ID:
510250
Duration (hours):
24
CFU:
3
SSD:
BOTANICA AMBIENTALE E APPLICATA
Year:
2025
Overview
Date/time interval
Secondo Semestre (02/03/2026 - 12/06/2026)
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The primary objective of this course is to deliver comprehensive insights into the interplay between greenhouse gases (GHG), agricultural processes, and soil carbon dynamics. By the end of the course, students will have acquired both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of these areas, informed by global standards, protocols, and current research.
The expected learning outcomes are as follows:
1. Greenhouse Gases and Agri-food Systems
i. Grasp the basics of greenhouse gases (GHG) and their sources.
ii. Comprehend the diverse implications of GHG emissions from agri-food sectors, recognizing both the benefits and challenges.
iii. Acquire an understanding of the GHG Protocol for carbon accounting and its relevance in the agri-food sector.
2. Carbon Dynamics and Soil
i. Understand the global significance of carbon, the carbon cycle, and the paramount role soils play in carbon sequestration.
ii. Recognize the intrinsic complexities of soil ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of beneficial microbes and soil health.
iii. Gain an appreciation for the multifaceted nature of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) measurements, including the challenges and evolving standards around them.
iv. Familiarize with key soil data sources like GSOCseq and the significance of Measuring, Reporting, and Verifying (MRV) SOC stocks.
3. Global Perspectives and Guidelines
i. Know the reports and guidelines put forth by global organizations like FAO, particularly under the Recarbonization of Global Soils Programme.
ii. Understand the overarching threats to agricultural soils and the potential impacts of various agricultural practices on soil health and SOC storage.
iii. Develop the ability to identify, navigate, and critically assess relevant literature and resources in the field.
4. Critical Analysis and Application
i. Equip themselves with the ability to critically evaluate methods aimed at increasing SOC stocks, being aware of potential negative outcomes and the absence of a universal solution.
ii. Apply the acquired knowledge to make informed decisions and recommendations in real-world scenarios related to GHG emissions, soil health, and carbon sequestration.
The expected learning outcomes are as follows:
1. Greenhouse Gases and Agri-food Systems
i. Grasp the basics of greenhouse gases (GHG) and their sources.
ii. Comprehend the diverse implications of GHG emissions from agri-food sectors, recognizing both the benefits and challenges.
iii. Acquire an understanding of the GHG Protocol for carbon accounting and its relevance in the agri-food sector.
2. Carbon Dynamics and Soil
i. Understand the global significance of carbon, the carbon cycle, and the paramount role soils play in carbon sequestration.
ii. Recognize the intrinsic complexities of soil ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of beneficial microbes and soil health.
iii. Gain an appreciation for the multifaceted nature of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) measurements, including the challenges and evolving standards around them.
iv. Familiarize with key soil data sources like GSOCseq and the significance of Measuring, Reporting, and Verifying (MRV) SOC stocks.
3. Global Perspectives and Guidelines
i. Know the reports and guidelines put forth by global organizations like FAO, particularly under the Recarbonization of Global Soils Programme.
ii. Understand the overarching threats to agricultural soils and the potential impacts of various agricultural practices on soil health and SOC storage.
iii. Develop the ability to identify, navigate, and critically assess relevant literature and resources in the field.
4. Critical Analysis and Application
i. Equip themselves with the ability to critically evaluate methods aimed at increasing SOC stocks, being aware of potential negative outcomes and the absence of a universal solution.
ii. Apply the acquired knowledge to make informed decisions and recommendations in real-world scenarios related to GHG emissions, soil health, and carbon sequestration.
Course Prerequisites
The course can be successfully followed with basic (highschool level) understanding of chemistry and biology. The students are expected to be able to find online, read and understand technical reports and protocols. The ability to interact with online platforms and databases will allow the students to independently practice the content of the course, but it is not mandatory to successfully complete the course.
Teaching Methods
The course uses lectures supported by presentations (slides), made available to students on the KIRO platform. The presentations also occasionally include scientific and/or educational videos produced by international organizations (e.g., FAO), associations or research institutions.
Assessment Methods
Exams will be online, a zoom link will be shared with the students registered for the exam. Students will have to present a case study of their choice from the FAO “Recarbonizing global soils – A technical manual of recommended management practices. Volume 4 - Cropland, grassland, integrated systems and farming approaches - Case studies”. After the presentation (which should last maximum 40 minutes) some questions will follow: some questions about the presentation itself and some general questions about the course topics. In total the exam will last about 1 hour.
Texts
Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard. 2011. https://ghgprotocol.org/product-standard
FAO and ITPS. 2021. Recarbonizing Global Soils - A technical manual of recommended sustainable soil management. Volume 3: Cropland, Grassland, Integrated systems, and farming approaches - Practices Overview. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb6595en
FAO and ITPS. 2021. Recarbonizing Global Soils – A technical manual of recommended sustainable soil management. Volume 4: Cropland, grassland, integrated systems and farming approaches – Case studies. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb6598en
FAO and ITPS. 2021. Recarbonizing Global Soils - A technical manual of recommended sustainable soil management. Volume 3: Cropland, Grassland, Integrated systems, and farming approaches - Practices Overview. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb6595en
FAO and ITPS. 2021. Recarbonizing Global Soils – A technical manual of recommended sustainable soil management. Volume 4: Cropland, grassland, integrated systems and farming approaches – Case studies. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb6598en
Contents
The course starts explaining what are greenhouse gases (GHG) and what are the GHG emissions from agri-food sectors and processes, according to the IPCC Guidelines for National GHG Inventories.
The course explains what are Life Cycle Assessment and GHG inventories, how they are regulated in "standards" and "protocols", going over the details of the Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard of the GHG Protocol series. Examples of GHG inventories for agri-food products are provided.
The course further presents the importance of Carbon and the carbon cycle in the Earth system, covering soil ecosystems and soil biology. A quick overview of current resources for soil data and computational modeling is given.
The course then gives a general overview of protocols and methods for measuring and monitoring Soil Organic Carbon stocks is given. The innovation and technology potential in this area is also discussed.
The course finally delves into the details of reports and guidelines published by FAO and GSP under the Recarbonization of Global Soils Programme, covering the recommended practices to increase soil carbon stocks. An example case study is presented as example of how an exam presentation should look like.
The course explains what are Life Cycle Assessment and GHG inventories, how they are regulated in "standards" and "protocols", going over the details of the Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard of the GHG Protocol series. Examples of GHG inventories for agri-food products are provided.
The course further presents the importance of Carbon and the carbon cycle in the Earth system, covering soil ecosystems and soil biology. A quick overview of current resources for soil data and computational modeling is given.
The course then gives a general overview of protocols and methods for measuring and monitoring Soil Organic Carbon stocks is given. The innovation and technology potential in this area is also discussed.
The course finally delves into the details of reports and guidelines published by FAO and GSP under the Recarbonization of Global Soils Programme, covering the recommended practices to increase soil carbon stocks. An example case study is presented as example of how an exam presentation should look like.
Course Language
ENGLISH
More information
In the academic year 2023/2024 there is an additional (optional) offer as a didactic seminar by Dr. Tavseef Shah on True Cost Accounting in Agri-Food. Reference: "The role of true cost
accounting in guiding agrifood
businesses and investments
towards sustainability.
Background paper for The State of Food and Agriculture 2023.
accounting in guiding agrifood
businesses and investments
towards sustainability.
Background paper for The State of Food and Agriculture 2023.
Degrees
Degrees
AGRI-FOOD SUSTAINABILITY
Master’s Degree
2 years
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People
People
Teaching staff
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