88375 - Agronomy and Herbaceous Biomass

Learning outcomes

The course is aimed to understand and apply the factors behind the quantitative and qualitative aspects of agricultural production; the defense of soil fertility and the protection and enhancement of natural resources; the design, management and evaluation of crop system and ecological and environmental recovery; the use of crop residues, the development of tools for sustainable management and evaluation of the agro-ecosystem and production chains.

Course contents

Contents of the theoretical teaching unit: main biomass and oil crops for bioenergy uses and/or for biorefinery purposes. Their main pedoclimatic requirements and cultivation/management systems towards low environmental impacts and increased sustainability.

Skills acquired in the theoretical teaching unit: The student knows the general agronomic aspects of biomass and oil crops, the agronomic advantages of a sustainable management of feedstock production systems, and the main critical points that limit the development of innovative agricultural systems.

Contents of the practical unit: Students get familiar with the main biomass and oil species. Field visits to the experimental farm of Cadriano.

Skills acquired in the practical unit: Knowledge about the main biomass and oil crops; learns some of the main agronomic systems for the production of sustainable feedstocks for bioenergy and bio-based (biorefineries) purposes.

Readings/Bibliography

Slides provided by the teacher

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons with continuous interactions with the students and field visit.

It is required to complete Modules 1 and 2 [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio] and Module 3, of the health and safety in the workplace course.

Assessment methods

Oral exman. The exam will be based on: completeness of knowledge acquired and the ability to analytically describe the topics covered in class. The exam will consist of two questions and will last 15-20 minutes.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Slides provided by the teacher

Office hours

See the website of Walter Zegada Lizarazu