- Docente: Valda Rondelli
- Credits: 6
- SSD: AGR/09
- Language: English
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in International Horticultural Science (cod. 8765)
Learning outcomes
The student at the end of the course reaches knowledge on the operation and the use of tractors and crop protection machines. The student is able to select and manage the sprayer suitable to the crop type and to perform the setting and calibration of the machine adjusting the spray distribution to the target so as to reduce spray drift in the environment and increase the health of operators and consumers. Safety aspects of tractors and sprayers in field operation will be considered with respect to the environment and the operator according to a concept of sustainable agriculture.
Course contents
1. Introduction to the evaluation of modern agricultural tractor performance.
2. The use of boom, orchard and vineyard sprayers.
3. Components of tractors and agricultural sprayers specifically designed to increase the safety for the operators.
4. Sprayer adjustment related to the reduction of environment contamination.
5. Protection of the operator from hazardous substances in crop protection .
6. Safety design of tractors and sprayers.
7. International standards to test the safety performance of tractors and sprayers.
Readings/Bibliography
Copies of PowerPoint presentations with references to specific papers and publications are provided during the lectures.
Following texts are also
recommended:
EC Directives 127/2009, 128/2009, 42/2006, 37/2003, 52/2010
OECD Standard Codes 2, 4,5,6,7,8,10
Ajit K. Srivastava, Carroll E. Goering, Roger P. Rohrbach, Dennis R. Buckmaster- Engineering Principles of agricultural machines 2nd Edition– ASABE St. Joseph, Michigan
Teaching methods
The course is structured on frontal lectures (36 hours) to explain the fundamentals of tractors and sprayers and the management of the crop spraying, the correct use of plant protective products and the proper adjustment and maintenance of the machines. Safety in the use of plant protective products is explained through the requirements of european and national legislation. International standards related to the correct design, use and maintenance are presented. Lectures are associated to lab exercises (24 hours) on sprayer performance evaluation, setting and calibration. Tests related to machines safety are explained and proposed. Guided visits to manufacturing companies of sprayers and tractors are also provided.
Assessment methods
The evaluation of the course takes into account the level of knowledge and skills acquired by the student.
The assessment consists of an oral examination in which the student can use drawings and pictures proposed during the lectures. The oral examination is intended to assess the critical and methodological skills of the student, the organic vision of the subjects and the use of specific language.
Teaching tools
Video projector, PC, PowerPoint presentations
Office hours
See the website of Valda Rondelli