri, Milano
Autori vari, 2003. Uso razionale delle risorse nel florovivaismo: I fabbisogni energetici. Quaderno ARSIA 2/2003
Tesi R., 2001. Colture protette, Calderini Edagricole, Bologna
Tesi R., 2002. Colture fuori suolo in orticoltura e floricoltura, Edagricole, Bologna
Pimpini F., 2001. Principali sistemi di coltivazione fuori suolo, Veneto Agricoltura
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
'Colture fuori suolo. Idroponica e coltivazione in substrato' Edagricole. Incrocci, Malorgio, Massa.
classRoomMode
Optional
bibliography
none
15162 - PLANT BREEDING FOR CROP VARIETY RELEASE
FABRIZIO OLIVIERI
Second Year / First Semester
6
AGR/07
Learning objectives
The course aims to establish plant breeding programs for agricultural plant species, with particular attention to climate change and the associated stresses with it, using possible in vivo and in vitro strategies. It will enable students to acquire knowledge and skills to:
• Leverage plant biology to identify the best strategy to apply in breeding programs.
• Identify the best genetic traits to exploit with a plant breeding program of a species of interest.
• Develop traditional or biotechnological systems for breeding programs, in accordance with current regulations in Italy and Europe.
Expected Learning Outcomes
• Knowledge and Understanding: Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the fundamental genetic principles and plant breeding techniques for the creation of new varieties/hybrids.
• Application of Knowledge and Understanding: Students will acquire the ability to apply the multidisciplinary concepts learned theoretically, with particular attention and critical spirit in developing the best plant breeding strategy for a given agricultural species.
• Judgment Autonomy: Students will be able to evaluate, within the context of a specific species of interest, the advantages and disadvantages of a particular plant breeding technique (whether traditional or biotechnological) and identify potential genetic traits that can be used to their advantage.
• Communication Skills: Students will be capable of effectively presenting, with a critical spirit, to others (primarily seed companies, but also farmers and agricultural enterprises) the information regarding a defined plant breeding program, explaining the reasons for their choices and finding solutions to potential bottlenecks.
• Learning Skills: The topics will be addressed in such a way as to seek, together with the student, a practical application to the issues treated, which may appear mostly theoretical, gradually developing knowledge of the course and verifying intermediate learning capabilities through questions on topics discussed in previous lessons and, if chosen by the student, through the evaluation of a genetic improvement project of their interest.
1. Introduction: history and role of genetic improvement, objectives of genetic improvement, concept of ideotype.
2. Recalls of basic concepts: Mitosis, Meiosis and Mendel's laws
3. Outlines of the botany of reproduction:
Floral morphology and structure, macro and microsporogenesis, macro and microgametogenesis, pollination, progamic phase, fertilisation, embryogenesis, seed and fruit development.
4. Types of reproduction (sexual, vegetative and apomictic reproduction), sex determination (hermaphroditism, monocyticism and diocyticism), union system (autogamy and allogamy). Male sterility (genetic, cytoplasmic and genetic-cytoplasmic, functional and conditional male sterility). Self incompatibility (sporophytic and gametophytic). Apomixis genetic control, genetic improvement of obligate and facultative apomictic species and prospects for transfer of apomixis to sexual species.
5. Fruit biology. Fruit set and development, parthenocarpy. Fruit ripening, ripening and pigment mutants.
6. Genomics and quantitative genetics: heritability, molecular markers and types of markers. Statistics applied to genetics. Use of bioinformatics in agriculture.
7. Sources of variability: genetic diversity and the gene pool concept, genetic resources, conservation and characterisation. Polyploidy.
Cross-breeding: intra- and interspecific crossing, sex barriers between species, heterosis Biotechnology to aid interspecific crossing
In vitro genetic improvement techniques: in vitro cultures, genetic transformation, somaclonal variability, interspecific hybridisation, haploid production, assisted evolution techniques.
8. Selection theory: Principles of selection theory for monogenic and polygenic traits. Selection of autogamous and allogamous plants. Assisted selection
9. Genetic structure of populations of autogamous, allogamous and vegetatively propagated and apomictic species.
Genetic improvement schemes:
- In predominantly autogamous species, selection in existing populations, mass selection and selection by pure line.
