Sustainable Cropping Systems
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
To provide theoretical and applicative tools for the management of herbaceous cultivation systems and the planning of efficient and sustainable production itineraries.
Develop advanced knowledge on models for the analysis of crop systems and for the planning of management interventions.
To convey a quantitative and process-based view of soil-crop-atmosphere interactions, useful for sustainable production management.
Develop the ability to apply modeling to crops of market interest, with the aim of improving productivity, sustainability and the compliance of products with specific quality requirements required by the transformation or distribution chains.
Develop advanced knowledge on models for the analysis of crop systems and for the planning of management interventions.
To convey a quantitative and process-based view of soil-crop-atmosphere interactions, useful for sustainable production management.
Develop the ability to apply modeling to crops of market interest, with the aim of improving productivity, sustainability and the compliance of products with specific quality requirements required by the transformation or distribution chains.
Expected learning outcomes
Ability to compare, choose, program operations and to manage the parameters of crop systems, adapting them to particular production contexts and specific company objectives.
Ability to apply agronomic models with objectives to support decisions in the choices of production direction and in the sustainable management of production processes.
Ability to define particular technical production itineraries in relation to specific supply chain and market objectives.
Ability to apply agronomic models with objectives to support decisions in the choices of production direction and in the sustainable management of production processes.
Ability to define particular technical production itineraries in relation to specific supply chain and market objectives.
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
Prerequisites for admission
The concepts of these disciplines, from the BSc, are needed in this course:
· Mathematics, chemistry, physics
· Botany
· Plant physiology
· Soil science
· Agronomy and agrometeorology
· Arable crop cultivation
· Information and communication technology
· Statistics
All the agronomic concepts can be reviewed using these books, available in the University Library:
Villalobos, F.J., Fereres, E. (Eds.), 2016. Principles of Agronomy for Sustainable Agriculture. Springer International Publishing, Cham. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-46116-8
Connor, D.J., Loomis, R.S., Cassman, K.G., 2011. Crop Ecology: Productivity and Management in Agricultural Systems, 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. doi:10.1017/CBO9780511974199
· Mathematics, chemistry, physics
· Botany
· Plant physiology
· Soil science
· Agronomy and agrometeorology
· Arable crop cultivation
· Information and communication technology
· Statistics
All the agronomic concepts can be reviewed using these books, available in the University Library:
Villalobos, F.J., Fereres, E. (Eds.), 2016. Principles of Agronomy for Sustainable Agriculture. Springer International Publishing, Cham. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-46116-8
Connor, D.J., Loomis, R.S., Cassman, K.G., 2011. Crop Ecology: Productivity and Management in Agricultural Systems, 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. doi:10.1017/CBO9780511974199
Assessment methods and Criteria
Two examinations are scheduled, one for each teaching unit. The overall mark is calculated out of thirty as the average of the marks obtained in the two examinations. The mark will be officially recorded after the second examination.
Teaching unit "Agronomic Management Modelling"
The examination for this teaching unit is written and consists of a first part with 12 multiple-choice questions, accounting for 25% of the score, and a second part with six open-ended questions, accounting for the remaining 75%. No penalty is applied for incorrect answers in the multiple-choice questions. The optimal length of the answers to the open-ended questions, which also include exercises, may range from a few lines to a full handwritten page. The duration of the examination is two hours and twenty minutes.
The assessment, expressed out of thirty, is based on the following elements: (a) appropriate use of terminology; (b) correctness of content; (c) completeness of the answer. Missing content lowers the mark. Excess content is not assessed. In the exercises, it is important to choose the correct orders of magnitude for the variables and parameters involved; units of measurement must always be specified.
The use of a pocket calculator is allowed for the exercises. There is no oral examination.
Passing the optional mid-term test, held during the teaching break, allows students to take a shorter final examination, lasting two hours, on the same content as the regular examination.
The mark is communicated by email.
