FONDAMENTI DI ARBORICOLTURA E SELVICOLTURA GENERALE

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.

Moreover, information will be provided on different cultivation techniques that can be used for the optimal trees management according to several objectives in different contexts.

The lectures will mainly take place in the classroom, some demonstrations will be carried out in the laboratory. The course includes two external technical visits.

If the teaching should be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

As a guarantee of equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on their specific needs and on teaching objectives of the discipline.

It is also possible to ask the departmental contacts of CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Inclusion - Services for Disabilities and/or DSAs), in the persons of professors Giovanna Tropea Garzia and Anna De Angelis.

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

Verification of learning takes place through an oral interview. The evaluation of the student's preparation will take place on the basis of the following criteria: learning ability and level of depth of the topics covered, properties of synthesis and exposition, and the student's ability to reason. Verification of learning can also be carried out electronically, should the conditions require it.

The vote follows the following scheme:

Unsuitable
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: As appropriate

21-23
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Routine knowledge 
Analysis and synthesis skills: It is capable 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: Has good analysis and synthesis skills. The arguments are expressed consistently
Using references: Use standard references

27-29
Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Knowledge more than good
Ability to analyze and synthesize: He has considerable 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 of analysis and synthesis.
Use of references: Important insights.

• Root system functions and types of roots
• Canopy organs, bud classification, types of branches
• The reproduction of tree plants; agamic propagation techniques
• Training systems and role of pruning
• Tree and environment relationship
• Aims and tools of silviculture
• Main parameters of the forest
• High forest and coppice management
• Advantages and disadvantages of clearcutting
• The forest functions