Principles of arboriculture and silviculture

The course aims to provide to the student all the necessary knowledge about the tree and the multifunctional role that it can assume in the different environments and agroecosystems: arboretum, forest and urban environment. The course will provide the basic notions on the morphology of the tree, its physiology, and the interaction that it can assume with the surrounding environment, in natural contexts, in productive and urban cultivation areas also with reference to the constraints related to the different environmental conditions and the multiple functions (productive, landscaping and ornamental) that it can undergo.

Expected learning outcomes according to the Dublin descriptors:

Knowledge and understanding abilities: knowledge of the morphology and physiology of the tree to understand the mechanisms for correct orchad  and wood management

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding abilities: apply the knowledge acquired to interpret specific aspects of tree development and the soil and climatic factors that influence their productive and qualitative performance

Making judgements: ability to interpret the relationships between the environment and the plant necessary to optimize physiological processes 

Communication skills: ability to analyze, communicate, and discuss the evolution and the problems of an arboretum in different environmental contexts

Learning skills: independently develop the skills acquired to analyze case studies relating to the wine sector and make connections with other subjects of the degree course.

The course is structured into 70 hours, divided into lectures and exercises. Lectures will be held in the classroom and will cover all the topics listed in the syllabus. The course includes the opportunity to participate in specific seminars on innovative topics. Exercises will be conducted in the laboratory and through external technical visits to experimental and/or commercial orchard and in woods.

If conditions require teaching given in a hybrid mode or remotely, necessary changes may be introduced to what previously stated in order to comply with the program.

Information for students with disabilities and/or learning disorders.

As a guarantee of equal opportunities and in compliance with current regulations, students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on their specific needs and on learning objectives of the discipline. It is also possible to refer to the departmental contacts of CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Inclusion - Services for Disabilities and/or learning disorders)

The course is divided into two parts: the first will deal with various aspects related to general arboriculture, the second will analyzed forestry aspects. In particular:

- Morphological and physiological tree aspects 

- Propagation systems: reproduction and multiplication. Brief notes on nursery technique

- Relations between tree and environment

- Brief notes on the fruiting cycle

-  Tree and the arboretum planting system

- Criteria for choosing species and varieties

- Main tree management in relation to the environmental context

- Training systems and fruit tree pruning

- Silvicultural systems

- Analysis and description of the main forest parameters

- Forest management and treatment

- Examples of multifunctional agroforestry tree systems

1. Peano C., Sottile F. (2019) 'Principi di Arboricoltura'. EdiSES srl - Napoli

2. Piussi P., Alberti G. (2015) 'Selvicoltura generale. Boschi, società e tecniche colturali'. Collana Scienze forestali e Ambientali. Compagnia delle Foreste srl - Arezzo

Other texts for consultation:

- Sansavini et al. (2012) 'Arboricoltura generale'. Patron editore Bologna

- Piussi P. (1994) 'Selvicoltura generale'. UTET 

Learning will be assessed with 5-6 questions during an oral exam. The exam is designed to assess the student's level of knowledge and understanding of the content outlined in the syllabus.Student preparation will be assessed based on the following criteria: learning ability and depth of understanding of the topics covered, ability to summarize and present, and the student's reasoning skills.

The vote follows the following scheme:

Negative:

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Important shortcomings. Significant inaccuracies

Ability to analyze and synthesize: Irrelevant. Frequent generalizations. Inability to synthesize

Use of references: Completely inappropriate

18-20:

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: At the threshold level. Obvious imperfections

Analysis and synthesis skills: Just enough skills

Use of references: just appropriate

21-23

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Routine knowledge

Ability to analyze and synthesize: ability of correct analysis and synthesis. Argue logically and consistently

Using references: Use standard references

24-26

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Good knowledge

Analysis and synthesis skills: good analysis and synthesis skills. The arguments are expressed consistently

Using references: Use of standard references

27-29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Knowledge more than good

Ability to analyze and synthesize: considerable abilities of analysis and synthesis

Use of references: the topic has been explored in depth

30-30 e lode

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Excellent knowledge

Ability to analyze and synthesize: excellent abilities of analysis and synthesis.

Use of references: Important insights.