SOIL FERTILITY AND PLANT NUTRION

The course aims to provide the students a general comprehension of the chemical-physical and bio-ecological properties of the soil and the plant biochemistry. The student at the end of the course will get the skills and the abilities to evaluate the soil fertility, from a chemical, physical and biological viewpoint, and implement strategies to manage it or to increase it according to the target of production fixed and/or environmental need.

Knowledge and understanding:
The course will provide students with the necessary chemical and biochemical concepts to understand the functioning of the soil-plant system, as well as the metabolic processes that regulate life. In particular the student will learn:
- the composition of ecosystems.
- the molecular basis of various biotic and abiotic processes that occur within.
- the mechanisms that regulate the availability of nutrients.

Applying knowledge and understanding:
The course will enable students to:
- use soil characteristics, environmental conditions and plant characteristics to deduce nutrient availability for the plant.
- plan the necessary actions required to determine the soil properties of a agricultural farm.
- solve simple problems regarding the soil system.

Making judgements:
The course will enable students to:
- critically assess and evaluate the physical, biological and chemical fertility of a farm's soils.
 
Communication skills:
The course will enable students to:
- adopt appropriate scientific terminology when referring to the soil-plant systems.
- write a detailed professional report on the fertility characteristics of a soil.

Learning skills:
At the end of the course, students will be able to independently update their knowledge of the soil-plant system and apply it autonomously to production and environmental contexts other than those covered in the course, laying the foundations for further study in subsequent courses.

The course is made of:

- Frontal lessons (21 hours) in which the student acquires the basis notions on the aspects of soil fertility and plant nutrition;

- Application part (56 hours) (laboratory exercitations and/or on field experience) by transferring the theoretical concepts to practical experiences by examples allowing the student to acquire greater mastery of the subject to complete the training process.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus

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

Introduction. Liquid and gaseous phase of the soil. Clay minerals and Fe and Al oxides: structure and properties. Organic matter: evolution and propierties. Biological component of soil. Physical propierties of soil. Chemical properties of soil. Anion and Cation exchenge. pH of the soil. Nutritional needs of plant.  Mechanisms of nutrient uptake. Energy. Enzimology. Nitrogen cycle. Photosynthesis. Photorespiration. C4 and CAM plants pathways. Respiration. Oxidative phosphorylation. Thecnical visit. Practical exercises on soil and plant analysis, in the classroom and/or laboratory, in support of the theoretical content: laboratory and classroom practice.

Text 1: Fondamenti di Chimica del suolo (2017). Sequi, Ciavatta, Miano. Patròn Editore, Bologna

Text 2: Fondamenti di Biochimica agraria (2016). Pinton, Cocucci, Nannipieri, Trevisan. Patròn Editore, Bologna

Text 3: Paolo Sequi (2005): "Fondamenti di chimica del suolo". Patron Editore;

Text 4: Marinella Bosetto e Irene Lozzi (2006): "Elementi di biochimica agraria". Aracne Editrice

Learning evaluation will be assessed by oral examinations. Checks in progress are foreseen in the mid of course to ascertain the learning level and the interest degree of the students.

Verification of learning can also be carried out by online way if it will be necessary.

The score assignment follows the adopted scheme:

Not suitable for passing examination

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: Heavy 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 topics 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 well 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.

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).