General Agronomy

Unit "Agrometeorology and crop ecology"
· Know and understand the differences between ecosystems and agro-ecosystems, and the specific characteristics of the latter.
· Know meteorological and agrometeorological variables.
· Know and understand the interactions between plants (and crops in particular) and atmosphere.
· Know the measurements methods of the main meteorological and agrometeorological variables.
Unit "Agronomy and weed control"
· Obtain an integrated view of factors that contribute to crop management and of crop utilisation in cropping system.
· Know and understand crop management techniques and their effects on productivity and environment.
· Know and understand the techniques to set up, manage and evaluate cropping systems in terms of productivity, sustainability and control of environmental impact.
Based on the basic disciplines of previous semesters, in this course the student knows and understands the interactions between crops and atmosphere and agronomic management techniques of cropping systems. This body of knowledge, integrated by more specific disciplines acquired later on, is a key tool to carry out a productive, environmental and economic evaluation of cropping systems.

At the end of the course the student will be able to:
Unit "Agrometeorology and crop ecology"
· Quantify using simple models the interactions between plants (and crops in particular) and atmosphere.
· Use agrometeorological measurements to describe an agricultural environment.
Unit "Agronomy and weed control"
· Quantitatively and temporally define a crop management protocol.
· Compare and choose tillage techniques, including conservation agriculture practices.
· Prepare a nutrient management plan.
· Calculate a simple soil organic matter budget.
· Prepare a weed management plan.
· Communicate this knowledge in writing and orally.
· Acquire autonomously new knowledge in this domain.