- Selection in segregating populations and single seed descent, doubled haploids. Backcrossing method for dominant and recessive allele, multilineage varieties, F1 hybrids in autogamous species.
Breeding schemes for predominantly allogamous species: mass selection concept of recurrent selection, synthetic varieties, F1 hybrids in allogamous species, use of male sterility in hybrid production schemes.
10. Elements of seed production genetics: evaluation of new introductions and entries in the Varietal Register, conservation selection and seed production, isolation, multiplication generations. Seed legislation. Biotechnology for variety protection (use of molecular markers for distinguishability), estimation of gene flow and its containment in conventional and genetically modified varieties.
Seminars: course students will be invited to attend one or two in-depth technical or scientific seminars on course topics.
Exercises: the practical activity will be dedicated to the knowledge of genetic variability in a species of agricultural interest, the examination of mutations involved in flower development, the execution of controlled crosses and an educational visit to a company operating in the improvement and/or seed production of species of agricultural interest.
examMode
Generally, the oral test consists of three questions, one of which is on a topic of the student's choice. Alternatively, the student may write a genetic improvement programme on a species of his or her interest in place of the topic of choice.
books
Since this is a multidisciplinary subject, I have included the reference bibliography for you to consult.
classRoomMode
Strongly recommended attendance given the multidisciplinary nature of the course.
bibliography
Materiale fornito dal docente tramite il Portale Docente.
18267 - QUALITY OF ANIMAL PRODUCTS
PIERPAOLO DANIELI
Second Year / First Semester
6
AGR/18
Learning objectives
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING - The student will acquire advanced knowledge to understand and describe the foundational principles of the EU Food Safety Policy and the various dimensions of quality (intrinsic and extrinsic) of animal origin products, with specific reference to: meat products, milk and dairy products, eggs and egg products, beekeeping products, and seafoods. Among the advanced aspects of the quality of animal origin foods, the student will be able to understand the significance of microbial and chemical (trace toxic elements, persistent organic compounds, mycotoxins, and others) contaminations (primary and secondary).
APPLYNG KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING - Based on the acquired knowledge, the student will be able to apply the general principles of the sector to various agro-zootechnical supply chains, utilizing technical aspects grounded in the knowledge of evaluation systems, current regulatory limits, and basic and advanced methods for quality assessment from multiple perspectives: hygienic, rheological, and technological.
MAKING JUDGMENT - The skills and knowledge acquired, including practical experience, will ensure the student has the judgment capacity to make reasoned choices in the specific sector.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS - The acquired knowledge will provide the student with adequate communication skills to effectively interact with other stakeholders (farmers, veterinarians, and other industry operators).
LEARNING SKILLS - The gained abilities will enable the student to undertake self-learning paths based on specific cases encountered in their professional career.
Definitions and evolution of the concept of intrinsic quality (organoleptic, nutritional, hygienic, total) applied to the food sector.
Introduction to the European legislation of the sector: Food law, Hygiene package and vertical regulations for the different production chains.
Extrinsic quality (environmental, animal welfare, other).
Technical aspects of quality: laboratory techniques and basic quantitative evaluation (rheology) and advanced (molecular methods for micro nutrients, contaminants, bioactive substances, etc.). Elements of microbiology with reference to the main pathogenic or altering organisms and substances released by them into the matrix causing toxinfection and/or toxicosis in humans.
Quality and safety of the supply chain of animal products: meat, milk and dairy products, eggs and egg products, bee products.
examMode
Before the end of the course, the student will present the work of an individual study around a topic addressed during the course, based on scientific works published on the major international databases. For non-attending students, the same type of work will be presented in "essay" mode at least two weeks before the exam date. The evaluation of the presentations or papers will compose the final grade after the oral exam, according to a scheme available to students in Unitus Moodle together with teaching materials
books
None. Teaching materials are made available to students via Unitus Moodle platform
mode
Frontal lessons, case study analysis, tutorials/visits, individual and/or group work.
classRoomMode
Attendance is optional, but widely recommended.
bibliography
None. Teaching materials are made available to students via Unitus Moodle platform
15160 - SAFETY IN AGRICULTURE
MASSIMO CECCHINI
Second Year / First Semester
6
AGR/09
Learning objectives
The teaching will be oriented towards problem solving, risk analysis and risk assessment, planning of appropriate prevention and protection measures, paying attention to deepening the causes of different risk levels. It will enable the acquisition of following knowledge / skills:
- identify the hazards and assess the risks in the sector workplaces, including ergonomic and stress-related hazards;
- identify the preventive measures and specific protection for the sector, including IPDs, in reference to the specific nature of the risk and of work;
- help to identify appropriate technical, organizational and procedural solutions for each type of risk.
