Learning outcomes of the curricular unit (knowledge, skills and competences to be developed by the students)
Acquisition of knowledge and development of abilities in the domain of the pastures, forages and crops, fitting them duly in the existing systems of production, knowing how to plan, to apply and to execute the necessary techniques to its correct implementation and/or conduction in the agricultural companies.
Syllabus
Introductory concepts: definition of pasture, forage and field crop; relation of the forages and crop cultures with other activities; classification of the crops, pastures and forage plants; soil and climatic characterization of the environment (Mediterranean Portugal and Atlantic Portugal); basic biological considerations; relation soil-clime, biological cycle, kind of pasture. Economics of the pastures, forages and field crops. Study of the pasture and forage flora: basic concepts of phytogeography; main series of vegetation of the continent; grasses; legumes; forage plants. Conservation of forages. Technician-cultural characterization of crops for the grain production: cereals; protein crops. Accompaniment and execution of cultural operations in the field.
Demonstration of the syllabus coherence with the curricular unit's learning objectives
In theoretician-practical sessions and visits of study present the basic concepts of the pastures, forages and crop systems. Developing abilities for the understanding of inherent procedures to the agricultural and livestock exploration, in real situations and companies. The independent work will allow the consolidation of knowledge of the lessons, as well as the preparation of the student for the presentation and discussing of the work.
Teaching methodologies (including evaluation)
Classes will be developed in theoretical-practical sessions and seminars. Continuous assessment: 1 Written test Condition for admission to the final exam: be enrolled in the course. Total exemption formula: written test > or = 10 points. Final exam: a written exam. Final classification in exam: classification of the written test > or = 10 points. In each of the components, the minimum grade must be equal to or greater than 10 points.
Demonstration of the coherence between the teaching methodologies and the learning outcomes
Integrative approach of the functioning of the major systems of pasture, forages and other crops, with the quality of various products that are obtained and their environmental impact.
Bibliography (Mandatory resources)
Pardo, E. M.; Garcia, C. R. (1991) Praderas y Forrajes. Produccion y Aprovechamiento. 2ª edición. Madrid, Ediciones Mundi-Prensa Potes, J. M. (2011). O Montado no Portugal Mediterrânico. Editora Colibri Trindade, H (1992). Identificação de espécies pratenses e forrageiras. Vila Real, Universidade de Trás-Os-Montes e Alto Douro, 1992 (Série Didática). Guerrero, A. (1999). Cultivos herbaceos extensivos. Madrid., Ediciones Mundi-Prensa. 6ª ed..831p. Acquaah, G. (2004). Principles of Crop Production: Theory, Techniques and Tecnhology. Prentice Hall. 2nd Ed. 768p. Martin J.; Leonar, W.; Stamp, D. (2005). Principles of Field Crop Production. Prentice Hall. 4th Ed. 865p. faostat.fao.org www.dgadr.pt
