Laboratory of Precision Agronomy
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
· Advances in sensing technologies, data analytics, and modern agricultural mechanization now enable the implementation of management strategies aimed at the efficient and targeted use of agricultural inputs within cropping systems. These technologies also support multi-scale monitoring and adaptive management of agro-silvo-pastoral systems, contributing to improved environmental, economic, and productive sustainability.
· The primary objective of the course is to provide students, through an integrated theoretical and practical approach, with the knowledge and skills required to monitor, analyze, and interpret the status of crops and agro-silvo-pastoral environments. This will enable them to design site-specific management plans based on the ability to intervene at the right place and time using the most appropriate rates and techniques.
· Specifically, the course aims to:
· Develop a solid understanding of methods for analyzing and managing spatial variability in different agroecosystems, including cropping and agro-silvo-pastoral systems.
· Provide tools for identifying the most appropriate scales of analysis, key variables, and sensing technologies according to specific operational contexts.
· Develop competencies in the generation and interpretation of thematic and prescription maps, as well as in the design of optimized management plans based on precision agriculture principles.
· The primary objective of the course is to provide students, through an integrated theoretical and practical approach, with the knowledge and skills required to monitor, analyze, and interpret the status of crops and agro-silvo-pastoral environments. This will enable them to design site-specific management plans based on the ability to intervene at the right place and time using the most appropriate rates and techniques.
· Specifically, the course aims to:
· Develop a solid understanding of methods for analyzing and managing spatial variability in different agroecosystems, including cropping and agro-silvo-pastoral systems.
· Provide tools for identifying the most appropriate scales of analysis, key variables, and sensing technologies according to specific operational contexts.
· Develop competencies in the generation and interpretation of thematic and prescription maps, as well as in the design of optimized management plans based on precision agriculture principles.
Expected learning outcomes
· Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Analyze and interpret site-specific data related to soil and agroecosystem conditions and apply this information to agronomic management within precision agriculture frameworks.
2. Understand the operating principles, limitations, and conditions of use of major remote and proximal sensing technologies, integrating them into different agronomic management practices.
3. Acquire, process, and modify multispectral imagery collected through remote (satellite and UAV) and proximal sensors in order to extract information useful for describing crop and pasture conditions and supporting management decisions.
4. Assess the spatial and temporal variability of vegetation and crops through the use and interpretation of proxy variables (e.g., vegetation indices, biophysical parameters, multispectral signals) derived from remote and proximal sensing systems.
5. Understand, apply, and develop basic algorithms for prescription map generation, with particular emphasis on nitrogen fertilization management.
6. Understand, apply, and develop basic algorithms for thematic mapping to support the monitoring of agro-silvo-pastoral environments and grazing management.
1. Analyze and interpret site-specific data related to soil and agroecosystem conditions and apply this information to agronomic management within precision agriculture frameworks.
2. Understand the operating principles, limitations, and conditions of use of major remote and proximal sensing technologies, integrating them into different agronomic management practices.
3. Acquire, process, and modify multispectral imagery collected through remote (satellite and UAV) and proximal sensors in order to extract information useful for describing crop and pasture conditions and supporting management decisions.
4. Assess the spatial and temporal variability of vegetation and crops through the use and interpretation of proxy variables (e.g., vegetation indices, biophysical parameters, multispectral signals) derived from remote and proximal sensing systems.
5. Understand, apply, and develop basic algorithms for prescription map generation, with particular emphasis on nitrogen fertilization management.
6. Understand, apply, and develop basic algorithms for thematic mapping to support the monitoring of agro-silvo-pastoral environments and grazing management.