EXPECTED LEARNING RESULTS
• Knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire knowledge and understanding about the risk factors present in the farms, forestry and fishing industries and the reference regulations.
• Apply knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire the skills to apply the theoretical knowledge of the topics discussed in the course with a critical meaning for the risk assessment and the identification of appropriate prevention and protection measures in accordance with current rules.
• Making judgements: The student will be able to identify the dangers, assess the risks and propose the appropriate prevention and protection measures, to be as objective as possible and without being influenced by carriers of interest.
• Communication skills: The student will be able to communicate to third parties (employers, clients such as farms, forestry companies, etc.) effectively, risk information and related prevention and protection measures to be taken, motivating their choices.
• Learning skills: The topics will be dealt to stimulate the will to learn, in the logic of gradually developing knowledge, from the risks for safety to risks for health and transversal ones. The same logic is required in the creation of a textbook or presentation that will be considered in the assessment of learning.
Specific techniques of risk assessment and analysis of accidents.
Environment and workplaces.
- Work environments in agriculture, livestock, forestry and fisheries
Fire Risk and emergency management:
- ATEX
Safety risks:
- Machinery, plants and agricultural and forestry equipment and on-board work equipment
- Electrical hazard
- Mechanical hazard
- Cargo handling: lifting and cargo handling equipment
- Falls from height(on-board and off-board)
Ergonomic and work organization related risks:
- Manual handling of loads
- VDU
Psychosocial risks:
- Work-related stress
- Mobbing and burnout syndrome
Physical agents:
- Noise and vibrations in the agricultural, forestry and fisheries.
- Hyperbaric atmospheres.
Chemicals, carcinogenic and mutagenic, asbestos:
- Exposure to chemical, biological, carcinogens used in agriculture
Risks related to particular activities:
- Confined environments and / or enviroments with suspicion of pollution
- Road activities
- Waste management
The risks of drugs, psychotropic and alcohol.
Organization of production processes.
Personal protective equipment
CEI sandards for structures and systems of agriculture, livestock and fisheries.
Exercise: 8 hours
2 visits at Teaching-Experimental Farm with analysis of the safety of machines and workplace.
2 classroom exercises for the risk assessment of noise, vibration and/or manual handling of loads.
"Work safety in agriculture" allows the achievement of "modulo B", for sector SP1 (agriculture, forestry, fishing) for Employees and Managers of the Prevention and Protection (subject to compulsory attendance at least 90% of the hours). For those who are not interested in the issue of that certificate the class attendance is optional.
examMode
The ongoing test will consist of a practical problem related to a specific risk factor.
For the practical test the candidate must illustrate a risk factor, previously assigned, through a paper in Word and / or a Power Point presentation. In particular, it must report on: - description of the danger; - effects on operators; - risk assessment methods; - reference legislation; - risk mitigation or remediation (prevention and protection). Two other questions will go over the whole course program. The presentation on the risk factor and the two questions will be evaluated with a score from 0 to 10. The final grade will be given by the sum of the three individual scores.
For the attribution of the vote, the level of knowledge of the contents shown and the ability to apply the concepts learned will be taken into account; synthesis and language properties will also be taken into consideration.
In critical situations, such as a high number of candidates, or peculiarities of one or more candidates, the exam can be done in written form with two open-ended questions, and the resolution of a practical case. Candidates will be given one and a half hours to respond. Furthermore, at the request of individual students, it is possible to take the exam in written or oral form, regardless of what is reported in the official appeal.
In any case, the same evaluation criteria described above will apply.
books
Cecchini M., Monarca D., CD Rom "Sicurezza del lavoro in agricoltura" (available on-line at the link: https://moodle.unitus.it/moodle/course/view.php?id=93)
mode
Frontal teaching: 40 hours
Exercise: 8 hours
2 visits at Teaching-Experimental Farm with analysis of the safety of machines and workplace.
2 classroom exercises for the risk assessment of noise, vibration and/or manual handling of loads.
