Laboratory of Water and Agro-Environmental Resources
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
Understanding the measurement, control, and regulation technologies for irrigation flows in open-flow and pressurized systems, as well as monitoring the main agro-meteorological variables and soil water status. Familiarity with data storage systems (dataloggers), digital/analog sensor interfacing, and datalogger programming. Knowledge of IoT platforms with soil-atmosphere sensors to support irrigation decision-making. Understanding the organization, treatment, and sharing of georeferenced data acquired (WebGIS). The knowledge and skills acquired during the first year of the study program and those developed in the laboratory will be used for the conception, design, and implementation of solutions applicable to case studies related to the development of monitoring systems for agro-hydrological variables and automated irrigation management.
Expected learning outcomes
Acquire skills related to the application of technologies for measuring, controlling, and regulating irrigation flows in open-flow and pressurized systems. Develop the ability to install and use soil-crop-atmosphere sensors. Gain familiarity with the use of IoT platforms based on soil hydrological balance models and sensors to support irrigation decision-making (DSS). Acquire the ability to program dataloggers, interfacing sensors with analog and digital outputs. Develop the capability to use systems for organization and processing of georeferenced data acquired (WebGIS). Design and manage a simplified automated irrigation system (programming the datalogger for the opening and closing of solenoid valves based on data acquired through field-installed sensors). Design and manage a simplified system for the automation of sluice gates to regulate the flow passing through an irrigation channel and those for field irrigation.
Lesson period: year
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
year
Course syllabus
**Basic Elements of Hydraulic Engineering for Pressurized Pipelines and Canal Flows (8 hours)** - Instructor: Daniele Masseroni
Principles of hydraulic engineering for pressurized pipelines and canal flows. Flow rate meters in irrigation pressurized systems and canals. [Mechanical energy of the flow, piezometric line, total head line, head losses, basics of flow measurement, characteristics/specifications of measuring systems (e.g., Parshall flume), proper usage and installation, maintenance, etc.]
**Measurement of Agro-Hydrological Variables (8 hours)** - Instructor: Arianna Facchi
Sensor technology for measuring agro-meteorological variables and soil water status [Characteristics of main measuring instruments, accuracy, precision, installation, calibration, maintenance, etc.]
**GPS, Sampling, Soil Texture, and Soil moisture Measurement (8 hours)** - Instructor: Alice Mayer
Introduction to GPS technology, operation, point acquisition methods, locating important points using the instrument (e.g., from a zoning map). Soil sampling for texture and volumetric water content determination. Use of different probes for indirect measurement of soil volumetric water content.
Laboratory procedures for determining soil texture and volumetric water content using gravimetric methods. Comparison/correlation of direct and indirect measurements (calibration curve, measurement accuracy).
**Data Storage Systems (8 hours)** - Instructor: Edoardo Reguzzoni
Data storage systems (e.g., data loggers), logic of digital/analog signal transmission, data logger programming. [Programming steps for data loggers, types of signals to be processed, conversion of electrical signals to physical variables, programming examples for moisture probes, thermometers, rain gauges, etc.]
IoT platforms with soil-atmosphere sensors for irrigation decision support. Data acquisition, transmission, programming, management. Application examples.
**Irrigation Systems in Lombardy and ANBI Lombardia Data Center (8 hours)** - Instructors: Fabio Olivotti/Stefano Roverato
Irrigation systems in Lombardy, collective irrigation and self-supply, consortia for land reclamation and irrigation, ANBI's role, relevant regulations, planning and operational tools (district plans, classification plans), multifunctionality/ecosystem services of irrigation systems.
Organization and role of ANBI Lombardia Data Center, national/regional laws (guidelines) on quantifying irrigation volumes, data center IT structure, data processing, information flows, reports on irrigation seasons.
**Lombardy Geoportal, GIS Tools Usage, and Information Processing (16 hours)** - Instructors: Fabio Olivotti/Stefano Roverato
Lombardy geoportal and available information layers, importing data sources, digitization, interaction between various data sources, extracting information from georeferenced data sources.
Statistical processing of data series, graphical representation of information.
**Irrigation Facilities (24 hours)** - Instructor: Marco Panizza
Lecture at Brixia Irrigation: Description of irrigation systems, presentation of hydraulic components and their functioning; demonstration of automatic management and monitoring systems; basic design principles and information systems; preparation of a construction site/work direction.
Site visits 1 and 2 (Franciacorta/Brescia area): Wineries with automatic management - surface drip irrigation and SDI.
Site visit 3: Cereal and livestock farm with automatic management - sprinkler irrigation (Pivot).
**Consortia for Land Reclamation: Functions, Activities, and Works (Case Study of the Garda Chiese Reclamation Consortium) (24 hours)** - Instructors: Paolo Magri/Chiara Salami/Antonio Panizza
Castellaro Lagusello (Consortium Office)
Presentation of the Consortium, managed works, institutional activities. Reclamation District Plan, Irrigation and Rural Land Protection Plan, Classification Plan. Visit to the regulating building of Lake Garda, Montina hydroelectric plant, Colombarola lifting station.
Mantova (Consortium Headquarters)
Illustration of routine activities of consortium operators (Design activities / Management of the consortium cadastre and collection of contributions / Irrigation management and irrigation schedules). Exercise on irrigation schedules.
