97296 - Agronomic Techniques for Sustainable Ornamental Productions

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired knowledge about the environmental and economic criteria of the floriculture and ornamental horticulture sectors, as they relate to eco-friendly and sustainable production; they will possess a basic understanding of the technical and agronomic aspects of eco-friendly production—both in open fields and in protected environments—of plant species used for ornamental and landscaping purposes. They are also familiar with the main technological innovations, including the use of biostimulants for ornamental crops with reduced environmental impact.

Course contents

MODULE 1

Contents of the Theoretical Units (24 hours)

- Environmental Agronomy and Agroecology

Definition of the main types of agronomic systems. Technical aspects of management and their resulting environmental and economic impacts. Principles of agroecology and agroecological management practices. Techniques for monitoring the environmental impact of agronomic practices.

- Introduction to Agrometeorology

Key agrometeorological variables and their application in the sustainable management of ornamental greenery.

- Climate Change and Its Impacts on Plants

Climate change and its impacts on agroecosystems. Mitigation and adaptation measures for climate change in the management of ornamental green spaces and the landscape.

Content of the Practical Unit (6 hours)

The practical teaching unit consists of visits to companies (based on sustainable management), with the aim of exploring the concepts presented in the classroom lectures from a practical perspective (6 hours)

MODULE 2

Contents of the Theoretical Units (24 hours)

Plant Physiology and Plant Diseases Caused by Environmental Stress

Introduction to plant physiology in relation to abiotic stress.

Water stress (caused by water deficiency and excess) and the physiological response of plants.

Thermal stress (caused by high and low temperatures) and the physiological response of plants.

Light stress and the physiological response of plants.

Stress caused by pollutants and monitoring of environmental impacts due to pollution.

Content of the practical teaching unit (6 hours)

The practical teaching unit consists of “on field” experiences at Imola urban parks or at the Scarabelli campus.

Readings/Bibliography

It will be essential to use the teaching materials shared by the teachers, which are available online.

For further reading, the following texts are recommended:

• Principi di agronomia. A cura di G. Baldoni, G. Dinelli, UTET Università, ISBN: 9788860089250, 2024
• Principles of Agronomy for Sustainable Agriculture. Edition by Villalobos, Francisco J. & Fereres, Elias, Springer, ISBN: 978-3-031-69149-2, 2024
• Fisiologia vegetale, di L. Taiz, I.M. Møller, A. Murphy, E. Zeiger, Editore: Piccin-Nuova Libraria, Edizione: 5, ISBN: 8829935166, 2024

Teaching methods

Lectures

Lectures are held in the classroom at scheduled times, supplemented by the projection of teaching materials, which are shared to students at the beginning of each class.

Practical Activities

Practical activities consist of field trips and visits to private companies.

Given the nature of the activities and the teaching methods used, participation in these training activities requires all students to complete Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning [https://www.unibo.it/ it/services-and-opportunities/health-and-care/health-and-safety/health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-settings] and participation in Module 3, which provides specific training on health and safety in study settings. Information on the dates and attendance requirements for Module 3 can be found in the relevant section of the degree program’s website.

Assessment methods

Learning assessment takes place through a final exam, which evaluates the acquisition of the expected knowledge and skills through a computer-based written test.

The test consists of a 20-question multiple-choice quiz and 4 open-ended questions covering the entire course material. Students have 90 minutes to complete the written test. Technical manuals, calculators, or multimedia aids are not permitted during the exam. The maximum score achievable by providing all correct and complete answers is 30 with honors. The exam is considered passed with a minimum score of 18/30.

Students may register for the exam exclusively through the procedures provided by the Alma Esami online system.

Exam sessions are scheduled during the designated windows for students on track and throughout the academic year for students who are behind in their studies (upon prior email contact).

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

Personal computers and a video projector for classroom activities.

COURSE MATERIALS — The course materials presented in class are made available to students in electronic format. Access to these materials is restricted to students enrolled in the course.

Office hours

See the website of Lorenzo Negri

See the website of Sara Bosi