Lessons and exercises will be developed to provide students with the basic tools to deepen, with competence and autonomy, the specific knowledge of specific risk factors by developing remediation and / or management procedures in accordance with current standards. To this end, the student is asked to explore a specific risk factor through the development of a thesis or presentation. During the lessons a participatory approach will be stimulated by the learners.
"Work safety in agriculture" allows the achievement of "modulo B", for sector SP1 (agriculture, forestry, fishing) for Employees and Managers of the Prevention and Protection (subject to compulsory attendance at least 90% of the hours). For those who are not interested in the issue of that certificate the class attendance is optional.
classRoomMode
Attendance at lectures and tutorials is recommended, but not mandatory.
"Work safety in agriculture" allows the achievement of "modulo B", for sector SP1 (agriculture, forestry, fishing) for Employees and Managers of the Prevention and Protection (subject to compulsory attendance at least 90% of the hours). For those who are not interested in the issue of that certificate the class attendance is optional.
bibliography
It is possible to download useful bibliographic references from the website www.ergolab-unitus.com
15159 - ECONOMICS AND POLICY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
RAFFAELE CORTIGNANI
Second Year / Second Semester
6
AGR/01
Learning objectives
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The student will acquire knowledge regarding the role of agriculture in the context of rural areas and the ability to use economic and political data, in order to understand the logic underlying rural development and the interactions between farms and territories.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The skills acquired will enable the student to process and analyze economic and political data regarding the farms in the context of rural areas and from the perspective of sustainable development through the application of rural development policy interventions.
MAKING JUDGEMENTS
The skills and knowledge acquired will allow the student to be able to select among the various interventions of rural development policy by making sustainable choices from a technical-economic point of view.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
The knowledge acquired will allow the student an adequate ability to communicate effectively with other stakeholders and to collaborate with professionals in the sector regarding rural development policy.
LEARNING SKILLS
The skills acquired will allow the student to learn autonomously, and to be able to carry out processing and analysis based on the specific case studies with which he will have to deal in his professional life regarding rural development policy.
First part: INTRODUCTION TO RURAL DEVELOPMENT
- Definitions and concepts of "development" and "rural"
- Evolution of the concept of rural in time and space
- Rural development and sustainability
Second part: ECONOMY OF RURAL AREAS
- Information sources and data for the analysis of rural areas
- Territorial analysis and diagnosis
- Local strategies for the sustainable development of rural areas
Third part: RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES
- Historical evolution of rural development policies
- Strategic Plan of the CAP 2023-2027
- The rural development interventions envisaged in the 2023-2027 programming
Fourth part: CASE STUDIES
The case studies analyzed will address the following topics:
- competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector
- sustainable management of natural resources and climate action
- balanced territorial development of rural economies and communities
- knowledge, innovation and digitization processes
examMode
Midterm written test.
Final oral exam with presentation of a project.
The finale examination and its assessment are carried out in 3 phases:
1. the student elaborates and develops a written paper where addresses a topic / several topics of the program and delivers the paper to the teacher at least 5 days before the exam session
2. during the examination session the student presents the topics, analysis methodologies and main results of his paper with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation
3. at the end of the presentation, the teacher asks questions on the topics covered by the written paper, and other topics of the program to evaluate the student's overall knowledge
The evaluation is carried out considering the following aspects:
- quality of the written paper delivered by the student
- ability to exhibit and master the subject matter: after the presentation of the student, questions will be asked on aspects relating to the subject
- overall knowledge of the topics: questions will be asked on other topics of the program
books
Teaching material made available by the teacher.
mode
Mixed mode: in the classroom with students in presence and with students connected in live streaming.
classRoomMode
The frequency of lectures is highly recommended.
bibliography
Downloadable material from the following sites:
https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/rural-development_it
https://www.reterurale.it/PAC_2023_27
http://www.pianetapsr.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/2835
15156 - FORAGE CROPS
ROBERTO MANCINELLI
Second Year / Second Semester
6
AGR/02
Learning objectives
Course objectives
The course aims to provide basic knowledge and understanding skills, including applied knowledge, on forage crops and Italian forage systems.
1) Knowledge and understanding - The student will acquire basic and advanced knowledge to approach the main knowledge and understandings on the implication of forage crops in agroecosystems.
