Name: AGRICULTURAL DIAGNOSTIC AND CHEMISTRY
Code: 518103004
Type: Elective
ECTS: 6
Length of subject: Per term
Semester and course: Curso 3º - First term
Speciality: Mención en Hortofruticultura y Jardinería Mención en Industrias Agroalimentarias
Language: English
Mode of study: On-site class
Lecturer data: CONESA ALCARAZ, HÉCTOR MIGUEL
Knowledge area: Edafología y Química Agrícola
Department: Ingeniería Agronómica
Telephone: 968327034
Email: hector.conesa@upct.es
Office hours and location:
martes - 09:00 / 11:00
EDIFICIO DE ETSI AGRONÓMICA, planta 1, Despacho 1.30
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jueves - 09:00 / 11:00
EDIFICIO DE ETSI AGRONÓMICA, planta 1, Despacho 1.30
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Tutorials will be carried out by request of the student sending an email to hector.conesa@upct.es
Qualifications/Degrees:
PhD in PhD from Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (SPAIN) - 2005
Master in Master in Management of Soil Quality and Management from Instituto AMYCA de formación (SPAIN) - 2003
Engineer in Agricultural Engineer from Technical University of Cartagena (SPAIN) - 2001
Academic rank in UPCT: Catedrático de Universidad
Number of five-year periods: 2
Number of six-year periods: 3 de investigación
Curriculum Vitae: Full Profile
Responsible for the groups: G2
Lecturer data: CEACERO MORENO, MATÍAS
Knowledge area: Edafología y Química Agrícola
Department: Ingeniería Agronómica
Telephone:
Email: matias.ceacero@upct.es
Office hours and location:
Qualifications/Degrees:
Master en Conservación, Gestión y Restauración de la biodiversidad en la Universidad de Granada (ESPAÑA) - 2021
Graduate en Ciencias Ambientales en la Universidad de Granada (ESPAÑA) - 2020
Academic rank in UPCT: Investigador Fpi
Number of five-year periods: Not applicable due to the type of teaching figure
Number of six-year periods: No procede por el tipo de figura docente
Curriculum Vitae: Full Profile
Lecturer data: GONZÁLEZ ALCARAZ, MARÍA NAZARET
Knowledge area: Edafología y Química Agrícola
Department: Ingeniería Agronómica
Telephone: 968325411
Email: nazaret.gonzalez@upct.es
Office hours and location:
lunes - 09:00 / 11:00
EDIFICIO DE ETSI AGRONÓMICA, planta 1, Despacho 1.31
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miércoles - 09:00 / 11:00
EDIFICIO DE ETSI AGRONÓMICA, planta 1, Despacho 1.31
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Qualifications/Degrees:
Master in Advanced Techniques in Agricultural and Food Research and Development from Technical University of Cartagena (SPAIN) - 2012
PhD in Advanced Techniques in Agricultural and Food Research and Development from Technical University of Cartagena (SPAIN) - 2012
Graduate in Biology from University of Murcia (SPAIN) - 2006
Academic rank in UPCT: Programa Ramón y Cajal
Number of five-year periods: Not applicable due to the type of teaching figure
Number of six-year periods: No procede por el tipo de figura docente
Curriculum Vitae: Full Profile
[CB2 ]. Students are required to be able to apply their knowledge to their job or vocation in a professional manner, and to possess the skills that are usually demonstrated through the elaboration and defense of arguments and the resolution of problems within their area of study.
[TG8 ]. Ability to solve problems with creativity, initiative, methodology and critical reasoning.
[RA10 ]. Ability to learn about, understand and use the principles of technology transfer, and to understand, interpret, communicate and adopt advances in the field of agriculture.
[RA9 ]. Ability to learn about, understand and use the principles of decision making by using the resources available for work in multidisciplinary groups.
It is an opcional subject of the degree which is mandatory for the Mención en Hortofruticultura y Jardinería. The competences of the Módulo de Tecnología Específica de Hortofruticultura y Jardinería (Orden CIN/323/2009 de 9 de febrero) to be acquired are:
HJ1. Capacity for knowing, understanding and using the basics and principles of: Technology of horticultural production. Basics and technology of horticultural, fruit and ornamental propagation and production. Quality control of horticultural products. Merchandising. Plant breeding and genetics.
