28405 - Machinery for Ornamental Green

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has a basic knowledge of the main agricultural machinery, their use in the management of ornamental plants, the choice of the devices and labor management. In particular, the student is able to evaluate and choose tools and techniques most suitable for maintenance and restoration of ornamental plants.

Course contents

prerequisites:

the student who accesses this teaching is holding sufficient preparation in the fundamentals of physics and mathematics acquired in the first year of studies.

Content of teaching unit:

1. Internal combustion engines, tractors and power cultivators (6h)

a. Functional and constructive characteristics of diesel engines and gasoline engines.

b.  Performance energy.

c. Characteristic curves of the engine (power, torque and specific fuel consumption).

d.  Construction of wheeled and crawler tractors and cultivators.

e. Connecting and drive tools.

f. Dynamic weighting and grip.

g.  Safety and side tilting.

h. Types most commonly used for the treatment of ornamental plants.

At the end of the learning unit the student knows the engines and the traction units used for ornamental green and knows how to choose independently the types of machines more appropriate to different uses.

 

2. Machines for soil tillage and sowing (4h)

a. Purpose and techniques of soil tillage.

b. Description of tools for soil tillage.

c. Description of mechanical seeders (broadcasters, by gravity, rows) and hydroseeding.

d. Types most commonly used for the treatment of ornamental plants.

e. Operational characteristics and productivity of the machines mentioned.

At the end of the learning unit the student knows tools for tillage and seeding. he knows the different performance and functionality of the machines to make appropriate choices.

 

3. Machines for the distribution of fertilizers and pesticides (6h)

a. Physical and mechanical properties of mineral and organic fertilizers.

b. Description of manure and compost spreaders.

c. Description of gravity flow and centrifugal fertilizer spreaders.

d. Operation of sprayers machines (mechanical, pneumatic and centrifugal).

e. sizes of spray   and coverage.

f. Sprayer machines for the distribution of herbicides.

g. Types most commonly used for the treatment of ornamental plants.

h. Operational characteristics and productivity of the machines mentioned.

At the end of the learning unit the student knows the equipment for distribution of fertilizer and pesticides. He knows to calibrate the equipment properly to get the best agronomic performance and the maximum respect for the environment.

 

4. Equipments for Sowing and cutting of the turf (10 h).

a. Seeding and laying of grass in rolls.

b. Types of mowers (knife mower, horizontal blade , elical mower, rotary mower).

c. Height and cutoff frequency.

d. Collection of mowing or mulching.

e. Equipments for turf maintenance.

At the end of the learning unit the student knows the tools used in all phases of turf management.At the end of the unit of learning the student knows the instruments used in all phases of turf management. He chooses independently the appropriate cultivation techniques and the tools you need.

5. Machines for management of trees and bushes and treatment of the residue of ornamental plants (10 h).

a. Machines for transplanting, pruning trees and trimming hedges.

b. Wood chipper, shredder mixers.

c. Production of thermal energy and compost.

At the end of the learning unit the student knows the characteristics and operation of the equipment for the management of trees and hedges. Knows how to choose the machines for the treatment of plant residues and their use for cultivation or energy.

 

Contents of laboratory activities:

the topics covered in classroom will be integrated with external visits or laboratory activities (24 h). These will deal with aspects of the use and management of machines for ornamental plants, the calibration of sprayers, the calculation of operating cost, the safe use of machinery (Machinery Directive 2006/42).

Readings/Bibliography

Material provided by the teacher and lesson notes.

For further study is recommended:

P. Piccarolo, "Creating and green care", Calderini Edagricole.

Teaching methods

The course is divided into two parts: the first will deal with the more general topics of the program using mainly classroom teaching, while the second will examine the specific aspects of mechanization of ornamental addressed through lectures and external visits.

Assessment methods

The knowledge taught in this course are evaluated through an oral exam. This course is part of the integrated course "irrigation and drainage systems and machinery for the green." Therefore, the final evaluation of the student takes into account the level of acquired knowledge and skills relating to the contents of the entire integrated course.

Teaching tools

Copies of the visual material shown during the lessons and technical support from machinery factories.

Office hours

See the website of Fabio Pezzi

See the website of Claudio Caprara