2) Applying knowledge and understanding - The advanced skills acquired will allow the student to formulate judgments, communication skills in the acquisition of agronomic skills for the management, production and evaluation of forage crops in environments with a Mediterranean climate.
3) Formulating judgments - The student will have the ability to develop their knowledge in the analysis of the management of different forage crops with a critical understanding of the potential production capacity.
4) Communication skills - The student will be able to analyze and communicate what he has learned during the course using appropriate, clear and highly professional language.
5) Learning skills - The student will be able to develop a holistic approach in the interpretation of the results of scientific research and in the understanding of the characteristics of forage cultivation systems. The course integrates and deepens the forage crops treated in the field of herbaceous crops, deepening the aspects related to the conservation and use of forage resources and breeding systems, to the evaluation of the impacts of forage breeding systems in livestock farms.
Course contents
Lectures in the class: 40 hours.
Brief notes on the agro-ecosystem: energy flow, structure, operation, useful agricultural production and implications in the cycles of C, N, P, K and water.
The pedoclimatic Mediterranean environment: localization and general characteristics; general effects of the Mediterranean climate.
General aspects of forage crops: objectives, elements and constraints of the forage-livestock systems; specifications and definitions of fodder and forage crops; plant species of forage interest.
Classification of forage crops: procedures for use and planting, durability, inclusion in a crop rotation, number of species, the position and altitude, irrigation.
Typology and localization of forage crops.
Effects of forage crops in the agroecosystem: agronomic characteristics of the main forage species in the Mediterranean environment; use and benefits of forage legumes in the Mediterranean environment.
Main uses of forages depending on the type of farming and orientation of grassland in Italy.
Criteria and evaluation characters of forage species: precocity, attitude regrowth, leaf ratio / stalks, vitality, competitiveness, resistance and adaptive characters.
Evaluation and quality of fodder: chemical composition, dietary function or nutritional value, palatability.
Processing value of forage and methods of measurement.
Utilization of forage crops: green, preserved, direct grazing.
Importance of green fodder: factors, environmental aspects and implications.
Needs of forage conservation and methodologies.
Conservation method of haymaking: stages, cutting, conditioning, harvesting and baling, losses.
Preservation method silage: stages, cutting and collecting, compacting and closing of the silo; characteristics of the forage for silage; process management in silos; losses in storage in silos.
Pastures: advantages, composition, influence of climate, evaluation, types; effects of grazing; types of pastures; pasture improvement.
Grass and meadow: forage alternated; utilization of meadows; technical and management techniques itineraries; inclusion in the rotation, rotation and intercropping; characteristics of the main forage species grass meadow in agro-ecosystems in the Mediterranean climate.
Field exercises: 8 hours.
Some concrete situations will be observed on field, concerning the following theoretical aspects discussed in the classroom.
Some general aspects of forage crops.
Some aspects of the classification of forage crops.
Some types of forage crops.
Some effects of forage crops in agricultural systems.
Some species for the grass and meadow.
examMode
At the end of the course, the students have the assessment test with an oral exam. The evaluation and the final grade will take into account the knowledge and concepts acquired, the ability to analyze problems, connect interdisciplinary knowledge, formulate hypotheses and judgments, mastery and clarity of expression and exposure. At the candidate will be asked several questions ranging over the whole program, each of which will be evaluated with a score from 0 to 30. The final grade corresponds to the average of the individual grades.
In critical situations, such as a high number of candidates in the booking, or peculiarities of one or more candidates, the exam can be done in written form with six open-ended questions, evaluated as for the oral exam. Candidates will be given one and a half hours to answer. Furthermore, upon explicit request by individual students, it is possible to take the exam in written or oral form, regardless of what is reported in the official appeal.
At the request of the candidate, a PowerPoint presentation can be discussed concerning the deepening of a topic chosen by the student and agreed with the teacher, followed by some questions about the program. A score from 0 to 30 will be assigned to the presentation and to each of the answers to the questions. The final grade corresponds to the average of the individual grades defined as for the oral exam.
books
- Lesson slides, available on Dropbox at link provided by the teacher,- Suggested bibliography during the course.
- Baldoni R., Giardini L., Coltivazioni erbacee - Foraggere e Tappeti Erbosi, Ed. Patron, 2002. Bologna
mode
The course is structured in lessons in classroom and lessons in the field.