The following examination sessions are scheduled:
· Two sessions at the end of the four-month teaching periods: June-July and January-February
· One session during the mid-term test periods: April and November
· One session in September
Students with SLD or disabilities are kindly requested to contact the lecturer by email at least 15 days before the scheduled examination date in order to agree on any individualized measures. In the email addressed to the lecturer, students must copy the relevant University Services: [email protected] for students with SLD, or [email protected] for students with disabilities.
There are no differences in the type of examination between attending and non-attending students.
Teaching unit "Cropping Systems and Supply Chains"
The examination for this teaching unit is oral. It will begin with the discussion of a personal project on agronomic innovation, on a topic agreed upon with the lecturers, and will continue with an assessment of the contents of the teaching unit. The assessment criteria for the project are: clarity, appropriate use of terminology, completeness and rigour of the bibliographic analysis, adequacy of the methodology, and critical thinking. The examination is passed only if both project discussion and preparation on the contents of the teaching unit are sufficient.
Students with SLD or disabilities are kindly requested to contact the lecturer by email at least 15 days before the scheduled examination date in order to agree on any individualized measures. In the email addressed to the lecturer, students must copy the relevant University Services: [email protected] for students with SLD, or [email protected] for students with disabilities.
Teaching unit "Agronomic Management Modelling"
The examination for this teaching unit is written and consists of a first part with 12 multiple-choice questions, accounting for 25% of the score, and a second part with six open-ended questions, accounting for the remaining 75%. No penalty is applied for incorrect answers in the multiple-choice questions. The optimal length of the answers to the open-ended questions, which also include exercises, may range from a few lines to a full handwritten page. The duration of the examination is two hours and twenty minutes.
The assessment, expressed out of thirty, is based on the following elements: (a) appropriate use of terminology; (b) correctness of content; (c) completeness of the answer. Missing content lowers the mark. Excess content is not assessed. In the exercises, it is important to choose the correct orders of magnitude for the variables and parameters involved; units of measurement must always be specified.
The use of a pocket calculator is allowed for the exercises. There is no oral examination.
Passing the optional mid-term test, held during the teaching break, allows students to take a shorter final examination, lasting two hours, on the same content as the regular examination.
The mark is communicated by email.
The following examination sessions are scheduled:
· Two sessions at the end of the four-month teaching periods: June-July and January-February
· One session during the mid-term test periods: April and November
· One session in September
Students with SLD or disabilities are kindly requested to contact the lecturer by email at least 15 days before the scheduled examination date in order to agree on any individualized measures. In the email addressed to the lecturer, students must copy the relevant University Services: [email protected] for students with SLD, or [email protected] for students with disabilities.
There are no differences in the type of examination between attending and non-attending students.
Teaching unit "Cropping Systems and Supply Chains"
The examination for this teaching unit is oral. It will begin with the discussion of a personal project on agronomic innovation, on a topic agreed upon with the lecturers, and will continue with an assessment of the contents of the teaching unit. The assessment criteria for the project are: clarity, appropriate use of terminology, completeness and rigour of the bibliographic analysis, adequacy of the methodology, and critical thinking. The examination is passed only if both project discussion and preparation on the contents of the teaching unit are sufficient.
Students with SLD or disabilities are kindly requested to contact the lecturer by email at least 15 days before the scheduled examination date in order to agree on any individualized measures. In the email addressed to the lecturer, students must copy the relevant University Services: [email protected] for students with SLD, or [email protected] for students with disabilities.
Modellistica gestionale agronomica
Course syllabus
The following topics are covered in the course, in chronological order:
· Simulation of dynamic systems using mechanistic models — 1 ECTS.
· Simulation of crop development — 0.5 ECTS.
· Simulation of crop productivity — 1.5 ECTS.
· Simulation of carbon and nutrient dynamics in the soil-crop system — 2 ECTS.
· Integrated simulation models of cropping systems — 0.5 ECTS.
· Model calibration and validation — 0.5 ECTS.