Canneto sull'Oglio
The remote sensing and hydrological monitoring system; Automations and remote control of hydraulic works; Example from the Ponte Trento irrigation district. Visits to Canneto sull'Oglio hydroelectric plants; Gambolo plant.
Principles of hydraulic engineering for pressurized pipelines and canal flows. Flow rate meters in irrigation pressurized systems and canals. [Mechanical energy of the flow, piezometric line, total head line, head losses, basics of flow measurement, characteristics/specifications of measuring systems (e.g., Parshall flume), proper usage and installation, maintenance, etc.]
**Measurement of Agro-Hydrological Variables (8 hours)** - Instructor: Arianna Facchi
Sensor technology for measuring agro-meteorological variables and soil water status [Characteristics of main measuring instruments, accuracy, precision, installation, calibration, maintenance, etc.]
**GPS, Sampling, Soil Texture, and Soil moisture Measurement (8 hours)** - Instructor: Alice Mayer
Introduction to GPS technology, operation, point acquisition methods, locating important points using the instrument (e.g., from a zoning map). Soil sampling for texture and volumetric water content determination. Use of different probes for indirect measurement of soil volumetric water content.
Laboratory procedures for determining soil texture and volumetric water content using gravimetric methods. Comparison/correlation of direct and indirect measurements (calibration curve, measurement accuracy).
**Data Storage Systems (8 hours)** - Instructor: Edoardo Reguzzoni
Data storage systems (e.g., data loggers), logic of digital/analog signal transmission, data logger programming. [Programming steps for data loggers, types of signals to be processed, conversion of electrical signals to physical variables, programming examples for moisture probes, thermometers, rain gauges, etc.]
IoT platforms with soil-atmosphere sensors for irrigation decision support. Data acquisition, transmission, programming, management. Application examples.
**Irrigation Systems in Lombardy and ANBI Lombardia Data Center (8 hours)** - Instructors: Fabio Olivotti/Stefano Roverato
Irrigation systems in Lombardy, collective irrigation and self-supply, consortia for land reclamation and irrigation, ANBI's role, relevant regulations, planning and operational tools (district plans, classification plans), multifunctionality/ecosystem services of irrigation systems.
Organization and role of ANBI Lombardia Data Center, national/regional laws (guidelines) on quantifying irrigation volumes, data center IT structure, data processing, information flows, reports on irrigation seasons.
**Lombardy Geoportal, GIS Tools Usage, and Information Processing (16 hours)** - Instructors: Fabio Olivotti/Stefano Roverato
Lombardy geoportal and available information layers, importing data sources, digitization, interaction between various data sources, extracting information from georeferenced data sources.
Statistical processing of data series, graphical representation of information.
**Irrigation Facilities (24 hours)** - Instructor: Marco Panizza
Lecture at Brixia Irrigation: Description of irrigation systems, presentation of hydraulic components and their functioning; demonstration of automatic management and monitoring systems; basic design principles and information systems; preparation of a construction site/work direction.
Site visits 1 and 2 (Franciacorta/Brescia area): Wineries with automatic management - surface drip irrigation and SDI.
Site visit 3: Cereal and livestock farm with automatic management - sprinkler irrigation (Pivot).
**Consortia for Land Reclamation: Functions, Activities, and Works (Case Study of the Garda Chiese Reclamation Consortium) (24 hours)** - Instructors: Paolo Magri/Chiara Salami/Antonio Panizza
Castellaro Lagusello (Consortium Office)
Presentation of the Consortium, managed works, institutional activities. Reclamation District Plan, Irrigation and Rural Land Protection Plan, Classification Plan. Visit to the regulating building of Lake Garda, Montina hydroelectric plant, Colombarola lifting station.
Mantova (Consortium Headquarters)
Illustration of routine activities of consortium operators (Design activities / Management of the consortium cadastre and collection of contributions / Irrigation management and irrigation schedules). Exercise on irrigation schedules.
Canneto sull'Oglio
The remote sensing and hydrological monitoring system; Automations and remote control of hydraulic works; Example from the Ponte Trento irrigation district. Visits to Canneto sull'Oglio hydroelectric plants; Gambolo plant.
Prerequisites for admission
Students must have a sound knowledge of mathematics and physics. To be successful in the laboratory, students should have already passed the exam in the course 'Machines, Plants and Production Structures for Agriculture' and in this case the part related to soil hydrology and irrigation.
Teaching methods
Classroom theory, field activities, seminars, technical visits.
Mandatory frequency.
Mandatory frequency.
Teaching Resources
Slides and technical manuals proposed during the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of an oral test and the preparation of a project on the topics covered in the laboratory.
The grade is expressed in thirtieths and pertains to the knowledge of all the aspects covered during the course.
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).
The grade is expressed in thirtieths and pertains to the knowledge of all the aspects covered during the course.
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).
- University credits: 10
Field activity: 112 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Lessons: 24 hours
Professors:
Facchi Arianna, Magri Paolo, Masseroni Daniele, Mayer Alice, Olivotti Fabio, Panizza Antonio, Panizza Marco, Reguzzoni Edoardo, Roverato Stefano, Salami Chiara
Shifts:
Professors:
Facchi Arianna, Magri Paolo, Masseroni Daniele, Mayer Alice, Olivotti Fabio, Panizza Marco, Reguzzoni Edoardo, Roverato Stefano, Salami Chiara