#WEUNITUS

General Info

SUBJECTSEMESTERCFUSSDLANGUAGE
119485 - DIGITAL MAPPING OF SOIL AND TERRITORY - 12- -

Learning objectives

The main objective of the teaching is to provide the knowledge required to understand the characteristics and spatial variability of soils, for proper site-specific soil management in agriculture and agro-ecosystem. Basic concepts of soil chemistry, physics and hydrology, pedogenetic factors and processes will be recalled. The student will learn to frame soil variability within an agro-ecosystem landscape, learn digital soil mapping techniques using GIS software and the use of innovative techniques for soil monitoring and mapping, in particular the use of proximal sensors such as electromagnetic induction and diffuse reflectance spectrometry. The student will also learn the applications of mapping products and soil data, such as land suitability maps, monitoring soil functionality, etc.

Knowledge and ability to understand
The student will have to demonstrate that he/she has learnt and understood the main aspects of soil mapping and monitoring, namely:
• the main chemical, physical and hydrological characteristics of soils;
• the principles of horizon and soil classification;
• the principles of soil mapping, especially digital mapping, using methods of data spatialization and clustering of homogeneous units through GIS software;
• the principles of soil science applied to agronomy with regard to soil suitability, water and nutrient availability, recognition of possible problems (e.g. waterlogging, erosion susceptibility, etc.).

Applying knowledge and understanding
The student will be able to use the acquired knowledge to:
• describe the main characteristics of a soil profile and the associated pedogenetic processes, understanding the links between environmental characteristics and the chemical-physical and hydrological ones;
• understand the location of a certain soil type within a landscape and its geographical limits related to variations in pedogenetic factors;
• apply proximal soil sensing techniques using sensors and carry out the spatialization of soil data;
• be able to identify any problems or risks related to soil functionality and circumscribe them.

Making judgement
The student must be able to independently recognise a certain soil type and the soil processes present. He/she must know how to set up a soil survey and a description of a soil profile or soil borehole, as well as interpret a soil map or a soil description and analysis. They must also know how to interpret data obtained from proximal geophysical sensors, how to spatialise them in the plot of interest and understand which soil characteristics are associated with the variability of these data.

Communication skills
The student should have the ability to explain in a simple and comprehensive manner the knowledge acquired, trying to connect the basic notions to the more complex topics related to soil mapping and applications of pedology.

Learning ability
The student will have to refer to the teaching program and to the lesson plan of the course, deepening the various topics addressed through the handouts provided by the lecturer, the consultation of recommended texts and publications of national and international relevance.

MODULE II

ALESSIO PATRIARCA

Second Semester6AGR/10ita

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.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Introduction to Remote Sensing: basic concepts, historical evolution, main advantages, and fields of application.
Interaction between electromagnetic radiation and terrestrial surfaces: reflection, absorption, and transmission phenomena.
Spectral signatures and indices: fundamental principles and their use in land cover analysis.
Earth observation systems: components, operation, and key parameters.
Operational parameters of remotely sensed data: scale, and spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution.
Digital sensors for Earth observation: differences and applications of active and passive sensors.
Earth observation satellites: categories and main operational missions.
Remotely sensed images: structure, pixel characteristics, spectral bands, and frequency distributions.
Elements of photointerpretation: principles and criteria for visual image analysis.
Image processing: radiometric enhancement, and basic geometric and radiometric corrections.
Open-access satellite programs: overview of Landsat, Copernicus, and other international initiatives.
Image classification: production of land use maps and accuracy assessment.
Vegetation monitoring: use of vegetation indices for the analysis of environmental dynamics.
Introduction to cloud computing for remote sensing: tools and platforms for geospatial data processing.
Laboratory activities.

examMode

The exam is oral. On examination, questions about the topics arising from the presentation will be asked.
The assessment takes into account: acquired skills, the knowledge of the topics, quality and clarity of the presentation, the ability to apply their knowledge critically, the ability of interdisciplinary connections.

books

Teaching material will be available on the Moodle platform.

classRoomMode

Attendance Optional
Attendance is optional but it is strongly recommended

MODULE II

SIMONE PRIORI

Second Semester6AGR/14ita

Learning objectives

The main objective of the teaching is to provide the knowledge required to understand the characteristics and spatial variability of soils, for proper site-specific soil management in agriculture and agro-ecosystem. Basic concepts of soil chemistry, physics and hydrology, pedogenetic factors and processes will be recalled. The student will learn to frame soil variability within an agro-ecosystem landscape, learn digital soil mapping techniques using GIS software and the use of innovative techniques for soil monitoring and mapping, in particular the use of proximal sensors such as electromagnetic induction and diffuse reflectance spectrometry. The student will also learn the applications of mapping products and soil data, such as land suitability maps, monitoring soil functionality, etc.

