Laboratory in Sustainability of Agricultural Mechanization
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The sustainability of mechanized operations that enable agricultural and forestry production is a very important goal in all production scenarios: from those oriented towards the production of raw materials, to those mainly oriented towards self-consumption. In both cases, agricultural mechanization must be an input factor based on technical solutions that - in addition to ensuring greater productivity - minimize environmental impacts and respect the principles of the circular economy. The objective of the course is to lead students to an understanding of the problems related to the correct choice and sustainable management of agricultural machinery, in different operating conditions. In particular, the course will deal with the main aspects related to the interaction of ag-machinery on air and soil-water systems, proposing approaches for the quantification of the parameters necessary for a subsequent definition of environmental impacts.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will master the principles of sustainable agricultural machinery operation. This involves understanding how to balance increased productivity with environmental impact through the analysis of machine interactions with air, soil, and water systems. This general result will be achieved through the acquisition of competencies and skills to: identify and quantify key parameters that influence the environmental impact of mechanical operations in agriculture; analyse the trade-offs between productivity and environmental sustainability; apply targeted operational solutions and technological advancements to achieve sustainable practices; independently develop and present a project that applies these principles to a real-world case study; create a technical report with calculations to support the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices.
Lesson period: First semester
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Agricultural machinery: general aspects on the sustainability.
Atmosphere system: air quality parameters. Ag-Machines¬atmosphere interactions:
Theme 1 - Endothermic engines (Diesel): theoretical aspects and basic modelling: (1A) necessary engine power, (1B) importance of efficiency, consumption of fuel, lubricant and additives.
Technological innovations of mitigation.
Theme 2 - Exhaust gases: theoretical aspects and basic modelling: (2A) emissions.
Technological innovations for mitigation.
Soil&water system: soil quality parameters. Ag-Machines-soil&water interactions:
Theme 1 - Soil compaction: theoretical aspects and basic modelling: (1A) tractor mass, engine power, fuel consumption in conventional and conservative soil tillage.
Technological innovations for mitigation.
Theme 2 - Products transport: theoretical aspects and modelling: (2A) Optimisation of transfer module plot-storage center, (2B) Fleet size of transfer modules.
Technological innovations of mitigation.
Theme 3 - Precision Agricolture and production input distribution: theoretical aspects and basic modelling: (3A) optimization of mineral and organic fertilization; (3B) optimization of sowing; (3C) optimisation of crop protection treatments.
Technological innovations for mitigation.
Atmosphere system: air quality parameters. Ag-Machines¬atmosphere interactions:
Theme 1 - Endothermic engines (Diesel): theoretical aspects and basic modelling: (1A) necessary engine power, (1B) importance of efficiency, consumption of fuel, lubricant and additives.
Technological innovations of mitigation.
Theme 2 - Exhaust gases: theoretical aspects and basic modelling: (2A) emissions.
Technological innovations for mitigation.
Soil&water system: soil quality parameters. Ag-Machines-soil&water interactions:
Theme 1 - Soil compaction: theoretical aspects and basic modelling: (1A) tractor mass, engine power, fuel consumption in conventional and conservative soil tillage.
Technological innovations for mitigation.
Theme 2 - Products transport: theoretical aspects and modelling: (2A) Optimisation of transfer module plot-storage center, (2B) Fleet size of transfer modules.
Technological innovations of mitigation.
Theme 3 - Precision Agricolture and production input distribution: theoretical aspects and basic modelling: (3A) optimization of mineral and organic fertilization; (3B) optimization of sowing; (3C) optimisation of crop protection treatments.
Technological innovations for mitigation.
Prerequisites for admission
Some general knowledges about energy, agro-forestry mechanization and farm energy plants are useful for students interested to the course.
Teaching methods
The course lasts 68 hours and follows the timetable established by the Didactic Secretariat for the Degree Course. The total 6 ECTS are composed of 3.5 ECTS of Frontal Lessons and 2.5 ECTS of Classroom Exercises.
Teaching is provided through the projection of slides, the description of simple calculation models, the support in the preparation of more complex and articulated models.
Teaching is provided through the projection of slides, the description of simple calculation models, the support in the preparation of more complex and articulated models.
Teaching Resources
The material used during the course (lectures, classroom exercises), presentations for the deepening of some topics, Tables and tecnical documents are available in .pdf format on the University teaching application.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The student - alone or in working group (maximum three members) - must study and illustrate a complete project of mechanization with high sustainability and operating in a known and defined agricultural scenario. To this aim, students will use the information acquired during the course and will use technical and bibliographical information suggested by the Teachers or available online.
Through the use of appropriate communication and calculation tools, the Project must address both descriptive and quantitative aspects.
The evaluation, related to the entire course, is carried out in thirtieth.
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability).
Through the use of appropriate communication and calculation tools, the Project must address both descriptive and quantitative aspects.
The evaluation, related to the entire course, is carried out in thirtieth.
Students with SLD or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to agree on individual exam requirements. In the email please make sure to add in cc the competent offices: [email protected] (for students with SLD) o [email protected] (for students with disability).
AGR/09 - AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY AND MECHANIZATION - University credits: 6
Practicals: 40 hours
Lessons: 28 hours
Lessons: 28 hours
Professors:
Fiala Marco, Oberti Roberto
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday, h. 14.00-15.30 (by appointment)
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Production, Landscape, Agroenerggy
Reception:
make an appointment
via Celoria 2 - Building 10: Ingegneria Agraria