Learning outcomes of the curricular unit (knowledge, skills and competences to be developed by the students)
Acquisition of knowledge, skills and competences in the field of organic farming, so that students perform functions within companies and institutions related to the sector and / or companies using the same type of technology. The acquisition of this knowledge and competence will be done through the presentation of materials, development of application work, selection and organization of available information, participation in seminars and study visits to companies in organic production.
Syllabus
Concepts, principles and objectives of organic farming. Economic importance. Standards and regulation. Cultural techniques adapted to the organic production. The creation of cultural biodiversity: rotation, succession and association of cultures. Soil and plant nutrition. Maintaining and improving soil fertility. The role of organic matter. Recommended and admissible fertilizer sources in organic farming. The recycling of products. Composting techniques. Organic fertilization and pollution. Plant protection in organic farming. Fight against pests and diseases. The role of biological struggle. Biological treatment and natural limitation. Microbiological fight. Advantages and difficulties of biological struggle. Feeding and management of animals in OPM. The fight against parasites and animal diseases. Realization of practical work.
Demonstration of the syllabus coherence with the curricular unit's learning objectives
The syllabus of the curricular unit has been defined in order to address the principles of the organic production mode, the regulation of its operation, the economic importance and evolution of the markets, the main technological aspects of the production mode, with special emphasis on the creation of cultural biodiversity, soil fertility and combating the natural enemies of plants and / or animals. It is intended that students acquire skills to analyze reality and operate in companies in organic production or related to the sector.
Teaching methodologies (including evaluation)
The classes will be developed in theoretical-practical sessions, laboratory practices, seminars and elaboration of practical work. Continuous assessment: a practical written group work with oral presentation and discussion (70%) and a written test (30%). Conditions for admission to the final exam: be enrolled in the course. Examination Waiver Conditions: Achieve a minimum of 10 marks in the practical work, obtain a minimum of 10 marks in the written test. Total dismissal formula: 0.7 * practical assignment / research + 0.3 * written test greater than or equal to 10. Final exam: a written exam. Final exam grade: written exam grade greater than or equal to 10 points or 0.7 * written test grade greater than or equal to 10 + 0.3 * practical assignment / research greater than or equal to 10 points.
Demonstration of the coherence between the teaching methodologies and the learning outcomes
The practical classes will be expository and demonstrative of the concepts and technological knowledge. Simultaneously, case studies will be presented and discussed that highlight the contextualization of technology within the companies in organic production mode. Independent and group learning tasks will enable the student to test his or her autonomous case study and understanding of how these companies operate.
Bibliography (Mandatory resources)
- Ferreira, J. (2012). Guia de factores de produção para a agricultura biológica 2012/2013. 1ª ed. Agrosanus. - Ferreira, J. (2009). As bases da Agricultura Biológica Tomo I. Produção Vegetal. Edição Edibio. 540p. - Silguy, C. (2004). Introdução à agricultura biológica. Fundamentos e realidades. Publicações Europa-América (ed.) Mem Martins. - Fossel, P.V. (2007). Organing farming: everything you need to know. Kindle Edition. Voyageur Press. 160p. - Hansen, A. L. (2010) The organing farming manual: a comprehensive guide to starting and running a certified organic farm. Storey Plublishing, LLC. 437p. - www.dgadr.pt