The classroom lessons include all topics of the course program.
The lessons in the field concern the concrete application of some specific aspects discussed in the classroom.
classRoomMode
Attendance is optional according to the current legislation
bibliography
Bibliografia individuata durante il corso
15158 - PLANNING OF RURAL AREAS
FABIO RECANATESI
Second Year / Second Semester
6
AGR/10
Learning objectives
1. Knowledge and Understanding: Students will gain a thorough understanding of the creation and management of a Territorial Information System (TIS) for risk identification and management. They will learn to comprehend and analyze territorial scales and hydrographic basins, recognize the processes of eutrophication and the vulnerability of water bodies. They will deepen their knowledge of key factors for territorial analysis, including elevation, slope, aspect, and land use maps, and understand how aerial and satellite imagery can support territorial planning.
2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding: Students will apply theoretical and practical knowledge to design and manage a TIS focused on environmental risk management. They will use GIS tools to analyze territorial data, assess vulnerability, and plan mitigation interventions. They will be able to implement and manage Best Management Practices (BMPs) for risk mitigation within TIS, and apply multicriteria analysis (MCA) to support informed decision-making in environmental risk management. They will develop projects for environmental risk mitigation at both the basin and enterprise scales.
3. Making Judgements: Students will develop the ability to critically assess the effectiveness of environmental risk management strategies and the application of BMPs. They will evaluate the quality and relevance of territorial data and multicriteria analyses, and be able to make informed decisions regarding the implementation of risk mitigation solutions in complex contexts.
4. Communication Skills: Students will be able to clearly and effectively communicate the results of their analyses and projects through technical reports and oral presentations. They will demonstrate skills in preparing detailed documentation and presenting risk analysis results, using appropriate technical language and data visualization tools.
5. Learning Skills: Students will develop skills for autonomous and continuous learning, applying acquired knowledge to new challenges in environmental risk management and territorial planning. They will be capable of staying updated with the latest methodologies and technologies for risk management and planning, and improving their skills through practical application and self-reflection.
Implementation and management of a spatial information system for risk identification and management. The spatial scale and the watershed. The Process of eutrophication and the vulnerability of the water body. The main factors for land use analysis: elevation, slope, exposure and land use map.
Photointerpretation to support land use planning: aerial and satellite imagery.
BMPs for hazard mitigation: what they are, how they are applied, and how they are managed in spatial information systems.
The implementation of a project for environmental risk mitigation at the watershed and farm scale.
examMode
At the end of the cycle of lectures, students are allowed to take the relevant assessment test in the forms previously approved by the Degree Course Council. The exam is oral and is based on the discussion of a paper (report) to be implemented through the use of GIS. This test is aimed at verifying the achievement of the objectives set for the specific discipline. The exam takes place in the forms established by the University Teaching Regulations. A specific report is drawn up for the execution, signed by the President and the members of the commission and by the student examined. The mark is expressed in thirtieths, with possible praise. Passing the exam requires the awarding of a grade not lower than eighteen / thirty and involves the assignment of the corresponding university educational credits.
books
- lecture notes;
- scientific articles provided by the lecturer;
- handouts provided by the lecturer;
- texts indicated by the lecturer during the course.
mode
Attendance is recommended due to the numerous laboratory activities conducted in the GIS environment in the dedicated classroom (geomatics classroom).
classRoomMode
Attendance is recommended due to the numerous laboratory activities conducted in the GIS environment in the dedicated classroom (geomatics classroom).
bibliography
- lecture notes;
- scientific articles provided by the lecturer;
- handouts provided by the lecturer;
- texts indicated by the lecturer during the course.
15157 - SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ANIMAL FEEDING AND NUTRITION
UMBERTO BERNABUCCI
Second Year / Second Semester
6
AGR/18
Learning objectives
The teaching belongs to the area of knowledge of animal production and is aimed at providing in-depth knowledge on the production and marketing of feed and supplements according to current legislation and on the correct feeding of animals of zootechnical interest (ruminants and monogastrics) and for the rationing of ruminants (dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep and goats) and monogastrics (pigs, poultry).
1) Knowledge and understanding - The student will gain basic and advanced knowledge of the main aspects relating to the feed technique and rationing of animals in livestock production.