Lesson period: year
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
year
Course syllabus
FIRST SEMESTER - SITE-SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT OF AGRONOMIC INPUTS IN CROPPING SYSTEMS (3 ECTS)
Lectures (16 hours; 2 ETCS)
· Regionalized variables and proxy indicators: tools and principles for analyzing and managing spatial variability in cropping systems (4 hours)
· Algorithms for variable-rate nitrogen fertilization (VRA) based on proximal sensing (4 hours)
· Algorithms for variable-rate nitrogen fertilization (VRA) based on remote sensing (2 hours)
· Site-specific tillage, organic amendment management, seeding, and variable-rate phosphorus and potassium (PK) fertilization (3 hours)
· Theoretical foundations of site-specific weed management (3 hours)
Computer Laboratory Sessions (16 hours; 1 ETCS)
· Conceptual development of models for variable-rate nitrogen fertilization
· Implementation of QGIS applications for the generation of prescription maps
· Agronomic evaluation of the effectiveness of variable-rate nitrogen fertilization
SECOND SEMESTER - MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF SPATIAL VARIABILITY IN AGRO-SILVO-PASTORAL SYSTEMS (3 ECTS)
Lectures (16 hours; 2 ETCS)
· Fundamentals of remote sensing: from spectral signatures to thematic mapping (3 hours)
· Classification methods for multispectral remotely sensed imagery (3 hours)
· Estimation of quantitative agronomic variables from remotely sensed data and time-series analysis (2 hours)
· Precision agriculture for the management and monitoring of agro-silvo-pastoral systems: tools, methods, and applications (8 hours)
Computer Laboratory Sessions (16 hours; 1 ETCS)
· Land-use mapping and characterization in agro-silvo-pastoral environments
· Estimation of spatial variability in biomass production and forage quality to support grazing management
· Analysis of agro-silvo-pastoral ecosystem dynamics in response to meteorological variability and climate extremes (e.g., drought)
Lectures (16 hours; 2 ETCS)
· Regionalized variables and proxy indicators: tools and principles for analyzing and managing spatial variability in cropping systems (4 hours)
· Algorithms for variable-rate nitrogen fertilization (VRA) based on proximal sensing (4 hours)
· Algorithms for variable-rate nitrogen fertilization (VRA) based on remote sensing (2 hours)
· Site-specific tillage, organic amendment management, seeding, and variable-rate phosphorus and potassium (PK) fertilization (3 hours)
· Theoretical foundations of site-specific weed management (3 hours)
Computer Laboratory Sessions (16 hours; 1 ETCS)
· Conceptual development of models for variable-rate nitrogen fertilization
· Implementation of QGIS applications for the generation of prescription maps
· Agronomic evaluation of the effectiveness of variable-rate nitrogen fertilization
SECOND SEMESTER - MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OF SPATIAL VARIABILITY IN AGRO-SILVO-PASTORAL SYSTEMS (3 ECTS)
Lectures (16 hours; 2 ETCS)
· Fundamentals of remote sensing: from spectral signatures to thematic mapping (3 hours)
· Classification methods for multispectral remotely sensed imagery (3 hours)
· Estimation of quantitative agronomic variables from remotely sensed data and time-series analysis (2 hours)
· Precision agriculture for the management and monitoring of agro-silvo-pastoral systems: tools, methods, and applications (8 hours)
Computer Laboratory Sessions (16 hours; 1 ETCS)
· Land-use mapping and characterization in agro-silvo-pastoral environments
· Estimation of spatial variability in biomass production and forage quality to support grazing management
· Analysis of agro-silvo-pastoral ecosystem dynamics in response to meteorological variability and climate extremes (e.g., drought)
Prerequisites for admission
· Statistics
· Agronomy
· Sustainable Cropping Systems
· Agronomy
· Sustainable Cropping Systems
Teaching methods
The course consists of 4 ECTS of lectures and 2 ECTS of computer laboratory sessions delivered over two semesters.
During the first semester, lectures and computer-based practical sessions provide students with a comprehensive overview of site-specific crop management techniques and variable-rate application technologies in agronomy.
During the second semester, lectures and laboratory activities focus on monitoring and managing agro-silvo-pastoral systems using precision agriculture approaches.
Lectures include discussions based on real-world case studies, enabling students to integrate and apply their agronomic knowledge together with the principles and technologies of precision agriculture acquired throughout the degree program.