· Simulation of dynamic systems using mechanistic models — 1 ECTS.
· Simulation of crop development — 0.5 ECTS.
· Simulation of crop productivity — 1.5 ECTS.
· Simulation of carbon and nutrient dynamics in the soil-crop system — 2 ECTS.
· Integrated simulation models of cropping systems — 0.5 ECTS.
· Model calibration and validation — 0.5 ECTS.
Teaching methods
The course includes three teaching formats:
(a) Classroom lectures for the presentation of all programme contents.
(b) Practical sessions in the computer lab for the application, in a spreadsheet, of all concepts learned in theory through the development of simple models.
(c) Group discussions to stimulate active learning.
The practical sessions are essential, as they provide a practical application of the concepts presented during lectures and therefore allow students to assimilate the concepts more effectively. They also help students become familiar with the orders of magnitude of variables and parameters.
Lecture slides; the texts, data and results of all practical sessions; and articles and books for study are available on myAriel.
All students are encouraged to study the concepts in a non-mnemonic way. This will later allow you to extend what you have learned to cases related to those seen in class, and to acquire a critical perspective and a deep understanding of the topics covered. One way to achieve this understanding is not to limit yourself to studying slides and notes, but also to use the suggested articles and books. It is also essential to carry out several exercises to verify that you have understood the concepts.
Attendance is strongly recommended.
(a) Classroom lectures for the presentation of all programme contents.
(b) Practical sessions in the computer lab for the application, in a spreadsheet, of all concepts learned in theory through the development of simple models.
(c) Group discussions to stimulate active learning.
The practical sessions are essential, as they provide a practical application of the concepts presented during lectures and therefore allow students to assimilate the concepts more effectively. They also help students become familiar with the orders of magnitude of variables and parameters.
Lecture slides; the texts, data and results of all practical sessions; and articles and books for study are available on myAriel.
All students are encouraged to study the concepts in a non-mnemonic way. This will later allow you to extend what you have learned to cases related to those seen in class, and to acquire a critical perspective and a deep understanding of the topics covered. One way to achieve this understanding is not to limit yourself to studying slides and notes, but also to use the suggested articles and books. It is also essential to carry out several exercises to verify that you have understood the concepts.
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
There is no textbook. A selection of book chapters, articles and web pages is available on myAriel, together with the slides presented during lectures. Much of the material is in English.
The teaching material is the same for attending and non-attending students.
All texts are indicated for students' independent consultation and study. They are not used directly with students during lectures and practical sessions.
The most important sources are listed below:
· Vries, F.P. de, 1989. Simulation of ecophysiological processes of growth in several annual crops. Int. Rice Res. Inst. http://edepot.wur.nl/108856
· Connor, D.J., Loomis, R.S., Cassman, K.G., 2011. Crop Ecology: Productivity and Management in Agricultural Systems, 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. doi:10.1017/CBO9780511974199
· Campbell, G.S., Norman, J.M., 1998. An Introduction to Environmental Biophysics. Springer, New York, 286 pp.
· Manzoni, S., Porporato, A., 2009. Soil carbon and nitrogen mineralization: Theory and models across scales. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 41, 1355-1379. doi:10.1016/j.soilbio.2009.02.031. Only section "3. Modeling decomposition and N mineralization".
· Bellocchi, G., Rivington, M., Donatelli, M., Matthews, K., 2010. Validation of biophysical models: issues and methodologies. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development 30, 109-130. http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1051/agro/2009001
The teaching material is the same for attending and non-attending students.
All texts are indicated for students' independent consultation and study. They are not used directly with students during lectures and practical sessions.
The most important sources are listed below:
· Vries, F.P. de, 1989. Simulation of ecophysiological processes of growth in several annual crops. Int. Rice Res. Inst. http://edepot.wur.nl/108856
· Connor, D.J., Loomis, R.S., Cassman, K.G., 2011. Crop Ecology: Productivity and Management in Agricultural Systems, 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. doi:10.1017/CBO9780511974199
· Campbell, G.S., Norman, J.M., 1998. An Introduction to Environmental Biophysics. Springer, New York, 286 pp.
