Base Knowledge
Not applicable.
Teaching Methodologies
Classes are supported by presentations, professors’ notes, and discussion of case studies.
Small working groups (up to 4 students) will be set up to carry out and report on practical assignments. Whenever justified, practical work will be carried out in the field or in the machinery hangar.
Learning Results
The Curricular Unit of Agrobotics and Mechanization aims to address the technologies innovations associated with optimizing the production of intensive crops, as well as addressing the mechanization in technical, economic, social and environmental terms. For such, it is intended that after teaching the UC students know, select and use automated process control technologies and equipment and that plan and use, rationally, agricultural machinery and equipment.
Program
1. Precision agriculture and automation in agriculture. Mechanization, sensors and control.
2. Climate control and fertigation in greenhouses. Control of production factors in orchards, vegetables and vineyards.
3. Diesel and explosion engines (constitution and operation. Intake, feeding, lubrication, cooling and electrical systems);
4. Tractors and related machinery (tyres, transmission system, steering, brakes, hydraulic system);
5. Sowing and planting, fertilization, phytosanitary and harvesting equipment.
Grading Methods
Continuous evaluation
In order to pass the curricular unit, it will be necessary that the final classification is greater than 9.5 values obtained by the weighted average of the written assessments and practical assessments, distributed as follows:
Engines and Tractors - evaluated through 1 written assessment (75%) and practical information (25%).
Precision Agriculture, Agricultural Automation and Agricultural Equipment - assessed through 1 written assessment (75%) and practical information (25%)
Final Exam Assessment
Written test (75%) and case study analysis with oral discussion (25%). The assessment under examination will be carried out in accordance with the Regulation for the Assessment of Student Achievement in force at ESAC.
Internship(s)
NAO
Bibliography
Atares, P. V. A., Blanca, A. L. (1993) – Tractores e motores agricolas. Ediciones Mundi-Prensa, Madrid, 429 pp.
Briosa, F. (1984) – Glossário ilustrado de mecanização agrícola. Galucho, Sintra, 391 pp.
Santos, F. (1996) – Equipamentos Rurais. Equipamentos de sementeira, plantação e fertilização. Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, 44 pp.
Zhang, Q., Pierce, F. J. (2013) – Agricultural Automation: fundamentals and practices. CRC Press, New York, 397 pp.