Sustainable agroecosystem

Module SOIL ORGANIC MATTER MANAGEMENT

The course aims to provide a depth knowledge about the dynamics of the natural organic matter as well as the nutrients, in order to understand the factors regulating the plant growth, also as a function of the environmental changes leading to new scenarios. At the end of the course the student will have a wide knowledge about the dynamics of organic matter and the nutrients in the agronomic soils, as well as the nutritional properties of the soil-plant system. Moreover, the student will acquire informations about the possible use of organic waste matrices, rough or treated, in order to increase the soil organic component.

Knowledge and understanding

At the end of the teaching period, students:
will know the factors influencing soil fertility, the main threats depending on the type of land use, climate, agronomic practices, as well as other anthropogenic and environmental factors
The students will know the main actions useful to counter the loss of fertility of the soil or to improve it. They will be able to understand the impacts that land and soil management can have on soil fertility

Applying knowledge and understanding

At the end of the teaching period students will be able to:
Independently collect data, using different available sources, for the assessment of soil fertility status
Link the collected data and field surveys to the environmental, pedological and agricultural context of reference.

Judgment capacity

Properly evaluate the type and extent of the risks to soil fertility and provide for actions to mitigate its impact and, where possible, to improve soil fertility
Assessing the impact that an intervention project, in the agricultural and non-agricultural fields, may have on soil fertility.

Communication skills

The students will be able to explain soil science issues with a correct terminology. They will be able to write a report on the state of soil physical, chemical and biological fertility in one area, examining the factors that determine its quality, identifying threats and strengths, as well as possible actions useful to protect or improve soil fertility.

The course is made of:

-Frontal lessons (21 hours);

- Application part (42 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 teaching is given in a mixed formula or remotely, necessary changes may be introduced to what was previously stated in order to comply with the provided and reported Syllabus.

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

Organic matter evolution of the soil; mineralization and humification processes; humic substances; influence of organic matter on the chemical, physical, biological properties of the soil; role of pedofauna and microrganisms in the evolution of soil organic matter; composting process; characteristics and possible use of sewage sludge; analytical methods for the study of soil organic matter.

Contribution of the course to the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: SDG 2 — Zero Hunger: Sustainable food systems, resilient agricultural productivity. Link to the course: Organic matter, as a source of nutrients for plants and a regulator of soil fertility, underpins sustainable agricultural productivity (target 2.4, resilient agricultural systems). SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production: Sustainable waste management, circular economy. Link to the course: Composting and the recycling of organic matter in agriculture are direct applications of circular economy principles (target 12.5, waste reduction through recycling). SDG 13 — Climate Action: Carbon sequestration. Link to the course: Humification and mineralization processes regulate the storage of organic carbon in the soil (soil carbon sequestration), a key mechanism for climate change mitigation. SDG 15 — Life on Land: Soil degradation, terrestrial biodiversity. Link to the course: the role of soil fauna and microorganisms in the evolution of SOM relates to soil biodiversity, while maintaining and increasing organic matter content is the primary tool for combating soil degradation and desertification (target 15.3, "Land Degradation Neutrality").

1. Ciclo della Sostanza Organica del Suolo (P. Nannipieri; Ed. Patron)(2003).

2. Lecture notes.

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.

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).