Angela Cristina de Brandão Fonseca Oliveira Prazeres - ESA
Responsável
Learning outcomes of the curricular unit (knowledge, skills and competences to be developed by the students)
The student should know the vegetal nutrients and understand its behavior in the soil and inside of the plant. Comprehend the effect of the soil on plants growth. He should be aware of the best techniques of fertilization in order to get a better crop, regarding the improvement of soil fertility and the quality of the environment.
Syllabus
Vegetal growth. Factors that affect the vegetal growth. Essential plant nutrients. Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in the plants and in the soil; its nutrient cycles and flows. Calcium magnesium and sulphur. Micronutrients. Biogeochemical cycles and interactions among nutrients. Main methods of soil fertility evaluation. Soil sampling and analyses, Plant analyses. Laboratory and field evaluation methods. Fertilizers, general characteristics of the several types of fertilizers. Use of fertilizers. Quality, quantity, timing and application techniques of fertilizers. Fertilization in special conditions, organic farming and hydroponic crops. The problems related with heavy metals and nitrate. Study of the fertilization of the main crops in the region. Economical and environmental issues related with fertilization. The fertilization as way of pollution and remediation of soil, air and water.
Demonstration of the syllabus coherence with the curricular unit's learning objectives
The student, knowing the soil nutrients, its interactions and the relationships with the environment, namely with plants and Man, will be able to decide how analyzing soils and recommend soil fertilization. So, he should feed the crops in a sustainable way, maintaining the protection of the environment, the economical point of view of the activities and the national legislation adapted to the region.
Teaching methodologies (including evaluation)
The theory and practice based on the thematic exhibition is supported by classical teaching, by PowerPoint presentations sessions or other ways. The theoretical and practical learning is based in the global knowledge of soil fertility and fertilization in which the student will develop skills through the study of a soil that he chooses since the sampling until the recommendation of fertilization. Through tutorial guidance, specific knowledge of its own fertilization is complemented. - The assistance to the lessons is facultative; - Continuous evaluation: Two written tests and two practical worksheets; - Dismissal of examination: 70% × average of the written tests + 30% average of the practical worksheets > 10 values; - Final examination: One written examination.
Demonstration of the coherence between the teaching methodologies and the learning outcomes
The existence of two evaluation tests will allow the student to follow the subjects presented throughout the semester. Two worksheets with the application of knowledge in all the practical activities of field and laboratory, always related with the farm work of the region, leads to a continuous activity of the student throughout the weeks being fit with the subjects in analysis.
Bibliography (Mandatory resources)
Brandy, Nyle C.; Weil, Ray R.2016. The Nature and Properties of Soils. 15.ª edição. Pearson Education, Ltd, USA, INIAP - Laboratório Químico-Agrícola Rebelo da Silva. 2006. Manual de Fertilização das Culturas. INIAP. Lisboa. MADRP. 1997. Código de boas práticas agrícolas para a protecção da água contra a poluição com nitratos de origem agrícola. MADRP. Lisboa. Risdales, Samuel et all. 2016. Soil Fertility and Fertilizers. 8.ª Ed. Pearson Education, Ltd, London Santos, J. Q. 2012. Fertilização. Fundamentos da Utilização de Adubos e Corretivos. 4.ª ed. Publicações Europa-América. Lisboa. Varennes, Amarilis. 2003. Produtividade dos solos e ambiente. Escolar Editora. Lisboa.