Knowledge and ability to understand
The student will have to demonstrate that he/she has learnt and understood the main aspects of soil mapping and monitoring, namely:
• the main chemical, physical and hydrological characteristics of soils;
• the principles of horizon and soil classification;
• the principles of soil mapping, especially digital mapping, using methods of data spatialization and clustering of homogeneous units through GIS software;
• the principles of soil science applied to agronomy with regard to soil suitability, water and nutrient availability, recognition of possible problems (e.g. waterlogging, erosion susceptibility, etc.).

Applying knowledge and understanding
The student will be able to use the acquired knowledge to:
• describe the main characteristics of a soil profile and the associated pedogenetic processes, understanding the links between environmental characteristics and the chemical-physical and hydrological ones;
• understand the location of a certain soil type within a landscape and its geographical limits related to variations in pedogenetic factors;
• apply proximal soil sensing techniques using sensors and carry out the spatialization of soil data;
• be able to identify any problems or risks related to soil functionality and circumscribe them.

Making judgement
The student must be able to independently recognise a certain soil type and the soil processes present. He/she must know how to set up a soil survey and a description of a soil profile or soil borehole, as well as interpret a soil map or a soil description and analysis. They must also know how to interpret data obtained from proximal geophysical sensors, how to spatialise them in the plot of interest and understand which soil characteristics are associated with the variability of these data.

Communication skills
The student should have the ability to explain in a simple and comprehensive manner the knowledge acquired, trying to connect the basic notions to the more complex topics related to soil mapping and applications of pedology.

Learning ability
The student will have to refer to the teaching program and to the lesson plan of the course, deepening the various topics addressed through the handouts provided by the lecturer, the consultation of recommended texts and publications of national and international relevance.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

- Bases of pedology: soil phases, pedogenetic factors and processes, soil profile and genetic horizons
- Elements of soil physics: concepts and methods of measurement of texture, structure, bulk density, compaction, erodibility
- Elements of soil hydrology: water flows in the soil, water retention curves, field capacity, wilting point, available water capacity (AWC), infiltration and permeability of soils, water stagnation and associated pedogenetic forms. Measurement and monitoring of water content and water tension in the field.
- Reading of the pedological landscape: bases of geomorphology, forms of slope and valley deposits, glacial and periglacial forms, karst forms, structural forms. Photointerpretation, digital terrain models. The physiographic units.
- Traditional pedological survey: organization of the survey, description of profiles and drills, chemical-physical parameters to be analyzed, type of survey
- Pedological cartography: Soil-landscape paradigm; hierarchy of pedo-landscapes. Criteria for the definition of cartographic units - The series, the type, the phase, the variants - The composite cartographic units - Associations, complexes - Cartographic units in small-scale surveys. Organization of work for soil survey and mapping
- Geophysical proximal soil sensors: basic geophysical concepts, georesistivimeters and electromagnetic induction sensors. Procedure for proximal detection and data processing.
- Spectrometry: concepts of diffuse reflectance spectrometry in the visible and infrared range. Type of spectrometers, use in the laboratory and in the field. Soil spectrum analysis, construction of a spectral library. Gamma-ray spectrometry and its possible use in agriculture.
- Practical applications of GIS software and geostatistical methods for the processing and mapping of soil data. Clustering and mapping of homogeneous areas for precision agriculture.

examMode

The exam will take place an oral test on the topics of the course.

books

Notes provided by the professor

mode

Lezioni frontali ed esercitazioni

classRoomMode

Lectures and exercises on the PC
Practical exercises in the field

bibliography

- IUSS Working Group WRB. 2022. World Reference Base for Soil Resources. International soil classification system for naming soils and creating legends for soil maps. 4th edition. International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), Vienna, Austria.
- USDA-Soi Survey Division Staff. Soil Survey Manual. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/The-Soil-Survey-Manual.pdf

119428 - TRAINING

First Semester 2ita
119417 - DIGITAL MANAGEMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

CIRO APOLLONIOCIRO APOLLONIO

First Semester 6AGR/08ita

Learning objectives

The course covers the main aspects of digital water resource management at the catchment scale. The course aims to train the learner on the following topics:
• regulatory aspects of water resources management;
• the use of hydrological modelling software;
• the use of hydraulic modelling software to assess the hydraulic characteristics of a free-flowing stream.