· Manzoni, S., Porporato, A., 2009. Soil carbon and nitrogen mineralization: Theory and models across scales. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 41, 1355-1379. doi:10.1016/j.soilbio.2009.02.031. Only section "3. Modeling decomposition and N mineralization".
· Bellocchi, G., Rivington, M., Donatelli, M., Matthews, K., 2010. Validation of biophysical models: issues and methodologies. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development 30, 109-130. http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1051/agro/2009001
Sistemi colturali e filiere
Course syllabus
1. Course Introduction and Educational Organization (Lectures: 2.0 hours - 0.25 ECTS)
· Lectures: Presentation of the course objectives, expected learning outcomes, schedule, exam procedures, and final project preparation.
2. Agricultural Supply Chains and Production Guidelines (Lectures: 6.0 hours 0.75 ECTS; Computer Lab Exercises: 10.0 hours 0.625 ECTS)
· Lectures: Analysis of the main supply chains (cereal crops, oilseeds, tomato, forage crops), economic flows, the European regulatory framework (EAFRD), forms of aggregation (cooperatives, business networks), and integrated production guidelines (SQNPI). Bibliographic research methods using scientific databases (Scopus, Google Scholar).
· Laboratory: Group work focused on the in-depth analysis of production guidelines, and final presentation of results.
3. Advanced Nitrogen Management and Modeling (Simulation on Soft Wheat) (Lectures: 6.0 hours 0.75 ECTS; Computer Lab Exercises: 24.0 hours 1.5 ECTS)
· Lectures: Theoretical and modeling approaches for estimating the optimal nitrogen dose and site-specific management. In-season diagnostic methods to support nitrogen fertilization based on soil monitoring and crop status.
· Laboratory: Practical application of the APSIM simulation model for soft wheat fertilization. Dataset processing and analysis using R software, evaluation of economic scenarios (market prices and fertilizer costs) and determination of the Technical and Economic Optimal Dose associated with nitrogen use efficiency (NUE).
4. Sustainability Assessment and Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Emissions (Lectures: 2.0 hours - 0.25 ECTS; Computer Lab Exercises: 4.0 hours 0.25 ECTS)
· Lectures: Environmental certifications and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in cropping systems. Focus on soil nitrous oxide processes (nitrification/denitrification), empirical estimation methods (IPCC), and modeling for the calculation of Global Warming Potential.
· Laboratory: Practical exercise to estimate and compare N2O emissions calculated with the IPCC method against data simulated by APSIM, with calculation of GWP related to the hectare, produced grain, and produced proteins; report writing and final group discussion.
5. Integrated Weed Management (Lectures: 4.0 hours - 0.5 ECTS; Computer Lab Exercises: 2.0 hours 0.125 ECTS)
· Lectures: Fundamentals of Integrated Weed Management (IWM) and Ecological Weed Management (EWM). Decision support systems (DSS) based on predictive models for emergence, efficacy (efficacy-based), and yield loss prediction (population-based), and introduction to site-specific weed control.
· Laboratory: Practical exercise aimed at learning decision support models.
6. Mycotoxin Risk Management (Lectures: 4.0 hours - 0.5 ECTS)
· Lectures: Overview of the problem and regulations, national guidelines, models (dichotomous, empirical, and process-based) for mycotoxin risk management.
7. Field Activities (Study Trip and Technical Visits) (Field activities: 8.0 hours 0.5 ECTS)
Educational visits aimed at the field observation of cropping systems and innovative technologies.
· Lectures: Presentation of the course objectives, expected learning outcomes, schedule, exam procedures, and final project preparation.
