Soil Sciences and Plant Physiology

The course aims to provide:
- knowledge of the characteristics of the soil and its main functions, both agronomic and in relation to its vulnerability;
- basic knowledge of soil formation processes; description of the soils and surrounding environments; interpretation of the characteristics and of the chemical and physical parameters of soils and of the classification criteria of the main international taxonomic systems; evaluation of anthropogenic influences on soils and physical landscapes. Notes on the geography of soils. Methods for evaluating land potential;
- tools for understanding the fundamental biochemical and physiological processes that underlie the life cycle of plants. Particular attention will be paid to the effects / responses of plants to environmental conditions.

At the end of the course the student should have acquired:
- knowledge of the chemical, physical and biological aspects of the soil and their relationships. Laboratory activities for the determination of the main characteristics of agricultural soils;
- skills necessary for a correct use of descriptive, analytical and cartographic data concerning soils and their relationships with vegetation, lithological substrates, geomorphic processes in rural areas and natural environments in which they were generated and evolved;
- notions of biochemistry and physiology of cultivated plants. The acquired knowledge will form the basis for future investigations and for carrying out research activities.
Overall, the student will be able to communicate this knowledge in written and oral form and will have acquired the essential bases for the application of the scientific process. The student will also be able to independently undertake new studies aimed at deepening the knowledge of soil science and the biochemistry and physiology of plant organisms.