29881 - Mineral Nutrition Of Fruit Trees

Learning outcomes

The course will provide the methods to monitor plant's nutritional needs and to tailor mineral nutrition to achieve a sustainable management of the orchard.

Course contents

The class will focus on the organic management of the most important fruit tree species of the region (peach, pear, apple, kiwifruit, strawberry, grape, etc.). History of the organic agriculture, development and economical importance of the cultivation management in Italy and in the world. Importance and strategies to increase the biodiversity in the farm, in the orchard and in the soil. The most appropriate varieties and rootstocks in regards to the environment of cultivation. Training systems, tree density, soil management, nutrient and water management in the organic cultivation system. Organic fertilizers. The production of composts from the recycling of organic waste disposals. The role of soil organic matter and the strategies to increase its concentration in the soil. The use of natural aqueous extracts in orchard managements. The difference of fruit quality in relation to organic, integrated and conventional cultivation systems. The market of organic fruits and the consumer opinion.

Readings/Bibliography

Relevant articles in scientific journals Suggested text book: Mineral Nutrition of Fruit trees by Atkinson, Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd (July 1980) Marschner's Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants (Third Edition) by Petra Marshner, © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Teaching methods

Lectures, seminars, visit to orchards and processing plants. Seminars by experts

Assessment methods

Oral exam or review prepared by the student on a specific topic of the course

Teaching tools

Power Point Presentation, lab and experimental fields

Links to further information

http://www.imahs.unibo.it

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Spinelli