Environmental agronomy and grassing
Module NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL GRASSING
Academic Year 2022/2023 - Teacher:
Antonio Carlo BARBERA
Expected Learning Outcomes
The course incorporates some concepts concerning agroecosystems with the aim of guiding students to learn basic knowledge and the acquisition of skills on environmental sustainability and basic knowledge on botanical characteristics, environmental adaptation and needs of the main herbaceous species used in the realization. of technical grassing and lawns; deepening some theoretical and practical aspects for the creation of technical grassing in agroecosystems (citrus groves, vineyards, etc.), for the recovery of highly anthropized environments (quarries, landfills, etc.), and for the planting and management of lawns with a sporting, ornamental and recreational function. The course also provides agronomic skills related to the construction of extensive and intensive green roofs.
In particular, at the end of the course, students will be able to:
i) represent the knowledge and understanding skills acquired relating to the functions and benefits of lawns; the relationships of lawns with the environment and the possible climate change mitigation strategies in which such preparations can be functionally employed.
ii) apply the knowledge and understanding skills acquired for projects aimed at solving environmental problems by maximizing the ecosystem services offered by lawns, on a field, urban, corporate and territorial scale;
iii) collect and interpret data and information aimed at autonomously analyzing the dynamics, processes and effects of the interventions that are carried out in the intervention area (Mediterranean environment) in which a turf is designed and built, evaluating both the aesthetic and the functional role; critically evaluating the environmental and social impact and any scientific and ethical implications, enhancing the management of systems in a regenerative and resilient key;
iiii) The course therefore aims to provide students with the ability to apply the knowledge acquired in future work contexts through the ability to find and use the data necessary to formulate solutions to concrete or abstract problems with autonomy of judgment, having the communication skills to specialists and non-specialists;
iiiii) develop, with specific reference to the contents of the discipline, learning skills that allow students to continue their university studies in subsequent cycles with a high degree of autonomy.
Course Structure
There are 28 hours of participatory (or remote) frontal lessons and n. 28 hours of tutorials
(discussion of case studies and / or in-depth seminars), also online.
If the teaching is given in mixed or remote mode, the
necessary changes with respect to what was previously stated, in order to comply with the program
provided and reported in the syllabus.
Required Prerequisites
Knowledge of 'Botany', 'General Agronomy', 'Herbaceous crops', useful for understanding the course content.
Attendance of Lessons
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.
Detailed Course Content
1. Ecosystem and agroecosystem (outline).
2. History and economic aspects of the turf.
3. Turf: benefits and functions (types).
4. The climate and the soil (notes).
5. Functional and visual quality of the turf.
6. The turf species. The species in relation to the climate. The recognition of the species.
7. Description of species and varieties: microthermal species.
8. Description of species and varieties: macro-thermal species.
9. The associations between species.
10. The construction of the turf.
11. Cutting, growth regulators, verticutting, grooming.
12. Fertilization and irrigation.
13. Adversity and weeds.
14. Turf cultivation.
15. Technical grassing.
16. Green roofs
Textbook Information
1. P. Croce, A. de Luca, M. Falcinelli, F.S. Modestini, F. Veronesi. TAPPETI ERBOSI. Edagricole.
2. Paolo Abram, VERDE PENSILE IN ITALIA E IN EUROPA, Il verde editoriale S.r.l., Milano. ISBN 88-86569-24-6W.
3. Dietl, J. Lehmann, M. Jorquera. LE GRAMINACEE PRATIVE. PATRON EDITORE, BOLOGNA, 2005.
4. David Pycraft. IL PRATO, TAPPETI ERBOSI, PIANTE TAPPEZZANTI, INFESTANTI. ZANICHELLI EDITORE, BOLOGNA, 1989.
5. Nick Christians, FUNDAMENTALS OF TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT, 4th Edition. Wiley, 2011.ISBN:978-0-470-58731-7
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Verification of learning takes place through an
oral interview and possible written exercises. The assessment of the student
preparation will be based on the following criteria: learning ability and level
of depth of the topics covered, properties of synthesis and exposition, and
reasoning skills. 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: Ccapable 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: He has
considerable abilities in analysis and synthesis. Use of references:
significant insights.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
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.
- Which distinctive elements are taken into consideration for the recognition of a turf species.
- Fertilization plan for a turf.