[T5 ]. Applying knowledge to practice
Atthe end of th subject the students will be able to:
1. To describe the edaphic properties which control the soil fertility in the agrosystems.
2. To explain the biogeochemical cycles of the essential plant nutrients in the agrosystems including the biogeochemical conditions which determine their availability and the maintenance of the agricultural yield under a sustainable management.
3. To describe basic characteristics and concepts of the most employed fertilizers and pesticides.
4. To critically analyse and evaluate the environmental problems related to the employment of agrochemicals in agrosystems.
5. To critically examine and evaluate the methods for agricultural diagnosis in the agrosystems.
6. To interpret and evaluate in the agronomic point of view the results of soil, water and plant analyses in the agrosystems.
Edaphic properties which control soil fertility. Dynamics and biogeochemistry of essential elementsfor plant nutrition in the soil-plant system and in the agrosystems. Classification and characteristics of the most employed fertilizers and pesticides. Basics of agricultural diagnosis, including the interpretation and evaluation of water, soil and plant analysis.
I. Introduction to Agricultural Chemistry (Lessons 1-2)
1. Agricultural Chemistry: Concept, backgrounds and perspectives.
2. Edpahic properties and soil fertility.
II. Mineral Nutrients in Agrosystems (Lessons 3-8)
3. Chemical elements and plant life.
4. Macronutrients: Nitrogen.
5. Macronutrients: Phosphorus .
6. Macronutrients: Potassium.
7. Macronutrients: Calcium, magnesium and sulphur.
8. Micronutrients.
III. Agrochemicals: Fertilizers and Pesticides (Lessons 9-11)
9. Fertilizers.
10. Pesticides. General concepts.
11. Environmental aspects of agrochemicals in the agriculture.
IV. Agricultural Diagnosis (Lessons 12-15)
12. Introduction to agricultural diagnosis.
13. Analyses and diagnosis of water irrigation.
14. Analyses and diagnosis of agricultural soils.
15. Analyses and diagnosis of plants.
1-Lab practices
This practical work includes: - Analysis of irrigation water, nutrient solutions, and/or drainage samples. Comparison of water from various sources such as wells, rivers, and drainage systems. Activities may include, for example: sample preparation and determinations such as pH, electrical conductivity, and elemental concentrations (macronutrients and micronutrients). - Analysis of agricultural soils: Extraction of soil solution using different methodologies (e.g., chemical extracts and/or suction samplers). In the soil solution, typical determinations may include: pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved organic carbon, dissolved nitrogen, and elemental concentrations (macronutrients and micronutrients). Analysis of the soil solid phase may include, for example: texture, organic carbon, total nitrogen, extractable ions, cation exchange capacity, total calcium carbonate, etc. - Analysis of plant material: Mineralisation of plant material and determination of nutrient concentrations. The final number and type of determinations will be established according to laboratory availability, resources, and the number of students. Laboratory groups will consist of no more than three students, who will also collaborate on the preparation of a lab report. In exceptional and justified cases, individual work may be accepted. The report include a brief interpretation of soil, water and plant parameters. Attendance at laboratory sessions and submission of the lab report by the specified deadline are mandatory to receive the corresponding mark. If a student is unable to attend the laboratory sessions for reasons covered by UPCT regulations, the lecturer will assign an alternative task or activity to assess this component of the course.
2-Individual/Cooperative Reports. Practices on agricultural topics and interpretation of analysis. .
2.1 ¿ To prepare individual reports on topics proposed by the lecturer. These assignments will be introduced in class and will include broader topics that connect the course to other socio-economic issues (such as economics, the environment, etc.). The topics may be drawn from news articles, research publications, media sources, etc. 2.2 ¿ Reports on the interpretation of water and/or soil analyses must be completed individually, and submission of the report is mandatory. These reports will be completed individually, and students are required to submit a written report.
