Agricultural Chemistry

General objectives: the first objective of the course is to provide basic knowledge of soil characteristics, linking their chemical-physical properties to functionality and fertility. The second objective is to acquire knowledge of the biochemical and physiological processes underlying the development, growth, and productive capacity of agronomically relevant plants, with particular focus on the grapevine.
U.D.1: Knowledge of the biochemical processes involved in primary metabolism and the biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites in plants, as well as the physiological processes underlying their productive capacity and responses to environmental conditions, with particular reference to abiotic stress.
U.D. 2: Understanding soil characteristics to interpret its main functions, such as defining soil fertility and supporting agricultural production. The lessons will provide foundational knowledge on soil formation mechanisms and chemical composition, essential for assessing its functionality in a productive context. The chemical-physical properties of soils will also be analyzed in relation to their interaction with plant growth and development, with particular emphasis on the impact of fertility on agronomic production.
Relation with the rest of the course or other subjects: Building on the fundamental concepts learned in chemistry and plant biology courses, this study delves deeper into both the biochemical and physiological aspects of cultivated plants, with particular focus on grapevines, as well as the properties and characteristics of agricultural soils. Special attention is also given to soil-plant interactions as the foundation of mineral nutrition.

Knowledge and Understanding:

U.D.1: The student will build upon the foundational knowledge acquired in the first year, gaining further competencies in the structure, organization, and function of the plant system from a biochemical and physiological point of view, as well as its interactions with the surrounding environment. The educational pathway will provide tools for critical analysis and evaluation of biochemical and physiological processes, enhancing the ability to articulate them and laying the groundwork for future in-depth studies.
U.D.2: the student will learn the basics of soil chemistry considering, above all, the chemical composition and interaction between the different mineralogical, biotic and organic components.

Applied Knowledge and Understanding:
U.D.1: The acquired knowledge will play a crucial role in future decisions regarding vineyard management, enabling an understanding of the plant's physiological state in response to specific pedoclimatic conditions. This will also involve the correct interpretation of physiological analysis results and diagnostic tests aimed at assessing performance or identifying stress conditions.
U.D.2: The skills developed will include the evaluation of soil reactivity regarding effects on fertility and plant growth.

Critical Thinking and Judgment:
U.D.1: Critical thinking skills will be developed through the analysis of practical examples, highlighting approaches and parameters useful for defining the plant's physiological state. This will help students acquire critical judgment, one of the fundamental elements in the decision-making processes that characterize vineyard management.
U.D.2: Critical capabilities will be developed from soil composition data and knowledge of the reactivity dependent on them.