Plant Biology, Agriculture and Environment

Biologia Vegetal, Agricultura e Ambiente

Course code: 9847113

Ivã Lopes

Learning outcomes of the curricular unit:

The Curricular Unit Plant Biology, Agriculture and Environment (Plant Biology, Agriculture and Environment) has as its syllabus and objectives the initial presentation of agriculture as a food production practice in the European and world context. Agriculture will be introduced to students in an incisive way, with knowledge of plant biology (basic classification, plant physiology and metabolism) and environment (discussing agriculture and its positive and controversial impacts in a changing world of Constance). In addition, a holistic view will be presented in relation to the context of agriculture and the environment, with practical examples of environmental sustainability and the impact of different European production systems on the environment.

• 1- Acquisition of knowledge of plant biology integrated in the context of agriculture with a view to the production and conservation of animal feed
• 2- Acquire knowledge in the area of agricultural production, specifically in relation to productions of interest for animal feed
• 3 - Acquire concepts related to the Common Agricultural Policy, its origin, evolution and current operation

Syllabus:

1. a) Definition of Agriculture and agricultural production systems; general agriculture and concepts; CAP, origin, evolution and actuality; general characterization of Portuguese Agriculture: agricultural activity, climate and soils, edaphoclimatic characteristics. 
2. b) Agricultural policies: Common Agricultural Policy and impact on Portuguese agricultural production; PACs and how they impacted different regions of Europe. 
3. c) Plant biology, classification and concepts, physiology and environment: plant metabolism and physiology, environmental effects on plant production, crop fertilization. 
4. d) Pastures and forages: Implantation, management and management of pastures; forage production and conservation mechanisms. Relationship with animal production. Species to be used. grazing systems. 
5. e) Agriculture, animal production and environment, environmental impact: development of sustainable production systems and combating forms of pollution generated by the agricultural process. 

Practice Component

• The practical component of the Plant Biology, Agriculture and Environment Curricular Unit (Plant Biology, Agriculture and Environment) will involve a visit to the National Zootechnical Station, so that students have the opportunity to witness a practical environment of agricultural production, with different agricultural crops, demonstration of machines used in the field, in addition to other subjects. Students will also enjoy laboratory classes to evaluate histological slides of plant tissues, to perform plant physiology exercises and to set up an agricultural herbarium. Students will also be introduced to the various raw materials commonly used in agriculture, such as seeds, fertilizers and by-products of the production chain. Students will also carry out a practical activity on case studies on sustainability and circular economy in the context of Portuguese agricultural production.

Suggested Bibliography:

• Alison M. Smith et al. (2009). Plant Biology (1st Edition). Garland Science; ISBN: 978-0815340256
• Hedayetullah Md. And Zaman P. (2018). Forage Crops of the World (2-volume set). Apple Academic Press; ISBN: 978-1771886864
• Robert T. Watson, A. H. Zakri (2003). Ecosystems and Human Well-Being. Island Press; ISBN: 978-1559634021