The goal of the course is to guide students in the acquisition of knowledge and skills on the organization and management of agroecosystems according to the basic of agronomy and agroecological approach, aimed at the conservation of natural resources and the planning of crop production in the Mediterranean environment.

Building on fundamental knowledge from agronomic disciplines, this course will focus on the major challenges affecting the sustainability of agroecosystems, including their key components (atmosphere, pedosphere, biosphere), the resulting ecological implications, and the agroecological management strategies applicable to agricultural systems at multiple scales, from the field to the farm and the broader territorial level will be the subject of in-depth study and analysis.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

i) demonstrate knowledge and the ability to apply a systemic approach to agroecosystem management, with specific attention to agroecological models that support the agriculture transition towards sustainability, as well as agronomic strategies for soil conservation, climate change mitigation, and the efficient use of primary and auxiliary resources (solar radiation, organic matter, nutrients, water, spontaneous flora, and crop germplasm);

ii) apply their knowledge and understanding with a professional approach, showing the ability to design and support reasoned solutions to problems related to anthropogenic impacts on agroecosystems, and to define and implement agroecological strategies that optimize crop productivity while maximizing ecosystem services at the field, farm, and territorial scales;

iii) collect information and interpret data to independently analyze the dynamics, processes, and effects of interventions in Mediterranean agroecosystems, critically assessing their environmental, as well as their scientific and ethical implications, and identifying models, methods, and tools for the design and management of resilient and regenerative agroecosystems;

iv) effectively communicate information, ideas, problems, and solutions on agronomic issues to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, adopting a holistic approach;

v) develop learning skills, with specific reference to the discipline’s topics, that enable them to pursue further academic studies in advanced cycles (Master’s and Ph.D.) with a good degree of autonomy.

Contribution of the discipline to the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (https://sdgs.un.org/goals)

The discipline’s contents contribute to achieving the following Goals (G) and Targets (T) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development:

-  G2: T2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5;

-  G4: T4.4;

-  G5: T5.b;

-  G6: T6.3, T6.4, T6.5, T6.6;

-  G7: T7.2, T7.3;

-  G8: T8.2, T8.6;

-  G9: T9.5, T9c;

-  G12: T12.2, T12.3, T12.4, T12.5, T12.b;- G13: T13.1, T13.3; - G15: T15.1, T15.3, T15.4.

Frontal lectures (21 hours). Other learning activities that supplement frontal lectures, such as in-depth seminars, exercises, group work, and practical sessions (42 hours).

If the course will be held in mixed or remote mode, the necessary changes to what was previously stated maybe introduced, in order to comply with the planned program reported in the syllabus.

*Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, if the conditions require it.

Information for students with disabilities and/or Learning disorders

To guarantee equal opportunities and in accordance with the current laws, students can ask for a personal interview to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the didactic objectives and specific needs.

It is also possible to contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participated inclusion Services for Disabilities and/or Learning disorders) of the Department, prof. Anna De Angelis.

Attendance of Lessons Not mandatory but recommended

Course Presentation
Fundamental concepts of systems theory and the epistemological foundations of agroecology. The relationship between agriculture and the environment. The crisis of conventional agriculture and the emergence of the agroecological paradigm as a framework for transitioning agriculture toward sustainability.

The Mediterranean Environment
Key characteristics, including resources and limitations, and the impacts of climate change.

From Ecosystem to Agroecosystem
Analysis of the interactions among the abiotic (atmosphere), merobiotic (soil), and biotic (crops) components of agroecosystems, and their hierarchical organization across scales (field, farm, territory).

Crop Productivity and Ecosystem Services
Determinants of crop responses to agronomic factors and the role of ecosystem services in agricultural systems.

Anthropogenic Impacts on Agroecosystems
Soil degradation, fertility loss, and resource depletion; pollution and contaminant release; and the processes driving genetic erosion.

Agroecosystem Evaluation
Models, methods, and analytical tools for the design and evaluation of agroecosystems.

Agroecological Management of Agroecosystems
Management strategies including agrometeorology and meteorological services, land and soil management, fertilization, irrigation, weed control, and crop selection and spatial–temporal organization. Development of resilient and regenerative systems at the territorial scale, such as polycultures and agroforestry.

Comparative Assessment of Agricultural Models
Evaluation of the agroecological performance of conventional versus conservation-oriented agricultural systems.

1.  D.J. Connor, R.S. Loomis, KG. Cassman. Crop ecology: productivity and Management in Agricultural Systems. Cambridge University Press, 2011.

2.  M. Altieri Agroecology. The Science Of Sustainable Agriculture. Taylor & Francis, 1996

3.  K. T. Osman. Soil Degradation, Conservation and Remediation. Springer, 2014.

4.  A. Imeson. Desertification, Land Degradation and Sustainability. Wiley, 2011.

5.  HLPE (2019) Agroecological and other innovative approaches for sustainable agriculture and food systems that enhance food security and nutrition | A report by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition of the Committee on World Food Security, Rome. http://www.fao.org/3/ca5602en/ca5602en.pdf

6.  Lecture notes provided by the teacher (ppt presentations of the lessons, notes on the topics covered).

• Method: Oral exam.
• Evaluation criteria:
• Level of preparation on course topics
• Argumentative, analytical, and synthesis skills
• Clarity and accuracy of expression, including technical terminology
• Ability to establish interdisciplinary connections
• Depth of analysis

Grading Scale:

• <18 – Insufficient: Incomplete or superficial knowledge; poor argumentation; unclear or inappropriate language.
• 18–20 – Sufficient: Basic but generic knowledge; satisfactory exposition and use of terminology.
• 21–23 – Fair: Adequate knowledge; reasonably good argumentative and expository skills.
• 24–26 – Good: Solid knowledge; good argumentative and communication skills with correct terminology.
• 27–29 – Very Good: Advanced knowledge; strong analytical, synthesis, and interdisciplinary skills; clear and precise language.
• 30–30L – Excellent: Full mastery of content; excellent argumentation and interdisciplinary connections; confident and precise communication. Honors (cum laude) may be awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional interest and in-depth study of the subject.

• 1.   Characteristics of the Mediterranean environment: resources and limitations
• 2.   Agroecological services
• 3.   Conservative soil tillage
• 4.   Integrated weed management
• 5.   Cover crops
• 6.   Agroecological principles
• 7.   Organic fertilizer plan for herbaceous crops
• 8.   Conservative agriculture