Agriculture and Environment

Teaching methodologies include the presentation of the structuring theoretical aspects of the subjects under study, with approaches at the specific level of each process, focusing on descriptive and quantitative aspects, and systemic approaches at regional or national level, to discuss aspects of interrelation and dependence. , for problems of conservation and management of soil, water and genetic resources. Case studies will be focused on lectures and field visits will be made to perceive practical aspects, within the possibilities, in the vicinity of the School. Continuous assessment: The assessment of knowledge in frequency is performed by (i) a project / group work carried out over the school period with a weight of 50%, subject to discussion; (ii) an individual written test, weighing 50%. Final exam evaluation: The exam evaluation (normal, recourse or special) is an individual written test.

This curricular unit aims to promote the following skills in the student: 1) Understands climate issues, including changing scenarios, in the context of agricultural production, and interactions with soil, water and genetic resources. 2) Understands agricultural technologies related to the use of natural soil and water resources in the local context of agricultural and agro-forestry systems. 3) Understands the factors and agricultural techniques that determine the conservation and management of genetic resources. 4) Know agricultural risks and environmental impacts and mitigation techniques at farm level. 5) Develops eco-efficiency strategies and knows the “Best Available Techniques” (BAT) for each of the agribusiness sectors. 6) Know the environmental legislation applied to agriculture and the environmental certification processes.

1) Climate issues, namely its classification and geographical distribution; climate change in the context of global change and its impact on agricultural production and the conservation of soil, water and genetic resources. 2) Agricultural technologies related to land and water use; irrigation, drainage and erosion and salinization control. 3) Genetic resources used in agriculture and conservation and enhancement problems; agricultural techniques in their conservation and management. 4) Environmental risks and impacts of agriculture; different scales of the magnitude of impacts and know the mitigation techniques at farm level; EIA process 5) Basics of life cycle analysis and eco-design applied in agriculture and analysis of BAT applicable to the sector. 6) Environmental legislation applied to agriculture and environmental certification processes of agricultural activity.

• - Individual and/or Group Work - 50.0%
• - Frequency - 50.0%

NAO

Avillez, F. 2014. A Agricultura Portuguesa: caminhos para um crescimento sustentável.

Avillez, F. 2015. A Agricultura Portuguesa. As últimas décadas e perspectivas para o futuro.

Freitas V.H., 2000. Soil management and conservation for small farms. FAO Soils Bulletins 77.

González-Andrés, F. & Pita Villamil, J. M. 2001 (Eds.). Conservación y Caracterización de Recursos Fitogenéticos.

Misganaw, G.S. 2010. Determinants of adoption of soil and water conservation practices: Farmers’ attitude on soilerosion and SWC technologies, soil and water conservation technologies, Verlag

Molden, D (ed) 2007. Water for Food, Water for Life, a compreensive assessment of water management in agriculture.

Pereira, L. S., et al. 2009. Coping with Water Scarcity, Addressing and Challenges, Springer.

Santos, J.L., et al (eds.). 2013. O Futuro da Alimentação: Ambiente, Saúde e Economia.

Trout et al. 2007. Environmental Considerations. In: Design and Operation of Farm Irrigation Systems,