Knowledge and understanding
The course aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding skills, such as:
• knowledge and understanding skills in a field of study at a level that is characterised by the use of advanced textbooks and also includes knowledge of some cutting-edge topics in the field of watershed managment;
• ability to understand and hydrological data.

Applied knowledge and understanding
The course will enable them to apply knowledge by demonstrating adequate understanding, enabling them, for example:
• to apply their knowledge and understanding in a way that demonstrates a professional approach to their work, as well as adequate skills to both devise and support arguments to solve problems in the field of watershed managment;
• ability to collect and analyse hydrological data.

Making judgements
The course will allow the development of independent judgement at various levels, such as
• hypothesising which causes most influence the occurrence of hydrogeological instability phenomena using one-dimensional hydraulic modelling software;
• propose solutions for the mitigation of hydrogeological instability phenomena using one-dimensional hydraulic modelling software.

Communication skills
Attending lectures and/or making independent use of the material provided will facilitate the development and application of communication skills, such as:
• ability to communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions, on the topics covered, to specialist and non-specialist people;
• use an appropriate and up-to-date technical vocabulary in the field of hydrological-hydraulic modelling.

Learning skills
Attending lectures and/or making independent use of the material provided will facilitate the consolidation of one's learning skills, enabling one to, for example:
• activate a programme of continuous updating of one's knowledge;
• autonomously identify ways of acquiring information;
• identify and use the most useful sources of information for personal updating.
This learning capacity will be fundamental for undertaking subsequent studies with a high degree of autonomy.

119416 - DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES APPLIED TO GENETICS

MARIO AUGUSTO PAGNOTTA

First Semester 6AGR/07ita

Learning objectives

Knowledge and understanding
The course aims to provide the necessary knowledge for the evaluation of phenotypes and their genetic bases in order to learn the body's responses to different environmental situation and to be able to favor those most suited to specific needs. The basics of modern genetic analysis from sequencing to the evaluation of genomes and biodiversity will also be provided.

Applied knowledge and understanding
The course deals with genotypic and genomic characterization (morpho-bio-molecular markers; automation in field genotyping - NGS, DNA barcoding, genotyping by sequencing; population genetics; management of natural populations), phenotypic characterization (tolerance traits abiotic stress observation and parameterization; phenotyping of the individual, populations and communities; analysis of point and area data, from multispectral analysis to phenotype), from genotype to phenotype (gene regulation; phenotypic plasticity; epi-genetics), the exploitation of germplasm (characterization, enhancement and conservation of germplasm; general principles and application to case studies).

Making judgments
Know how to decide the best genetic evaluation and biodiversity conservation methodologies to use in different situations.

Communication skills
Acquire technical terminology to communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions clearly and in detail to the scientific and public community.

Learning skills
Develop learning skills necessary to undertake further studies with a high degree of autonomy.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

The course deals with genotypic and genomic characterization (morpho-bio-molecular markers; automation in field genotyping - NGS, DNA barcoding, genotyping by sequencing; population genetics; management of natural populations), phenotypic characterization (tolerance traits abiotic stress observation and parameterization; phenotyping of the individual, populations and communities; analysis of point and area data, from multispectral analysis to phenotype), from genotype to phenotype (gene regulation; phenotypic plasticity; epi-genetics), the exploitation of germplasm (characterization, enhancement and conservation of germplasm; general principles and application to case studies).

examMode

It will be verified that the expected learning outcomes are acquired by the students. The exhibition capacity, completeness and detail of the individual topics requested will be assessed. The ability to link the different topics will also be considered. For the attribution of the final mark, account will be taken of: the level of knowledge of the contents shown (superficial, appropriate, precise and complete, complete and thorough), the ability to analyze, summarize and interdisciplinary links (sufficient, good, excellent), the capacity for critical sense and the formulation of judgments (sufficient, good, excellent), the mastery of expression (poor, simple, clear and correct, safe and correct exposition). In particular, the final judgment and grade will consider the knowledge and concepts acquired, the ability to analyze problems, to connect interdisciplinary knowledge, to formulate hypotheses and judgments, to master and clarity of expression and exposure.

