Soil-Plant Interactions: Nutrients and Pollutants in the Agricultural System
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide an in-depth knowledge of the interactions in the rhizosphere between the plant and the different components of the soil, deepening the knowledge of chemical and biological mechanisms that influence the availability of nutrients in the soil and the responses of plants to different environmental conditions.
Furthermore, the course provides knowledge on the impact of organic and inorganic pollutants on the soil-plant system with particular attention to the quality and safety of plant productions.
Furthermore, the course provides knowledge on the impact of organic and inorganic pollutants on the soil-plant system with particular attention to the quality and safety of plant productions.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student should have acquired:
- knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological processes that control the rhizospheric environment in good quality soils, in degraded soils and in polluted soils;
- biochemical and physiological knowledge of soil-plant relationships in the response to the presence of inorganic and organic pollutants;
- critical ability regarding environmental defense issues in an agro-environmental context.
- knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological processes that control the rhizospheric environment in good quality soils, in degraded soils and in polluted soils;
- biochemical and physiological knowledge of soil-plant relationships in the response to the presence of inorganic and organic pollutants;
- critical ability regarding environmental defense issues in an agro-environmental context.
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
In the first part of the course, nutrient speciation processes and soil adsorption will be investigated, including pollutants. In the second part, the course examines the plant biochemical activities at the rhizosphere, the biochemical and physiological responses in conditions of nutrient deficiency, soil-borne stresses, contaminants and pollutants. The effects of these stress factors on plant growth, as well as the different strategies of plants adaptation, are examined in depth. The last part of the course provides information about food crop quality and security in terms of pollutant residues and of remediation techniques.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge in Plant Biochemistry and Physiology and in Soil Chemistry is recommended.
Teaching methods
Classroom lectures. The attendance is not mandatory (but recommended). For students not attending the program and materials are the same.
Teaching Resources
Lecture slides will be provided on Ariel platform. Moreover, it is recommended to study some chapters of the following book: "Marschner's Mineral Nutrition of Plants - (ELSEVIER)". The chapters will be indicated during the lessons.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Student learning is evaluated by a written exam consisting of open-ended questions. The purpose of the examination is to ascertain: the achievement of the objectives of the course in terms of knowledge and understanding; the degree of details; the mastery of the specific terminology. The exam grading is expressed in 30/30.
AGR/13 - AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Adani Fabrizio, Prinsi Bhakti
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment. Please request by email.
At the office. Bldg. 21090, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Milano. Alternatively, online on the Teams platform.