- Ecosystems and agroecosystems
- Agricultural systems and productivity factors
- Definition and structure of cropping systems
- Crop ecology (climatic and soil factors)
- Crop physiology (photosynthesis, crop growth, development and production, competition between plants and between plant organs, morphological plasticity, and production components)
- Classification of herbaceous crops and description of the peculiar characteristics (morphological, biological, and cultural) of the different groups: autumn-winter cereals, summer cereals, grain legumes, oilseeds, industrial crops, field vegetables, turf.
- Basic elements of crop science. Problems of current crops and related cultivation operations.
- Relevant aspects of conventional and organic production systems
- Urban and peri-urban agriculture

Costituiscono fonti di studio per l’esame:
Appunti delle lezioni, materiale didattico, articoli scientifici e materiale tecnico forniti dal docente durante il corso. Inoltre si raccomanda la consultazione dei seguenti testi di riferimento, consigliati per la preparazione generale:
- Baldoni R., Giardini L., 2002: Coltivazioni erbacee Vol. I, II e III. Patron Editore, Bologna.
- Ceccon P., Fagnano M., Grignani C., Monti M., Orlandini S., 2017: Agronomia. EdiSES Università.

per l'approfondimento:
- Altieri M.A., Nicholls C.I., Ponti L., 2015: Agroecologia - una via percorribile per un pianeta in crisi. Edagricole.
- Bertolini A., Sinigaglia E., 2011: Tappeti erbosi - realizzazione, manutenzione, problematiche. Dario Flaccovio Editore.

Introduction to the course: the tree systems compartment. Principles of fruit tree biology, integrated biological system of organs and functions; correlation of organ development and vegetative-productive cycle of the tree.
Agro-biodiversity: varietal overviews and mention of varietal improvement (objectives, means and results). Main tree species, minor and wild species. (12 hours)

Tree plant architecture, shape determinism, size determinism. Architecture of the orchard and agroecosystems in general. Design and planting criteria: structural and functional diversity of the main types of tree systems. (8 hours)

Relationship between tree systems and the environment. The concept of environmental suitability and hints of eco-physiology; role of environmental factors (climate-soil) in the development of the fruit tree; adaptation to climate change and role of climate change mitigation. Field and protected crops.
The use of environmental resources in the cultivation technique (water, soil fertility elements, light): main techniques of soil management and use of water resources in arboriculture. The impact of crops on environmental health: use of bioregulators, agro-pharmaceuticals, fertilizers. Conventional, sustainable and organic production models. (7 hours)

Relationship between tree and landscape systems. Definition of the concept of terroir and agricultural landscape. Notes on the meaning and evolution of the landscape of the fruit tree. Definition of the relationship between quality productions (DOP, IGP) and territory; landscape as added value of productions. Arboricultural landscapes: constitutive characters. Notes on the diversity of structure, function and meaning of arboricultural landscapes. The new landscapes of arboriculture in urban space. The multifunctionality of tree systems; ecosystem services. Cultivation and environmental framework of woody species of agricultural interest in the Mediterranean and Italy and their landscapes. (8 hours)

The course (5CFU) consists of 40 hours of frontal lectures, 5 of which are dedicated to a technical visit.
Attendance at the course is not mandatory, but nevertheless strongly recommended for learning knowledge and skills essential for subsequent Landscape Design and Planning Studios.

Material in English provided by the teacher (documents and videolectures).

In-depth text:
Articles provided by the teacher.