IMPIANTI IRRIGUI PER LE AREE A VERDE

The main objective of the course is to provide knowledge on: the main irrigation systems of green areas, the irrigation water filtration systems, the automation of irrigation systems; the selection of water lifting systems. The student will acquire the skills necessary for the design of green areas irrigation systems and for an evaluation of the supply and installation costs.

Expected learning outcomes:

1. Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge on the characteristics and management methods of sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, and on the main filtration and automation techniques;
2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Ability to apply the knowledge acquired in the practical resolution of problems related to the design and management of sprinkler and drip irrigation systems;
3. Independent judgment: Ability to critically select the best technical and managerial solutions applicable to the different green areas;
4. Communication skills: ability to interact with sector technicians and with agricultural entrepreneurs;
5. Learning skills: Ability to autonomous study of the scientific literature and professional updating.

The course includes 21 hours of frontal lessons and 42 hours of exercises (in classroom, seminars and technical visits) also on-line.

Attending the classes is not mandatory, but strongly recommended, as it facilities the learning process and contributes to the achievement of the learning objectives.

Qualitative characteristics of irrigation water, irrigation use of unconventional water resources. Soil hydrological characteristics. Evapotranspiration estimation methods. Irrigation water needs. Design, sizing and management of sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. Automation systems for the irrigation plant. Irrigation water lifting systems. Irrigation plant cost estimation. Nature-based solutions for sustainable water management in urban area. 

Contribution of teaching to the Sustainable Development Goals 2030

Goal 6 (Clean water and sanitation): 

• Target 6.3 Improve water quality, wastewater treatment and safe reuse
• Target 6.4 Implement integrated water resources management

 Modalities:

• lecture
• study visit

1. Slides of lessons and other teaching material provided by the teacher;
2. Capra A., Scicolone B. - Progettazione e gestione degli impianti di microirrigazione. Ed. Edagricole, Bologna, 2007;
3. Santelli P. - Irrigazione del verde ornamentale. Ed. Flaccovio, Palermo, 2016;
4. Licciardello F., Sciuto L., Barbagallo S., Consoli S., Cirelli G.L. Infrastrutture verdi per la gestione delle acque: criteri e casi studio. QUADERNI CSEI Catania, III Serie, Vol. 17, 2020;
5. Langergraber G., Dotro G., Nivala J., Rizzo A., Stein O.R.. Wetland Technology: Practical Information on the Design and Application of Treatment Wetlands. International Water Association Publishing: London, UK, 2019.

Students will be required to take a written examination and an oral examination covering the entire course syllabus. The written examination will be graded on a scale of thirty and averaged with the grade obtained in the oral examination.

The following criteria will be used to assess the student: the relevance of the answers to the questions asked, the quality of the content, the ability to make connections with other topics covered in the course, the appropriate use of technical terminology, and overall communication skills.

The final grade is expressed on a scale of thirty, according to the following criteria:

• Fail

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: significant shortcomings and inaccuracies

Ability to analyze and synthesize: irrelevant with frequent generalizations

Use of references: completely inappropriate

• 18–20

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: very modest with evident imperfections

Analysis and synthesis skills: barely adequate

Use of references: just appropriate

• 21–23

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: knowledge is slightly above the minimum acceptable level

Ability to analyze and synthesize: a fair ability to analyze and synthesize information, presenting arguments in a logical and coherent manner

Using references: use standard references

• 24–26

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: good knowledge

Analysis and synthesis skills: good analytical and synthesis abilities, arguments are presented 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 cum laude

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: excellent knowledge

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

Use of references: important insights

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o DSA) through the referring professor within the department, (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).