Promoting the continuous improvement of working and study conditions of the entire university community is one the basic principles and goals of the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena. Such commitment to prevention and the responsibilities arising from it concern all realms of the university: governing bodies, management team, teaching and research staff, administrative and service staff and students. The UPCT Service of Occupational Hazards (Servicio de Prevención de Riesgos Laborales de la UPCT) has published a "Risk Prevention Manual for new students" (Manual de acogida al estudiante en materia de prevención de riesgos), which may be downloaded from the e-learning platform ("Aula Virtual"), with instructions and recommendations on how to act properly, from the point of view of prevention (safety, ergonomics, etc.), when developing any type of activity at the University. You will also find recommendations on how to proceed in an emergency or if an incident occurs. Particularly when carrying out training practices in laboratories, workshops or field work, you must follow all your teacher's instructions, because he/she is the person responsible for your safety and health during practice performance. Feel free to ask any questions you may have and do not put your safety or that of your classmates at risk.
Detailed description of learning goals for each teaching module:
I.Introduction (Lessons 1-2): To analyse the historical evolution of the agricultural chemistry and update the basic concepts that the student has acquired previously on chemistry and soil.
II.Mineral nutrients (Lessons 3-8): The student must understand the factors which control the availability of the mineral nutrients in the soil and the response of the plants under deficiency/toxicity situations.
III.Fertilizers and pesticides (Lessons9-11): The student must manage the most employed fertilisers and pesticides and evaluate the environmental issues related to the employment of agrochemicals in the agrosystems.
IV.Agricultural Diagnosis (Lessons 12-15): The student must interpret soil, water and plant analyses in the agricultural and environmental context.
Due to the connections with other subjects, it is recommended that students update their knowledge in relation to Chemistry, Plant Physiology and Technology of Plant Production.
Class in conventional classroom: theory, problems, case studies, seminars, etc
- Lecturer-led presentation of theoretical content.
- Classroom-based practical cases on the interpretation of soil and water analyses. The lecturer will provide analytical data and explain the interpretation procedures using examples. Following this, the lecturer will present specific cases for the interpretation of water and/or soil analyses, for which students must prepare a report. This report will be assessed by the lecturer and will contribute to the final grade for the subject. Students who are unable to attend these sessions for a justified reason, in accordance with current UPCT regulations, will still have the opportunity to complete and submit the practical cases, even if they did not attend the face-to-face sessions.
- Critical commentary on a general topic related to the subject. Students will select a topic, which must be approved by the lecturer. The lecturer will provide guidelines for the development of the commentary. The evaluation of this assignment will be taken into account in the final grade for the subject.
47
100
Class in laboratory: practical classes / internships
Development of water, soil, and plant analyses, including sampling methodologies.
Students will acquire scientific and technical skills such as following standard methodologies, collecting data, and using laboratory equipment. The lecturer will supervise and assess students' performance during laboratory sessions.
Students will be organised into groups of up to three members. Each group must prepare a laboratory report, which will contribute to the final mark for the subject.
If a student is unable to attend the laboratory sessions due to reasons recognised by UPCT regulations, the lecturer will assign an alternative activity. If the student neither attends the practical sessions nor completes the alternative task, a specific question or activity related to this part of the course will be included in the final exam to assess their knowledge and skills.
10
100
Assessment activities (continuous assessment system)
Official exams of the subject. There will be two partial exams which acocunt for 30% + 30% of the final mark.
3
100
Assessment activities (final assessment system)
The final exam will consist of two parts, corresponding each to one of partial exams of the course. In addition, additional parts will be included for those students who fail or not deliver the lab report, critical commentary and the water and/or soil report.
3
100
Tutorials
Attendance by appointment by e-mail at the tutorials time table.
Employment of on-line resources (Aula Virtual).
6
100
Student work: study or individual or group work
Study of the theory lessons and preparation of the reports (lab/report diagnosis/critical comment)
111
0
Individual official test
There will be two partial exams, each contributing 30% to the final mark (for a total of 60%). These exams will include both theoretical and applied questions designed to assess the student`s understanding of key concepts and their ability to apply them. The two partial exams will be held during the official examination period. Each will represent half of the total exam-based assessment (30% + 30%). The grading criteria will follow the current regulations established by the UPCT.