2. Agricultural Supply Chains and Production Guidelines (Lectures: 6.0 hours 0.75 ECTS; Computer Lab Exercises: 10.0 hours 0.625 ECTS)
· Lectures: Analysis of the main supply chains (cereal crops, oilseeds, tomato, forage crops), economic flows, the European regulatory framework (EAFRD), forms of aggregation (cooperatives, business networks), and integrated production guidelines (SQNPI). Bibliographic research methods using scientific databases (Scopus, Google Scholar).
· Laboratory: Group work focused on the in-depth analysis of production guidelines, and final presentation of results.
3. Advanced Nitrogen Management and Modeling (Simulation on Soft Wheat) (Lectures: 6.0 hours 0.75 ECTS; Computer Lab Exercises: 24.0 hours 1.5 ECTS)
· Lectures: Theoretical and modeling approaches for estimating the optimal nitrogen dose and site-specific management. In-season diagnostic methods to support nitrogen fertilization based on soil monitoring and crop status.
· Laboratory: Practical application of the APSIM simulation model for soft wheat fertilization. Dataset processing and analysis using R software, evaluation of economic scenarios (market prices and fertilizer costs) and determination of the Technical and Economic Optimal Dose associated with nitrogen use efficiency (NUE).
4. Sustainability Assessment and Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Emissions (Lectures: 2.0 hours - 0.25 ECTS; Computer Lab Exercises: 4.0 hours 0.25 ECTS)
· Lectures: Environmental certifications and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in cropping systems. Focus on soil nitrous oxide processes (nitrification/denitrification), empirical estimation methods (IPCC), and modeling for the calculation of Global Warming Potential.
· Laboratory: Practical exercise to estimate and compare N2O emissions calculated with the IPCC method against data simulated by APSIM, with calculation of GWP related to the hectare, produced grain, and produced proteins; report writing and final group discussion.
5. Integrated Weed Management (Lectures: 4.0 hours - 0.5 ECTS; Computer Lab Exercises: 2.0 hours 0.125 ECTS)
· Lectures: Fundamentals of Integrated Weed Management (IWM) and Ecological Weed Management (EWM). Decision support systems (DSS) based on predictive models for emergence, efficacy (efficacy-based), and yield loss prediction (population-based), and introduction to site-specific weed control.
· Laboratory: Practical exercise aimed at learning decision support models.
6. Mycotoxin Risk Management (Lectures: 4.0 hours - 0.5 ECTS)
· Lectures: Overview of the problem and regulations, national guidelines, models (dichotomous, empirical, and process-based) for mycotoxin risk management.
7. Field Activities (Study Trip and Technical Visits) (Field activities: 8.0 hours 0.5 ECTS)
Educational visits aimed at the field observation of cropping systems and innovative technologies.
Teaching methods
See "Agronomic Management Modelling", plus Development of a project based on a case study to provide a unifying view of the topics covered. The project is essential, as it provides a practical application of the concepts presented during lectures and therefore allows students to assimilate the concepts more effectively.
A field trip is also planned, allowing students to engage directly with supply-chain operators and observe how they address crop management problems in relation to predefined objectives.
A field trip is also planned, allowing students to engage directly with supply-chain operators and observe how they address crop management problems in relation to predefined objectives.
Teaching Resources
The suggested teaching material is available on the myAriel website.
Modules or teaching units
Modellistica gestionale agronomica
AGRI-02/A - Agronomy and Field Crops - University credits: 6
Computer classroom exercises : 24 hours
Lessons: 36 hours
Lessons: 36 hours
Professor:
Bechini Luca
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Bechini Luca
Sistemi colturali e filiere
AGRI-02/A - Agronomy and Field Crops - University credits: 6
Field activity: 8 hours
Computer classroom exercises : 40 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Computer classroom exercises : 40 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professor:
Ragaglini Giorgio
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Ragaglini GiorgioProfessor(s)
Reception:
By making an appointment.
In my office (Via Celoria 2, Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Agronomia, 1st floor above "Aula 1")