Erbaceous Coltural Systems

Module Techniques for weed and fertilization management

The course aims to guide students in learning knowledge and acquiring skills on strategies and tactics for managing weeds and fertilization in Mediterranean agroecosystems, in relation to other agronomic practices and the main crops. Specifically, the following topics will be explored in depth: biology, ecology, role and impact of weed flora and physical, chemical, biological, agronomic and integrated control practices; the dynamics and availability of nutritional elements in the soil, the mineral uptake and function of phytonutrients in plants, the formulation of fertilization plans.

In particular, at the end of the course, students will be able to:

i) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices for optimal management of weeds and fertilization in Mediterranean farming systems;

ii) apply knowledge with a professional and interdisciplinary approach, and demonstrate adequate skills to devise and support arguments aimed at resolving specific problems regarding weeds and crop fertilization and at the definition and application of agroecological management strategies and tactics at the scale of the field, farm and territory in order to reduce the auxiliary inputs;

iii) acquire and interpret data and information aimed at autonomously analyzing the dynamics, processes and effects of weed control and fertilization practices within agroecosystems in the Mediterranean environment, critically evaluating their environmental and social impact and any implications of a scientific and ethical nature;

iiii) communicate to specialists and non-specialists the information, ideas, problems and solutions relating to the management of weeds and fertilization, using an agroecological approach;

iii) develop, with specific reference to the contents of the discipline, skills that allow them to continue with subsequent university studies (Ph.D. courses and second level master's degree) and the offer of professional consultancy services to the productive world.

Lessons (21 hours). Hands-on activities in the form of individual papers or research, working group, case studies, in-depth seminars and technical visits to farms (42 hours).

If the course will be held in mixed or remote mode, the necessary changes to what was previously stated maybe introduced, in order to comply with the planned program reported in the syllabus.

*Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, if the conditions require it.

Information for students with disabilities and/or Learning disorders

Weed concept. Weed adaptation strategies. Seed bank: germination and physiological, environmental and agronomic factors. Population dynamics and agroecological factors influencing it. Competition and complementarity between crops and weeds: harms and benefits. Strategies and tactics for weed control: indirect or preventive; direct (mechanical, physical, chemical, biological, integrated). The agroecological approach in the management of crop weeds. Herbicides and plants: penetration, translocation, biotransformation, mechanisms of action, selectivity and efficacy. Dynamics of herbicides in the agroecosystem. The management of weeds in the main crops in the Mediterranean environment.

Fertility concept. Form and dynamics of nutritive elements in agroecosystems: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, calcium and magnesium, microelements. Classification of fertilizers and agronomic management of fertilization: optimal technical dose, time and method of application. Efficiency and effectiveness of fertilization; effects on production and product quality. The agroecological approach in fertilization management. Fertilization in "organic" agriculture. Foliar fertilization and fertigation: advantages and disadvantages. The fertilization plan. Fertilization management in the main crops in the Mediterranean environment.

1. Giardini L. – L’Agronomia per conservare il futuro. Patron Ed. BO. 2012

2. Ceccon P., Fagnano M. Grignani C., Monti M., Orlandini S. - Agronomia. EdiSES Ed. 2017

3. Catizone P., Zanin G. - Malerbologia. Patron Ed. BO. 2002

4. Perelli M. - Nutrire le piante, trattato di scienza dei fertilizzanti. Arvan Ed. 2009

5. Lecture notes provided by the teacher (ppt presentations of the lessons, notes on the topics covered)

Oral exam

In particular, the achievement of the learning outcomes will be ascertained through an oral discussion with the student, during which the performance will be assessed in terms of the level of preparation achieved on the subjects of the discipline, argumentative and synthesis skills, clarity and language properties, with specific reference to technical terminology, as well as interdisciplinary connection skills and the degree of in-depth analysis. Verification of learning can also be done electronically, if the conditions require it. The evaluation will be expressed according to the following scale:

i) insufficient performance (<18). The student shows incomplete and superficial knowledge of the subjects of the discipline and lack of argumentative skills, does not express itself clearly and appropriately;

ii) sufficient performance (18 ÷ 20/30). The student has understood and demonstrates to know, albeit generically, the topics of the discipline, possesses satisfactory argumentative and expository skills, and language properties;

iii) fair performance (21 ÷ 23/30). The student shows a fairly good understanding and knowledge of the subjects of the discipline, as well as fairly good argumentative and expository skills and language properties;

iiii) good performance (24 ÷ 26/30). The student shows a good understanding and knowledge of the topics of the discipline, as well as good argumentative and expository skills and language properties,

iiiii) optimal performance (27 ÷ 29/30) The student shows an optimal degree of understanding and knowledge of the subjects of the discipline, as well as optimal argumentative skills and interdisciplinary connection, optimal analytical and synthesis skills, clarity and language properties;

iiiiii) excellent performance (30/30 ÷ 30/30 cum laude) The student shows full mastery of the subjects of the discipline, as well as excellent argumentative skills and interdisciplinary connection, clarity and confidence in presentation and language properties. Honors are given to the particularly deserving student, who will have shown specific interest in the topics of the discipline attested by a high degree of in-depth study.

1. Weed concept

2. Preventive or indirect control of weed flora

3. Weed control in wheat

4. Description of the herbarium of the main weeds

5. Classification of fertilizers

6. Nitrogen: form and dynamics in agroecosystems

7. Organic fertilization

8. Fertilization plan for a crop of your choice