Soil and Subsoil Microbiology
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide knowledge to:
- distinguish peculiarities of microorganisms in soil, rhizosphere and in subsoil;
- understand relationships between microorganisms and higher organisms in agro-ecosystems;
- recognize the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles;
- assess the applications of microorganisms in agro-environmental processes;
- estimate the impact of human activities on the environmental microbiota;
- perform soil microbiology and basic molecular biology analyses and be able to interpret analytical results.
- distinguish peculiarities of microorganisms in soil, rhizosphere and in subsoil;
- understand relationships between microorganisms and higher organisms in agro-ecosystems;
- recognize the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles;
- assess the applications of microorganisms in agro-environmental processes;
- estimate the impact of human activities on the environmental microbiota;
- perform soil microbiology and basic molecular biology analyses and be able to interpret analytical results.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student is able to:
- understand the role of microbial metabolisms in complex environmental processes;
- perform laboratory analyses of soil microbiology and basic molecular biology;
- be able to contextualize data in a multidisciplinary environment;
- work in a group.
- understand the role of microbial metabolisms in complex environmental processes;
- perform laboratory analyses of soil microbiology and basic molecular biology;
- be able to contextualize data in a multidisciplinary environment;
- work in a group.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Lectures:
Microbial ecology: soil habitat, rhizosphere (bacteria and mycorrhizae), deep subsurface and interactions with groundwater, extreme environments. Biogeochemical cycles: the environmental redox scale in the definition of microbial metabolisms related to C, N, S, P, Fe, metals and metalloids. Organic matter biodegradation and creation of soil fertility. Soils with high greenhouse gas emissions: rice fields and natural wetlands. Plant growth-promoting bacteria and the use of microbial inocula. Elements of biological control.
Practical classes:
Metabolic characterization of soil microbial communities.
Microbial ecology: soil habitat, rhizosphere (bacteria and mycorrhizae), deep subsurface and interactions with groundwater, extreme environments. Biogeochemical cycles: the environmental redox scale in the definition of microbial metabolisms related to C, N, S, P, Fe, metals and metalloids. Organic matter biodegradation and creation of soil fertility. Soils with high greenhouse gas emissions: rice fields and natural wetlands. Plant growth-promoting bacteria and the use of microbial inocula. Elements of biological control.
Practical classes:
Metabolic characterization of soil microbial communities.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of soil chemistry and of general microbiology.
Teaching methods
Lessons. Practical classes. Educational trips.
Teaching Resources
Lecture notes and videos on the Ariel website of the course.
Lecture notes distributed during practical classes.
Scientific papers provided by the teacher.
Text books:
-B. Biavati e C. Sorlini. Microbiologia Agroambientale. Volume unico. 2008. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
-M.T. Madigan, J.M. Martinko, K.S. Bender, D.H. Buckley, D.A. Stahl. Brock - Biology of microrganisms. 2016, XIV edition. Ed. Pearson.
Lecture notes distributed during practical classes.
Scientific papers provided by the teacher.
Text books:
-B. Biavati e C. Sorlini. Microbiologia Agroambientale. Volume unico. 2008. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
-M.T. Madigan, J.M. Martinko, K.S. Bender, D.H. Buckley, D.A. Stahl. Brock - Biology of microrganisms. 2016, XIV edition. Ed. Pearson.
Assessment methods and Criteria
To test the acquisition of some basic concepts, a written test with multiple-choice questions will be followed by an oral presentation of a bibliographic review on topics chosen in agreement with the teacher and discussion in light of the course content and laboratory practicals.
The presentation of the laboratory work provides an additional score between 1 and 3 thirtieths.
Non-attending students will perform the written examination followed by an oral presentation of a bibliographic review on topics chosen in accordance with the teacher and discussion in light of the teaching content.
The presentation of the laboratory work provides an additional score between 1 and 3 thirtieths.
Non-attending students will perform the written examination followed by an oral presentation of a bibliographic review on topics chosen in accordance with the teacher and discussion in light of the teaching content.
AGR/16 - AGRICULTURAL MICROBIOLOGY - University credits: 4
Laboratories: 8 hours
Lessons: 28 hours
Lessons: 28 hours
Professor:
Zecchin Sarah
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Upon appointment
Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milano, 3° floor