27304 - Agrometeorology and Agricultural Ecology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student knows the main meteorological parameters and is able to carry out measurements with the most suitable instruments and process the results as well as calculate water balances and the water requirements of the main crops. The student also acquires the basic knowledge of ecology to define its role in agricultural sciences and has mastered the concepts of interaction between plant organisms in agro-ecosystems to define the conditions of eco-sustainable agriculture; finally he learns the elements to elaborate his own opinion on the current environmental problems of agricultural interest.

Course contents

Introduction to the course

Units of measurement, applications in the agrometeorological field of the problem of measurement and errors 2h

- Agrometeorology

Meteorological factors of agricultural interest (temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, etc.). 2h

Atmosphere, composition and dynamics 2h

Solar radiation and radiation laws. 2h

Energy and radiative balance applied to crops. 2h

Instrumentation and use of instruments. 2h

Agrometeorological station and measurement networks. 2h

Evaporation and evapotranspiration. 4h

The hydrological cycle and the water balance. 2h

Climate and climate indexes, climates of Italy. 2h

Climate change, consequences on agriculture. adaptation and mitigation to the new climate, in particular for food production. 6h

- Agricultural Ecology

Ecology references. Definitions of ecological niche, habitat, biotope, biomes. 2h

Ecological significance of interactions between organisms: competition, resistance, resilience of an ecosystem. 2h

Determination of growth of plants in crops. 2h

- Applications to agriculture

Protection from frost. 2h

Hailstorm. 2h

Phenology and degree days. 2h

Plant-soil-atmosphere relations: stomata. 2h

Plant-soil-atmosphere relations: photochemical smog. 2h

Environmental monitoring, land degradation and strategies to prevent it. 2h

Declinations of agriculture: precision, conservative, biological. 2h

there will be also 4 hours of field work and 10 of classroom exercises on all the topics

Readings/Bibliography

AGROMETEOROLOGIA

• Ventura F., Rossi Pisa P., 2006. Strumenti per l'agrometeorologia. Aracne Editrice, Roma.

(http://www.aracneeditrice.it/aracneweb/index.php/catalogo-aracne.html)

• Ceccon P., Borin M.: Elementi di Agrometeorologia e Agroclimatologia, IMPRIMITUR, 1995;

o alternativamente

• Benincasa F., Maracchi G., Rossi Pisa P.: Agrometeorologia, Patron, 1993.

ECOLOGIA AGRARIA:

• Baldoni G., Ecologia ed Agricoltura, Edagricole, Bologna, 1998

o alternativamente

• Vazzana C., Ecologia Vegetale Agraria, 1998, Pàtron ed. Bologna

Teaching methods

The course consists of theoretical lectures, exercises, field trips during which agro-meteorological instruments are shown, educational excursions, seminars of experts on specific topics.

The theoretical and practical teaching activities of the first cycle of lessons 2020/21 will take place in attendance for all students compatibly with the health conditions and with the regulations in force relating to the COVID-19 emergency. Didactic activities and university laboratories will in any case also be guaranteed online.

Assessment methods

Exam: written test lasting 1h without the help of notes or books.

The written test consists of 6 exercises and open questions.

Each question allows you to get a maximum score of 5 points. To be eligible for the oral examination, a minimum score of 18 points must be obtained in the written test.

Exercises are performed in classroom, as training for the written exam

The possible oral exam consists in the discussion of the written task.

Students wishing to take the exam in English must request it from the teacher at least two days before the exam.

Six total exames per year, two of which at the beginning of 2021, one in January the other in February before the beginning of the second semester.

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Ventura