Organic Matter Management and Fertilization

Although not compulsory, it is recommended to have some knowledge of geology, pedology or other subjects related to soils (genesis and soil formation), soil biology, plant physiology.

Theoretical-practical classes in which theoretical concepts are immediately applied through exercises and case studies. The exercises encourage the development of the critical sense needed in organic plant production. The practical component makes it possible to develop a feel for the procedures and handling required to determine/identify the level of biological life in the soil and to determine the decomposition rates of OM.

1) Know types and origins, properties and characterization processes of organic materials that can be applied to the soil in organic farming;

 2) Understand the processes of decomposition and accumulation of OM in the soil, the characteristics of organic materials that influence them, environmental and soil conditions;

 3) Understand the effects of organic materials on soil fertility and the fertilization of agronomic reference crops;

 4) Understand the need and importance of a “living soil” for organic farming.

1- Sources and types of organic materials; legislation applicable to AB; characteristics and properties (pH, DM content, moisture content, C/N ratio, nutrient content, OM content, biological activity, usable water retention, bulk density; porosity; granulometry; stability);

 2- Decomposition of organic materials: mineralization and humification processes; composting; agents acting in the decomposition of OM; factors that condition it (environmental, physical-chemical, composition).

 3- Soil fertility: concepts; plant nutrient dynamics in the soil-plant-atmosphere system and their respective biogeochemical cycles; the importance of biological N fixation, mycorrhizae and soil biological activity in general (meso fauna and soil microflora); soil fertility assessment (field and laboratory methodology); nutrient balances and fertilization plans.

NAO

FERREIRA, J. and others (2009). The Basics of Organic Farming. Volume I – Plant Production. Edibio. ISBN 978-972-99697-1-3 (in portuguese)

 BRITO, L.M.C.M; (2007). Composting manual of Agriculture School Ponte de Lima, Instituto Superior de Viana do Castelo. (in portuguese)

 GONÇALVES, M.S., (2005). “Organic Waste Management”, POrtuguese Society of Inovation. (in portuguese)

 SANTOS, J.Q. (2002). Fertilization – Fundamentals of the Use of Fertilizers and Correctives. J. Quelhas dos Santos 3rd Ed. Publicações Europa-América. (in portuguese)

 SOARES M. (2005). “Manual for Evaluating the Quality of Organic Compost Obtained from Composting”, Department of Exact Sciences and Environment, Coimbra School of Agriculture, Coimbra. (in portuguese)

 TRAUTMANN, N and KRASNY, M. (1997). “Composting in the Classroom: Scientific Inquiry for High School Students”. Online book (http://www.css.cornell.edu/compost/schools.html), Cornell University.

 MENGEL, K., KIRKBY, E., KOSEGARTEN, H. AND APPEL T. (2001). Principles of Plant Nutrition. 5th Ed. International Potash Institute, Bern. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Netherlands.

 VARENNES A. (2003). Soil Productivity and the Environment. Escolar editora. (in portuguese)

 http://eusoils.jrc.ec.europa.eu/esdb_archive

 KIMBLE, J. M., LAL, R.; FOLLETT, R. F., 2002. Agricultural Practices and Policies for Carbon Sequestration in Soil. Lewis Publishers

Legislation and other documents in electronic format to be provided/indicated by teacher