60 %
Evaluation of practical sessions, visits and seminars based on reports and corresponding documents
Evaluation of the laboratory report. In the case of cooperative reports, the structure, formatting, and presentation of results will be assessed. The lecturer will set the submission deadline and establish the criteria for the preparation and delivery of the report. The evaluation of these reports will contribute to the final mark for the subject. If a student is unable to attend the laboratory sessions for reasons recognised by the UPCT regulations, the lecturer will assign an alternative task to assess this component of the course. If the student does not complete this alternative activity or not deliver the report before the deadline established by the lecturer, a specific question or task will be included in the final exam to evaluate this part.
15 %
Solving of cases, theoretical questions, practical exercises or problems given by the teaching staff
Evaluation of individual reports on soil or water interpretation and critical commentary. This component includes the water and/or soil interpretation report (10%) and the critical commentary (15%). The lecturer will set the deadlines and establish the criteria for the preparation and submission of these reports. The evaluation of both will contribute to the final mark for the subject. If students fail to complete these activities by the specified deadline, an alternative task or specific questions will be included in the final exam to assess this part of the course.
25 %
Presentation and defence of individual or group assignments
0 %
Other evaluation activities
0 %
Individual official test
Official global exam for the subject. The global exam will consist of two parts, each corresponding to one of the partial exams. The rules for grading will follow the current UPCT regulations. Students who have already passed both partial exams are not required to sit the global exam or any part of it. However, they may choose to take it if they wish to improve their grade. In such cases, the final mark will be the one obtained in the global exam, replacing the previous marks from the partial exams.
60 %
Evaluation of practical sessions, visits and seminars based on reports and corresponding documents
Alternative assessment for laboratory practices. For students who did not attend the laboratory sessions and did not submit the lab report, an alternative activity or questions will be included in the global exam. Students who attended the lab and submitted the report are not required to complete this part but may choose to do so if they wish to improve their mark. In such cases, the final mark will be the one obtained in the global exam, replacing the previous mark.
15 %
Solving of cases, theoretical questions, practical exercises or problems given by the teaching staff
This includes the evaluation of the reports on water and/or soil (10%) and the critical commentary (15%).
For students who do not complete these activities and fail to submit the practical cases, substitute tasks or questions will be included in the final exam, providing an opportunity to earn the corresponding 10% + 15%. Students who have submitted the reports are not required to complete this part but may choose to do so if they wish to improve their mark. In such cases, the final mark will be the one obtained in the global exam, replacing their previous mark.
25 %
At the end of each lesson/unit the professor will provide questions for autoevaluation/real cases at the Aula Virtual/supplementary material for each lesson, etc.
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Title: Marschner's mineral nutrition of higher plants
Editorial: Elsevier, Academic Press
Publication Date: 2012
ISBN: 9780123849052
Author: Strawn, Daniel G.
Title: Soil chemistry
Editorial: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd,
Publication Date: 2015
ISBN: 9781118629239
Author: Tan, Kim Hua
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Author: Pierzynski, Gary M.
Title: Soils and environmental quality
Editorial: CRC Press
Publication Date: 2005
ISBN: 9780849316166
Author: Havlin, John L.
Title: Soil fertility and fertilizers an introduction to nutrient management
Editorial: Pearson
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Author: Kabata-Pendias, Alina
Title: Trace elements in abiotic and biotic environments
Editorial: CRC Press
Publication Date: 2015
ISBN: 9781482212792
Author: Tan, Kim Hua
Title: Humic matter in soil and the environment: principles and controversies
Editorial: CRC Press/Taylor & Francis
Publication Date: 2014
ISBN: 9781482234459
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Editorial: FLbTaylor & Francis
Publication Date: 2019
ISBN: 9781498763530
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Title: Handbook of soil sciences: resource management and environmental impacts
Editorial: CRC Press
Publication Date: 2011
ISBN: 9781439803073
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Title: Handbook of soil sciences: properties and processes
Editorial: CRC Press
Publication Date: 2012
ISBN: 9781439803059
Author: ,
Title: Soils and human health
Editorial: Boca Raton, FL : b CRC Press , c
Publication Date: 2016
ISBN: 9781439844540
Aula Virtual. Links to e-resources on agricultural chemistry, fertilizers pesticides:
http://agrochemicals.iupac.org/. http://www.mapama.gob.es/es/agricultura/temas/medios-deproduccion/productos-fertilizantes/
http://www.fao.org/global-soilpartnership/resources/highlights/detail/es/c/1200213/