Environmental agronomy and grassing

Module INERBIMENTI NATURALI E ARTIFICIALI

Expected Learning Outcomes

The course provides knowledge and skills related to the sustainable use of herbaceous species in agroecosystems, environmental restoration interventions, turfgrass systems, and green roof systems, with particular reference to their ecological, landscape, and environmental functions.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

Demonstrate knowledge of the ecological, agronomic, and botanical principles governing the use of herbaceous species in technical grass cover systems, turfgrass systems, and green roofs. Understand the environmental, landscape, and productive functions of these systems, as well as their contribution to natural resource conservation, ecosystem service provision, and climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Apply the acquired knowledge to the design, establishment, and management of technical grass cover systems, turfgrass areas, and vegetated covers in different environmental and territorial contexts. Identify technical solutions aimed at enhancing ecosystem services, supporting environmental restoration, and improving the sustainability of agroecosystems and urban environments.

Making Judgements

Collect, analyze, and interpret data concerning site characteristics, plant species, and the performance of implemented systems. Critically evaluate the environmental, functional, landscape, and socio-economic effects of interventions, formulating independent judgments based on the principles of sustainability, resilience, and regenerative resource management.

Communication Skills

Communicate information, technical data, and design solutions related to technical grass cover systems, turfgrass management, and green roofs clearly and effectively, using appropriate scientific terminology and adapting communication to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. 

Learning Skills

Develop autonomous learning abilities that enable continuous updating of technical and scientific knowledge in the field, further exploration of innovative topics, and progression to higher levels of university education with an appropriate degree of independence.

Basic knowledge of the biology and physiology of cultivated plants.

Attendance is not compulsory. Obviously, active participation allows the student to acquire the ability to connect more easily among the various topics covered by the program, the ability to report examples and the ownership of technical language, which are the subject of evaluation.

1) The role of turfgrass cover in ecosystems and agro-ecosystems

2) Historical background and economic aspects of turfgrass systems

3) Overview of climate and soil

4) Turfgrass: types, benefits, and functions

5) Functional and visual quality of turfgrass

6) Turfgrass species and their botanical identification

7) Species in relation to climate

8) Description of species and varieties: cool-season species

9) Description of species and varieties: warm-season species

10) Species intercropping

11) Turfgrass design and maintenance (mowing, growth regulators, verticutting, grooming)

12) Agronomic management of turfgrass (fertilization, irrigation, pests/diseases, and weeds)

13) Turfgrass cultivation

14) Technical turfgrass (slopes, landfills, contaminated sites, etc.)

15) Green roofs (overview)

Learning assessment takes place through an oral exam.

The evaluation of the student's preparation will be based on the following criteria: relevance of answers, quality of content, depth of analysis regarding the topics covered, reasoning skills, ability to synthesize information, command of language, and overall expressive ability. The vote follows the following scheme: 

Unsuitable

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Important shortcomings. Significant inaccuracies. Ability to analyze and synthesize: insufficient. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize. Use of references: completely inappropriate.

18-20

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: at the threshold level. Trivial imperfections. Ability to analyze and synthesize: sufficient skills. Use of references: as appropriate.

21-23

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: routine knowledge. Analysis and synthesis skills: capable of correct analysis and synthesis. Argue logically and consistently. Use of references: use standard references.

24-26

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: good knowledge. Analysis and synthesis skills: has good analysis and synthesis skills. The arguments are expressed consistently. Use of references: use standard references.

27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: knowledge more than good. Ability to analyze and synthesize: has appreciable abilities of analysis and synthesis. Use of references: has explored the topics.

30-30L

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: excellent knowledge. Ability to analyze and synthesize: has considerable abilities in analysis and synthesis. Use of references: significant insights.

- Parameters for the evaluation of the visual and functional quality of the turf

- Botanical classification of the main micro-thermal and macro-thermal turf species

- Distinctive elements taken into consideration for the recognition of a turf species

- Fertilization plan for a turfgrass system.