Organic agriculture

Knowledge and understanding: by the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge of the principles and agronomic basis of organic farming, with particular emphasis on soil and soil fertility management, crop management practices, biodiversity conservation, weed management, and pest and disease control. Students will also be able to understand the relationships between agronomic practices, agroecosystem functioning, and the sustainability of organic production systems.

Applying knowledge and understanding: students will be able to select and apply appropriate agronomic practices according to soil, climatic, crop, and farm-specific conditions, and address basic management issues in organic farming systems. They will be able to apply the knowledge acquired to interpret practical situations and propose interventions consistent with production and sustainability objectives.

Making judgements: students will be able to critically analyse different agronomic management strategies, assessing their effectiveness and their implications from productive, environmental, and economic perspectives. Through practical exercises, laboratory activities, and technical field visits, they will develop the ability to formulate well-founded assessments and identify appropriate solutions for specific farming conditions.

Communication skills: students will be able to clearly present and discuss the agronomic topics addressed during the course, using appropriate technical terminology. They will also be able to organize and present information and results arising from practical exercises and field-based activities in a clear and effective manner.

Learning skills: students will acquire methods and tools for independently updating and developing their professional knowledge, through the consultation of textbooks, scientific and technical publications, relevant legislation, and other specialized sources related to the topics covered in the course. They will therefore be able to independently deepen the subjects addressed and integrate the knowledge acquired with new information relevant to their professional development.

Lessons (21 hours) and hands-on activities (42 hours) by case studies and/or seminars, group activities, etc.

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

Essential prerequisites: basic knowledge of the biology of cultivated plants, with particular reference to the structure and main functions of plant organisms, their biological cycles, and the factors affecting their growth and development. Such knowledge is essential for understanding crop responses to different agronomic management practices under organic farming conditions.

Important prerequisites: basic knowledge of soil characteristics and functioning, soil organic matter and nutrient availability, as well as the main processes governing soil fertility. Knowledge of the fundamental principles underlying agroecosystem functioning and of the interactions among crops, living organisms, and the environment is also important for understanding soil fertility management, crop rotations and sequences, and the main crop management practices adopted in organic farming systems.

Useful prerequisites: basic knowledge of the main chemical and biological processes governing nutrient availability in the soil, as well as of the general characteristics and modes of occurrence and spread of the main crop pests and diseases. Such knowledge facilitates the understanding of preventive strategies and the management and control practices adopted for crop pests and diseases in organic farming systems.

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

The concept of environmental, economic, and social sustainability; the impact of agricultural activities on biogeochemical and energy cycles, environmental pollution, and food safety; an introduction to agroecology and sustainable farming systems.

Definition and principles of organic farming; history and development of organic farming; the spread of organic farming worldwide, in Italy, and in Sicily; the relationship between organic farming and climate change.

Soil fertility in organic farming and conservation management practices; biodiversity conservation and the role of farmer custodians; principles and strategies for the prevention and management of major weeds, pests, and diseases affecting crops.

Agronomic practices for organic production of major Mediterranean crops.

Quality of organic products.

European and national regulatory frameworks governing organic farming; conversion of farms to organic production; control, certification, and labeling systems for organic products.

Multi-functionality of organic farms and their role in providing ecosystem and territorial services; an introduction to organic livestock production.

Main research activities and future perspectives in organic farming.

1. Altieri M.A., Nicholls C.I., Ponti L. (2015). Agroecologia. Una via percorribile per un pianeta in crisi. Edagricole. ISBN: 9788850654864

2. Caccioni A., Colombo L. (2012). Il Manuale del Biologico. Edagricole/Il Sole 24 Ore. ISBN: 9788850653935

3. Zanin G., Tei F., Sartori L. (2024). Gestire le malerbe in agricoltura biologica. Edagricole. ISBN-10: ‎ 8850656416; ISBN-13: ‎ 978-8850656417.

Didactic materials provided by the professor (lecture notes, PowerPoint presentations, etc.) in the website http://studium.unict.it

Oral examination. The achievement of the intended learning outcomes will be assessed through an oral examination, aimed at evaluating the student’s level of knowledge and understanding of the topics covered during the course. Assessment will focus on the student’s ability to argue, synthesise, and establish connections among the different topics of the course, as well as on clarity of expression and command of technical and scientific terminology. The ability to further develop and apply the acquired knowledge to the analysis of issues related to organic farming systems will also be assessed.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, in accordance with the procedures established by the University, should the conditions require it.

The evaluation follows the following scheme:

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).

Organic agriculture concept

Soil fertility and its conservation under organic farming

Organic cropping systems

Regulatory framework in organic agriculture