Plant Nutrition

Code:

BIOL3019

Acronym:

BIOL3019

Level:

300

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Biology

Instance: 2019/2020 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Biology
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Biology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:B	3	Official Study Plan	3	-	6	48	162
L:EA	13	The study plan from 2019	2	-	6	48	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

It is intended that students acquire a solid knowledge about the mineral nutrition of higher plants, as well as fundamental knowledge about plant nutrients regarding the mechanism of absorption, mobility, function, and symptoms of deficiency and toxicity. It is also a goal to provide knowledge about the availability of nutrients for the plant, changes undergone and the balance of inputs and outputs of the soil-plant system, on which the soil reaction, the risks of salinization as well as the level of essential nutrients for the plants.

Learning outcomes and competences

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

- Recognize the essential elements for plant growth, absorption mechanisms, mobility, function and deficiency, and toxicity symptoms

- Explain the short- and long-distance transport of mineral elements

- Understand how plant roots acquire mineral nutrients from the soil and how roots can modify properties at the rhizosphere

- Recognize the most important factors influencing root growth in the context of nutrient acquisition

- Show knowledge about the effects of nutrition on crop production

- Show knowledge about fertilizers

The students should develop the skills needed for the implementation, and analysis of results derived from the use of techniques in Plant Nutrition.

Working method

Presencial

Program

Theoretical program

• Definition and classification of nutrients
• Soil-plant relationships: the soil as a nutrient medium
• Nutrients availability and movement into the soil
• Effect of external and internal factors on growth root and development
• Rhizosphere chemistry and biology in relation to plant nutrition
• Absorption, assimilation, and transport of nutrients
• Assimilation of mineral nutrients
• Macronutrients and micronutrients in plants: function and symptoms of deficiency and toxicity
• Diagnosis of deficiency and toxicity of nutrients
• Nutrients and plant production
• Application of fertilizers

Laboratory program

Sampling and sample soil preparation; Physical properties of the soil; Soil reaction; Soil organic matter determination; Biochemical assessment of nutritional deficiencies and toxicity; Rhizosphere's pH variations as a result of the nitrogen source supplied.

 

Mandatory literature

Marschner Horst; Marschner.s mineral nutrition of higher plants. ISBN: 9780123849052
Taiz Lincoln 340; Plant physiology and development. ISBN: 978-1-60535-255-8
000093626. ISBN: 972-592-156-9

Complementary Bibliography

000026989. ISBN: 0-12-473543-6
000026892. ISBN: 972-1-00949-0
Mengel Konrad 340; Principles of plant nutrition

Teaching methods and learning activities

Lectures and laboratory classes. Lectures are presented in a slideshow using the software "PowerPoint". The theoretical classes will be mainly expositive, although in the theoretical classes the students are encouraged to participate through a discussion component. The presentation of the material will be accompanied by the projection of images and diagrams that conveniently illustrate the oral presentation. The accompaniment of the subject of the theoretical classes should be done through bibliography: textbooks, websites and scientific articles.

In relation to the practical classes will be provided to the students a "Guide to support the practical work" containing the experimental procedures and which will also include the program and the schedule of the respective classes. Practical classes are compulsory.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	120,00
Frequência das aulas	42,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Terms of frequency: Attendance of lectures non-compulsory. Practical classes compulsory with absence limit of 25% of scheduled classes. (https://sigarra.up.pt/up/LEGISLACAO_GERAL.ver_legislacao?p_nr=4025).

 

Calculation formula of final grade

Students may choose to be evaluated by one of the following methods:

1)Final Exam-based evaluation or 2)Frequencies-based evaluation

1)Final Exam-based evaluation: final exam: covering theory (T) 20 points, and practical subjects (TP)  20 points

Final Grade: (2T+1TP)/3)

2) Frequencies-based evaluation

1st  test (T1 = 20 points) and 2nd test (T2 = 20 points) covering theory subject only.

Grade of practical test (TP = 20 points).

Theoretical Final Grade (T) = [(T1 + T2)/2]

Final Grade:(2T +TP)/3

 Minimum grade requirement in each component 8 points

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

.

Classification improvement

To improve the final grade the student needs to request a new final exam, in accordance with current legislation on the subject.