books

Genetica. Un approccio molecolare. Ediz. MyLab. di Peter J. Russell (Autore), Carla Cicchini (a cura di), Alessandra Marchetti (a cura di) Pearson Ed ISBN 8891906964
Genetica molecolare. Biologia molecolare del gene di L. Sanguini (Autore), M. Cerofolini (Autore). Edizioni Esagono. ISBN 8843360159
Genetica e biologia molecolare di Peter H. Raven (Autore), G. B. Johnson (Autore), K. A. Mason (Autore), Jonathan B. Losos (Autore), S. R. Singer (Autore). PICCIN ED ISBN 8829929522
Dispense

mode

Lectures, classroom exercises, laboratory and field exercises.

classRoomMode

Presence + on-line

bibliography

Genetica. Un approccio molecolare. Ediz. MyLab. di Peter J. Russell (Autore), Carla Cicchini (a cura di), Alessandra Marchetti (a cura di) Pearson Ed ISBN 8891906964
Genetica molecolare. Biologia molecolare del gene di L. Sanguini (Autore), M. Cerofolini (Autore). Edizioni Esagono. ISBN 8843360159
Genetica e biologia molecolare di Peter H. Raven (Autore), G. B. Johnson (Autore), K. A. Mason (Autore), Jonathan B. Losos (Autore), S. R. Singer (Autore). PICCIN ED ISBN 8829929522

119424 - MACHINES AND PLANTS FOR PRECISION FARMING

MASSIMO CECCHINI

Second Semester 6AGR/09ita

Learning objectives

The students must acquire basic skills to develop the mechanization of operations in precision farming. In particular, they must be able to choose suitable machines for sustainable and high-quality work (knowing operational methods, safety aspects, etc.) while respecting mechanization constraints (economic, environmental, safety, etc.).

Knowledge and understanding
The student must acquire knowledge and understanding of the principles underlying the design and operation of machines and plants and be able to introduce them into agricultural sites, respecting various constraints.

Applying knowledge and understanding
The student must acquire the ability to apply theoretical knowledge of the topics covered in the course critically to identify individual machines, a fleet of machines, or systems for precision farming.

Making judgements
The student must be able to select specific machines and plants from the market suitable for various types of agricultural work sites where precision farming principles are applied. This should be done objectively, without being influenced by manufacturers, and respecting social, scientific, or ethical aspects related to each mechanization decision.

Communication skills
The student must be able to effectively communicate information about machines and plants and their technical-economic requirements to third parties (employers, clients such as agricultural companies, forestry enterprises, etc.), justifying their choices.

Learning skills
The course structure will be developed to first convey "cross-cutting" basic concepts relevant to any type of machine. Subsequently, individual types of machines (the most widespread in precision farming) will be covered. The topics will be presented to stimulate a desire for learning, logically developing knowledge gradually, from materials and mechanical principles to construction and safety aspects, to machine management. The same logic is required in creating a presentation (flipped classroom), which will be considered in the learning assessment.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

Main types of automated machines and systems for the precision agriculture and animal husbandry sector (operating principles, applications, safety and selection criteria).
- Self-driving tractors.
- Variable rate machines.
- Robot for milking and for the preparation and distribution of the diet.
- Drones.
Computing architecture distributed on CAN-ISOBUS machines with virtual terminal.
Safety in the use of machines based on electronic systems (active or passive tags on operators).
Application of augmented reality techniques in the management of machines.

Exercises: 8 hours
2 visits to farms with analysis of the mechanization and safety of machines.

examMode

The oral exam consists of three questions that will cover the entire program of the course. Each answer will be evaluated with a score from 0 to 10. The final mark will be given by the sum of the three individual marks.
For the attribution of the vote, the level of knowledge of the contents demonstrated and the ability to apply the concepts learned will be taken into account. The ability to synthesize and the property of language will also be taken into consideration.
In critical situations, such as a high number of candidates in the booking, or peculiarities of one or more candidates, the exam can be carried out in writing with three open-ended questions. Candidates will be given one and a half hours to respond. Furthermore, at the request of individual students, it is still possible to take the exam in written or oral form, regardless of what is reported in the official session.
In any case, the same evaluation criteria described above will apply.

books

Teaching notes

mode

Lectures in the classroom broadcast in live streaming.
Practice only in presence.

classRoomMode

Attendance at lectures and tutorials is recommended, but not mandatory.

bibliography

Advanced Automation for Tree Fruit Orchards and Vineyards (Ed. 2023)
by Stavros G. Vougioukas (edited by), Qin Zhang (edited by)
Springer International Publishing AG

