AGRONOMY FOR A SUSTAINABLE VITICULTURE

The course aims to guide students in learning basic knowledge and acquiring skills in the sustainable organization and management of agroecosystems, aimed at planning crop production in the Mediterranean environment, with specific attention to viticulture.

Expected learning outcomes according to the Dublin descriptors.

Knowledge and understanding: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basics of agronomy, with a focus on the sustainable management of the vineyard agroecosystem;

Applying knowledge and understanding: apply the knowledge and understanding ability acquired with a professional approach, and possess adequate skills to support arguments aimed at solving problems related to the management of agroecosystems, and to define and apply strategies and tactics capable of optimizing the combination of environmental and agronomic factors, maximizing production results and ecosystem services, particularly in wine-growing farms;

Making judgements: collect and interpret data and information to independently analyze the dynamics, processes, and effects of agronomic practices in Mediterranean agroecosystems, critically assessing their impact, as well as identifying methods and tools for the rational and conservative management of vineyard agroecosystems;

Communication skills: communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialists and non-specialists with specific reference to the vineyard agroecosystem, using a systemic approach;

Learning skills: develop, with specific reference to the subject matter, learning skills that allow them to continue their university studies in subsequent cycles with a high degree of autonomy.

Lessons (21 hours). Hands-on activities in the form of individual papers or research, working group, and in-depth seminars (42 hours).

If the course will be held in mixed or remote mode, the necessary changes to what was previously stated may be introduced, in order to comply with the planned program reported in the syllabus.

Basic knowledge of plant biology.

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

Presentation of the course.

Epistemological basis of agronomy. The relationship between the environment and agriculture. The crisis of modern agriculture. The agroecological paradigm for the transition of agriculture towards sustainability.

Ecosystem: structure and functions. Food chains.

Mediterranean environment (resources and limitations). Climate change.

From ecosystem to agroecosystem. Abiotic (atmosphere), merobiotic (soil), and biotic (plants) components of the agroecosystem and analysis of their relationships. Effects of anthropic activity on the agroecosystem. Productive response of the crops to agronomic factors. Organization of eco-friendly agroecosystems. Ecosystem services.

Natural factors of crop production (soil, atmosphere, plants): characteristics, functions, agronomic management (arrangement of the land and soil tillage, fertilization, irrigation, weed control, agrometeorology, choice of crops and their organization in space and time).

The vineyard agroecosystem: characteristics and specific agronomic interventions for sustainable soil management (regulating water excess and deficit, fertilization, weed control) under "conventional" and "organic" regimes.

Contribution of the discipline to the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (https://sdgs.un.org/goals)

The contents of the discipline contribute to pursuing the following goals (G)-targets (T) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development:

- G2: T2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5;

- G4: T4.4;

- G5: T5.b;

- G6: T6.3, T6.4, T6.5, T6.6;

- G7: T7.2, T7.3;

- G8: T8.2, T8.6;

- G9: T9.5, T9c;

- G12: T12.2, T12.3, T12.4, T12.5, T12.b;

- G13: T13.1, T13.3;

- G15: T15.1, T15.3, T15.4.

1. Ceccon P., Fagnano M. Grignani C., Monti M., Orlandini S. - Agronomia. EdiSES Ed. 2017.

2. Baldoni G., Dinelli G. – Principi di agronomia. Utet Università Ed. 2024.

3. Lecture notes provided by the teacher (ppt presentations of the lessons, notes on the topics covered)

The achievement of the learning outcomes will be ascertained through an oral discussion with the student, during which the performance will be assessed in terms of the level of preparation achieved on the subjects of the discipline, argumentative and synthesis skills, clarity and language properties, with specific reference to technical terminology, as well as interdisciplinary connection skills and the degree of in-depth analysis. The evaluation will be expressed according to the following scale:

i) insufficient performance (<18/30). The student shows incomplete and superficial knowledge of the subjects of the discipline and lack of argumentative skills, does not express itself clearly and appropriately;

ii) sufficient performance (18 ÷ 20/30). The student has understood and demonstrates to know, albeit generically, the topics of the discipline, possesses satisfactory argumentative and expository skills, and language properties;

iii) fair performance (21 ÷ 23/30). The student shows a fairly good understanding and knowledge of the subjects of the discipline, as well as fairly good argumentative and expository skills and language properties;

iiii) good performance (24 ÷ 26/30). The student shows a good understanding and knowledge of the topics of the discipline, as well as good argumentative and expository skills and language properties,

iiiii) optimal performance (27 ÷ 29/30) The student shows an optimal degree of understanding and knowledge of the subjects of the discipline, as well as optimal argumentative skills and interdisciplinary connection, optimal analytical and synthesis skills, clarity and language properties;

iiiiii) excellent performance (30/30 ÷ 30/30 cum laude) The student shows full mastery of the subjects of the discipline, as well as excellent argumentative skills and interdisciplinary connection, clarity and confidence in presentation and language properties. Honors are given to the particularly deserving student, who will have shown specific interest in the topics of the discipline attested by a high degree of in-depth study.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it.

Information for students with disabilities and/or Learning disorders

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested 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 i DSA) referring teacher within their department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

1. Agroecosystem components

2. Weed control

3. Conservation soil tillage

4. Solar radiation

5. Agronomic management of fertilization

6. Crop rotation

7. Cover crops

8. Characteristics of the vineyard agroecosystem