2) Applying knowledge and understanding - The advanced skills acquired will allow the student to apply the knowledge to real case studies (e.g., feed industry, livestock) relating to the formulation of feeds and supplements and the formulation of diets intended for monogastric and ruminants.
3) Making judgements - The student will have the ability to independently develop their own assessments regarding the resolution of practical problems relating to the setting of feeding plans and the formulation of feeds and supplements for the various livestock species that fall within the cases addressed during the course.
4) Communication skills - The student will be able to effectively communicate what they have learned using suitable, clear and highly professional language.
5) Learning skills - The student will be able to: - develop the ability to learn the approach to the production, marketing of feeds and supplements and the rationing of animals in livestock production in different production contexts; - interpret the results of scientific research on animal nutrition and nutrition.
Program
Frontal lessons
Technical production and marketing of feeds
- Legislation relating to the production, marketing and labelling of feeds
- Legislation on GMOs in animal feeding
- The feed industry
- The production of feeds
Technical production and marketing of additives
- Legislation in force for the regulation of trade, distribution and use of additives
- Classification of additives
- For use in animal feeds
Feeding of ruminants
- feeding and nutrition of dairy cattle
- feeding and nutrition of beef cattle
- feeding and nutrition of buffalo
- feeding and nutrition of sheep
- feeding and nutrition of goats
Feeding monogastrics
- feeding and nutrition of pigs
- feeding and nutrition of poultry
- feeding and nutrition equines
Use the software for diets formulation.
examMode
In the evaluation of the test (or of the tests) in the attribution of the final grade, the following will be taken into account: the demonstrated level of knowledge of the contents (superficial, appropriate, precise and complete, complete and thorough), the ability to apply the theoretical concepts (discrete, good, well-established), of the capacity for analysis, synthesis and interdisciplinary connections (sufficient, good, excellent), the capacity for critical sense and the formulation of judgments (sufficient, good, excellent), of the mastery of expression (lacking exposure, simple, clear and correct, safe and correct). In particular, the judgment and the final grade will take into account the knowledge and concepts acquired, the ability to analyze problems, to connect interdisciplinary knowledge, to formulate hypotheses and judgments, mastery and clarity of expression and exposure. The exam will be taken in oral form.
The candidate must demonstrate to have acquired knowledge in the field of feed technology and feeding and nutrition of the main farms species. The final grade will be formulated taking into account the level of knowledge of the contents, the capacity for analysis, synthesis and interdisciplinary connections, the capacity for critical sense and expository clarity.
books
1. Dell'Orto, Savoini - Feeding of the dairy cow - Edagricole, 2005.
2. In-depth material provided by the teacher.
A link will be inserted to access the teaching material at the beginning of the course.
mode
Classroom lessons lasting 40 hours overall plus 8 exercises and seminars. The 36 hours include presentations (ppt or Inkscape) with graphic illustrations and photographs. More seminars held by teachers and technicians. Remote (Moodle, DropBox).
PRACTICAL EXERCISES
The tutorials provide technical visits to livestock farms (cattle, sheep, goats), feed industries, and use of software for the formulation of feed and diets for animals in livestock production (8 hours).
classRoomMode
Attendance to the lessons of the course is not mandatory
bibliography
Guoyao Wu, 2017. Principal of animal nutrition, CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
15124 - VITICULTURE
ELENA BRUNORI
Second Year / Second Semester
6
AGR/03
Learning objectives
- Provide an updated overview of Viticulture in the national and international context, of vineyard planting and management techniques according to the different cultivation areas and oenological objectives.
- Provide methodologies for the description and recognition of vine species and varieties.
- Knowledge and understanding: students will have to acquire knowledge on the main phases of the vegetative and reproductive cycle of the vine and on the different plant response mechanisms to biotic and abiotic stress. They will also have the fundamental skills for the evaluation of vine growing environments.
- Applying knowledge and understanding: students will acquire knowledge related to the choice of variety and to the management of the vineyard with both organic and conventional cultivation method.
- Making judgements: students will acquire the ability to weigh the operational choices with an interdisciplinary approach.
- Communication skills: students will acquire technical language and the ability to develop technical documents using appropriate terminology.
- Learning skills: students will acquire the ability to consult and use bibliographic sources for updating and critical analysis of the main issues of the viticultural sector.
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