74875 - Agronomy And Herbaceous Cultivations

Learning outcomes

The aims of the course are:

1. giving agronomic bases for territory management with particular attention to the most important knowledge of husbandry breeding;
2. illustrating the importance and production systems of the major no-forage field crops.

At the end of the course, the student will be able managing feed and forage resources according to the better agronomical methodologies and through the knowledge of crops alternation (or rotation).

Course contents

Agronomy definitions. Historical evolution of agricultural science and implication with various production models (organic, biodynamic, conventional).

The weather. The fundamental weather components and protection systems for climatic adversities.

The soil: soil genesis, texture, structure. Water and air in the soil. Soil organic matter. Soil amendments. Chemical proprieties: pH, salinity, cation exchange capacity. The correctives. Nutritional elements and plant nutrition.

Land reclamation and improvement. Crop rotation. Soil tillage. Organic and mineral fertilization. Agricultural aspects of irrigation. Weed management.

Crop productions. Distinction between forage crops and the other crops.

Field crops not for forage production: cereals (wheat, maize, rice, barley and sorghum); industrial crops (sugar beet, soybean); grains legume; introduction on other crops

Readings/Bibliography

- P. Ceccon et al.- Agronomia - EdiSES, Napoli 2017
- F. Bonciarelli - Fondamenti di agronomia generale - Edizioni agricole, Bologna, 1989. [out of print, but available in the library]
- M. Borin, E. Bigon, P. Caprera - Atlante Fenologico - Edagricole, Bologna, 2003
- R. Baldoni, L. Giardini (eds).: Coltivazioni erbacee - Cereali e proteaginose. Patron Editore, Bologna, 2000. [limited to the course topics]
- R. Baldoni, L. Giardini (eds): Coltivazioni erbacee - Piante oleifere, da zucchero, da fibra, orticole e aromatiche. Patron Editore, Bologna, 2001. [limited to the course topics]
- Baldoni R., L. Giardini (eds): Coltivazioni erbacee - Foraggere e tappeti erbosi. Patron Editore, Bologna, 2002. [limited to the course topics]

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons, seminaries, practices and visits.

During the lesson the students will be involved in the discussion about the current and controversial aspects of the matter.

Assessment methods

Final exam by written and oral test.

Teaching tools

Overhead projector, video projector, visits to experimental farms and laboratories.

Links to further information

https://iol.unibo.it/mod/page/view.php?id=112087

Office hours

See the website of Franco Cinti