Precision Farming From Above: How Commercial Drone Systems are Helping Farmers Improve Crop Management, Increase Crop Yields and Create More Profitable Farms. (Ed. 2018)
by Louise Jupp
Writing Matters Publishing

Precision Agriculture: Enabling Technologies (Ed. 2023)
by Nekesah T. Wafullah
Delve Pub

La meccatronica nelle macchine agricole. Dal digitale al Precision Farming (Ed. 2020)
Italian edition by Hanno Speich
Tecniche nuove

Tecnologie di precisione nelle macchine agricole: Telemetria, M2M, IoT, Big Data e Data Science (Ed. 2023)
Italian edition by Rodes Silva
Edizioni Sapienza

Precision farming. Strumenti e tecnologie per un'agricoltura evoluta (Ed. 2020)
Italian edition by Davide Misturini
Edagricole

119425 - PRECISION LIVESTOCK FARMING

LOREDANA BASIRICO'

Second Semester 6AGR/18ita

Learning objectives

In line with the educational objectives of the CdLM in 'Digital Management of Agriculture and Mountain Territory', the teaching provided has the general objective of providing the student with skills on the applications in the livestock sector of the main sensors and tools for precision farming aimed at improving productivity, health and animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

Knowledge and understanding
The student will develop basic and advanced knowledge relating to the possible automation solutions available for the management of animals (ruminants, pigs, poultry), for the control of the microclimate in breeding, for the management of food in breeding and preparation/distribution of the ration, depending on the species bred and the systems for monitoring animal performance and milking automation.

Applying knowledge and understanding
The knowledge acquired will give the student the ability to understand the main critical points related to the management of animals, animal nutrition, and the main digital technological approaches available to improve the production efficiency and sustainability of livestock farming.

Making judgements
The skills and knowledge acquired will allow the student to independently develop their own assessments regarding the resolution of practical problems related to the management of livestock using digital technologies available on the market.

Communication skills
The knowledge acquired by the student will allow him/her to communicate what he/she has learned using appropriate technical and scientific language.

Learning skills
The skills acquired by the student will allow him to develop a critical capacity that will allow him to face with great flexibility the different professional contexts in which he will have to operate.

Teacher's Profile

courseProgram

1. Livestock systems (Knowledge of the main livestock breeding technologies for the production of milk, meat and eggs)
2. Notes on the qualitative aspects of animal production
3. Overview of precision animal husbandry
4. Sensors
5. Precision feeding
6. Precision milking
7. Precision stable management; animal behavior monitoring systems; environmental sensors.

examMode

Oral interview.The assessment test will include at least three questions, which will tend to ascertain the student's theoretical knowledge of the part presented in class. Each question will be evaluated with a score from 0 to 10. The final vote will correspond to the sum of the three single votes. For the purpose of attributing the mark, the commitment and active participation in the exercises proposed during the course will also be taken into consideration. Particular attention is paid to the student's ability to reason across the board, linking the concepts of various parts of the teaching through the necessary logical-deductive connections, and to communicate using clear and appropriate language.

books

SANDRUCCI A., TREVISI E. (A CURA DI), Produzioni Animali. ED. EDISES, 2022.
ABENI F., NANNONI E., SANDRUCCI A. (A CURA DI), Zootecnia di precisione e tecnologie innovative in allevamento. ED. Point Veterinarie Italie (PVI), 2024
Precision technology and sensor applications for livestock farming and companion animals. Edited by E. (Lenny) van Erp-van der Koo, Wageningen Academic Publishers, 2021.


mode

The course is divided into lectures in the classroom, exercises in the classroom or in the laboratory and visits to farms.
1) Lectures to expose the key concepts of the subject. The lessons are accompanied by power point aids, subsequently made available on the Moodle platform;
2) Practical lessons, in the classroom or in the laboratory.
3) Seminars held by recognized experts on specific topics of the course.

classRoomMode

Attendance of classroom lessons is optional, but the participation in exercises and visits to farms are strongly recommended, because they allow the student to learn and appropriate theoretical knowledge in the context of its use.

bibliography

Teaching material provided by the teacher. Lesson notes, reference bibliography or other material will be inserted by the teacher on the dedicated website (Moodle platform).

119429 - FINAL TEST

Second Semester 20ita
CHOICE GROUPSYEAR/SEMESTERCFUSSDLANGUAGE