96678 - Field Crops

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student acquires the ability to analyze the cultivation of herbaceous species based on their sustainability, productivity and adaptability. This implies knowledge of agronomic and physiological characteristics of the species and how they can be modified by management practices.

Course contents

The course is organized into 2 modules:

Module 1 (Herbaceous Crops 1 – 60 hours):
This module covers the main cereal species with regard to: origin and distribution; biology; cultivation techniques; technological quality; sugar and forage crops with regard to: origin and distribution; biology; cultivation techniques; technological quality.

Module 2 (Herbaceous Crops 2 – 20 hours):
This module covers oilseed and legume species with regard to: origin and distribution; biology; cultivation techniques; technological quality.

Practical activities will be carried out in the form of seminars, educational visits, plant and seed identification, and tests supporting the preparation for the final assessment.

Prerequisites: students are expected to have a basic knowledge of general agronomy.

Readings/Bibliography

The following books will serve as support/integration to the slides and bibliographic material provided by the teachers.

• BALDONI R., GIARDINI L. Coltivazioni erbacee: Cereali e proteaginose. Ed. Patron, Bologna
• BALDONI R., GIARDINI L. Coltivazioni erbacee: Piante oleifere, da zucchero, da fibra, orticole e aromatiche. Ed. Patron, Bologna
• BALDONI R., GIARDINI L. Coltivazioni erbacee: Foraggere e tappeti erbosi. Ed. Patron, Bologna
• MOSCA G. Oli e Grassi. Ed. Edagricole
• MOSCA G., REYNERI A., Coltivazioni Erbacee. Ed. Edagricole

Teaching methods

Lectures will be delivered through traditional classroom teaching as well as seminar-style sessions, educational visits to the University’s experimental agricultural farm, videos, and more.

Given the types of activities and teaching methods used, attendance in this course requires all students to complete Modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode via [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-places ], and to attend Module 3, which provides specific training on health and safety in study environments. Information regarding the dates and attendance methods for Module 3 can be found in the dedicated section of the degree program website.

Assessment methods

The assessment consists of a single oral examination covering both modules (one combined exam session) and lasts approximately 25 minutes. It is divided into two consecutive parts:

Part 1 (approximately 5 minutes): identification of four crops and the seeds of three additional herbaceous species, for a total of seven images. Students must correctly identify at least six out of the seven images in order to proceed to Part 2 of the examination.

Part 2 (approximately 20 minutes): students will be asked two general questions related to Module 1 and two general questions related to Module 2.

The final grade will be calculated as the weighted average of the marks obtained for Modules 1 and 2, taking into account the student's knowledge of the required topics as well as the clarity and effectiveness of their oral presentation.

Teaching tools

Videos, supplementary documentation to the slides made available by the instructors in the course’s virtual area, and plant material (seeds) distributed during the practical sessions.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Monti

See the website of Federica Zanetti