HERBACEOUS CROP SYSTEMS

Module WEED MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES AND FERTILISATION

The course aims to guide students in learning knowledge and acquiring skills on strategies and tactics for managing weeds and fertilization in Mediterranean agroecosystems, in relation to other agronomic practices and the main crops. Specifically, the following topics will be explored in depth: biology, ecology, role and impact of weed flora and physical, chemical, biological, agronomic and integrated control practices; the dynamics and availability of nutritional elements in the soil, the mineral uptake and function of phytonutrients in plants, the formulation of fertilization plans.

In particular, at the end of the course, students will be able to:

i) Knowledge and understanding: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices for optimal management of weeds and fertilization in Mediterranean farming systems;

ii) Applying knowledge and understanding: apply knowledge with a professional and interdisciplinary approach, and demonstrate adequate skills to devise and support arguments aimed at resolving specific problems regarding weeds and crop fertilization and at the definition and application of agroecological management strategies and tactics at the scale of the field, farm and territory in order to reduce the auxiliary inputs;

iii) Making judgements: acquire and interpret data and information aimed at autonomously analyzing the dynamics, processes and effects of weed control and fertilization practices within agroecosystems in the Mediterranean environment, critically evaluating their environmental and social impact and any implications of a scientific and ethical nature;

iv) Communication skills: communicate to specialists and non-specialists the information, ideas, problems and solutions relating to the management of weeds and fertilization, using an agroecological approach;

v) Learning skills: develop, with specific reference to the contents of the discipline, skills that allow them to continue with subsequent university studies (Ph.D. courses and second level master's degree) and the offer of professional consultancy services to the productive world.

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

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.

Basic knowledge of plant biology, agronomy, field crops, tree crops.

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

Weed concept. Weed adaptation strategies. Seed bank: germination and physiological, environmental and agronomic factors. Population dynamics and agroecological factors influencing it. Competition and complementarity between crops and weeds: harms and benefits. Strategies and tactics for weed control: indirect or preventive; direct (mechanical, physical, chemical, biological, integrated). The agroecological approach in the management of crop weeds. Herbicides and plants: penetration, translocation, biotransformation, mechanisms of action, selectivity and efficacy. Dynamics of herbicides in the agroecosystem. The management of weeds in the main crops in the Mediterranean environment.

Fertility concept. Form and dynamics of nutritive elements in agroecosystems: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, calcium and magnesium, microelements. Classification of fertilizers and agronomic management of fertilization: optimal technical dose, time and method of application. Efficiency and effectiveness of fertilization; effects on production and product quality. The agroecological approach in fertilization management. Fertilization in "organic" agriculture. Foliar fertilization and fertigation: advantages and disadvantages. The fertilization plan. Fertilization management in the main crops in the Mediterranean environment.

1. R.L Zimdahl, N.T. Basinger. Fundamentals of Weed Science. Academic Press 2024,  9780443157233

2. Inderjit. Weed Biology and Management. Springer dordrecht 2004, 978-1-4020-1761-2

3. Sharanappa. Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management. CRC Press 2023. 9781003364955

4. M.Z. Hossain, M.T. Hossain, Samarun S. NPK Fertilizer:a complete story with industrial details. LAP LAMBERT 2013, 978-3659497070

Learning assessment may also be conducted remotely, should circumstances so require. In order to ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, interested students may request a personal interview to arrange any compensatory and/or exempting measures, in accordance with the learning objectives and their specific needs. Students may also contact the CinAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration — Disability and/or SLD Services) departmental representative (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

The evaluation follows the following scheme:

1. Weed concept

2. Preventive or indirect control of weed flora

3. Weed control in wheat

4. Description of the herbarium of the main weeds

5. Classification of fertilizers

6. Nitrogen: form and dynamics in agroecosystems

7. Organic fertilization

8. Fertilization plan for a crop of your choice