Computer laboratory sessions involve project-based activities designed to consolidate theoretical concepts through practical application, improve students' proficiency with GIS and analytical software, and foster critical evaluation of the opportunities and limitations of the techniques and technologies presented.
Projects are carried out in groups and conclude with a presentation and discussion, which forms part of the course assessment.
During the first semester, lectures and computer-based practical sessions provide students with a comprehensive overview of site-specific crop management techniques and variable-rate application technologies in agronomy.
During the second semester, lectures and laboratory activities focus on monitoring and managing agro-silvo-pastoral systems using precision agriculture approaches.
Lectures include discussions based on real-world case studies, enabling students to integrate and apply their agronomic knowledge together with the principles and technologies of precision agriculture acquired throughout the degree program.
Computer laboratory sessions involve project-based activities designed to consolidate theoretical concepts through practical application, improve students' proficiency with GIS and analytical software, and foster critical evaluation of the opportunities and limitations of the techniques and technologies presented.
Projects are carried out in groups and conclude with a presentation and discussion, which forms part of the course assessment.
Teaching Resources
· Lecture slides and laboratory files available on the Ariel teaching platform
· Casa, R. (2016). Precision Agriculture. Edagricole Università e Formazione. Edagricole-New Business Media, Milan, Italy.
· Heege, H.J. (Ed.). (2013). Precision in Crop Farming. Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6760-7
· Chuvieco, E. (2020). Fundamentals of Satellite Remote Sensing: An Environmental Approach (3rd ed.). CRC Press.
· Casa, R. (2016). Precision Agriculture. Edagricole Università e Formazione. Edagricole-New Business Media, Milan, Italy.
· Heege, H.J. (Ed.). (2013). Precision in Crop Farming. Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6760-7
· Chuvieco, E. (2020). Fundamentals of Satellite Remote Sensing: An Environmental Approach (3rd ed.). CRC Press.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment consists of two oral examinations, covering respectively:
1. Site-Specific Management of Agronomic Inputs in Cropping Systems
2. Monitoring and Management of Spatial Variability in Agro-Silvo-Pastoral Systems
Each oral examination is based on:
· the presentation and discussion of the project developed during the laboratory sessions;
· questions addressing the theoretical contents of the course.
Assessment considers students' knowledge of the subject, clarity of presentation, analytical and critical reasoning skills, and appropriate use of technical terminology.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale and corresponds to the average of the two oral examination grades.
The two examinations may be taken either separately at the end of each semester or together at the end of the second semester or during subsequent examination sessions.
Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) or disabilities are kindly requested to contact the course instructor by email at least 15 days before the scheduled examination to discuss any necessary individualized accommodations. The email should also include the relevant University support service in CC:
· [email protected] (for students with SLD)
· [email protected] (for students with disabilities)
1. Site-Specific Management of Agronomic Inputs in Cropping Systems
2. Monitoring and Management of Spatial Variability in Agro-Silvo-Pastoral Systems
Each oral examination is based on:
· the presentation and discussion of the project developed during the laboratory sessions;
· questions addressing the theoretical contents of the course.
Assessment considers students' knowledge of the subject, clarity of presentation, analytical and critical reasoning skills, and appropriate use of technical terminology.
The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale and corresponds to the average of the two oral examination grades.
The two examinations may be taken either separately at the end of each semester or together at the end of the second semester or during subsequent examination sessions.
Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) or disabilities are kindly requested to contact the course instructor by email at least 15 days before the scheduled examination to discuss any necessary individualized accommodations. The email should also include the relevant University support service in CC:
· [email protected] (for students with SLD)
· [email protected] (for students with disabilities)
AGR/02 - AGRONOMY AND FIELD CROPS - University credits: 6
Computer classroom exercises : 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professors:
Fava Francesco Pietro, Ragaglini Giorgio
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
Kindly send me an e-mail to agree on meeting time and location
Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), Via Celoria 10, Milano