Studying at the University of Verona
Here you can find information on the organisational aspects of the Programme, lecture timetables, learning activities and useful contact details for your time at the University, from enrolment to graduation.
Study Plan
The Study Plan includes all modules, teaching and learning activities that each student will need to undertake during their time at the University.
Please select your Study Plan based on your enrollment year.
1° Year
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1 module among the following1 module among the following1 module between the following1 module between the following1 module between the following2° Year activated in the A.Y. 2022/2023
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1 module among the following1 module between the following1 module between the following| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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1 module among the following1 module among the following1 module between the following1 module between the following1 module between the following| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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1 module among the following1 module between the following1 module between the following| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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Legend | Type of training activity (TTA)
TAF (Type of Educational Activity) All courses and activities are classified into different types of educational activities, indicated by a letter.
Climate change and soil functions (2022/2023)
Teaching code
4S008301
Teacher
Coordinator
Credits
6
Language
Italian
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
AGR/13 - AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY
Period
Semester 1 dal Oct 3, 2022 al Jan 27, 2023.
Learning objectives
With ca. 1500 Gt C, soil is the largest terrestrial carbon sink after oceans. An unsustainable soil management can shift soil from carbon sink to carbon source (CO2, CH4) and, consequently, contribute to climate change. The aim of the course is to provide fundamental concepts about the effects of climate change on soil and vice versa. In particular, the course is focused on: i) the impact of global warming on soil ecosystem services, ii) the potential role of soils to mitigate climate change, and iii) sustainable management practices allowing to enhance soil organic carbon sequestration as a key to address climate change mitigation, adaption and food security.
Program
INTRODUCTION. Climate change: the socio-economic and political context. From the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the EU Green Deal.
OVERVIEW ON THE EARTH’S CLIMATE SYSTEM. How it works: components, temporal scales, external forcing and internal interactions/responses, positive and negative feedbacks.
CLIMATE CHANGE OVER TIME. The climate change since the Last Glacial Maximum. Humans and pre-industrial climate. Humans and post-industrial climate. Global emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), global warming potentials (GWP) and radiative forcings. The global carbon budget. Greenhouse effect and global warming: Earth’s radiation budget, models and possible future scenarios.
SOIL AND CARBON SEQUESTRATION. Soil organic carbon (SOC): distribution, functions and analytical determination. Soil organic matter (SOM) and SOC: composition, carbon cycle and mechanisms of carbon stabilization. Pools of SOC: chemical vs. physical fractionations. Global carbon sequestration: overview (accumulation vs. sequestration, sink vs. stock, features of an ideal carbon sink), determination of carbon stock, mechanisms of carbon sequestration (mineral vs. organic soils), strategies and technological options (with a focus on terrestrial ecosystems), limitations (saturation, permanence/reversibility, dispersion, barriers, potential risks), benefits (with a focus on climate change mitigation and food security) and initiatives (4p1000).
Didactic methods
Classroom lectures (also in live streaming using the zoom platform in case of Covid), classroom discussion of scientific papers, seminars.
Learning assessment procedures
The final exam consists of an oral interview (ca. 30 min of duration; generally consisting of 3 questions) on the topics developed during the course.
Evaluation criteria
The final exam aims at ascertaining both the completeness and the rigor of learned concepts as well as the ability to link them and discuss implications. The final examination method is the same for attending and non-attending students.
Criteria for the composition of the final grade
The final grade depends exclusively on the oral interview.
Exam language
Italiano
