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1,20 m e o segundo a 1,80 m da superficie do solo. A po-da consistiu em deixar o ramo principal com diferentes comprimentos, a saber: 1,50 m; 3,00 m; 3,60 m; 5,10 m e 6,60 m. As colheitas de frutos ocorreram nos periodos de abril a agosto de 1987 e de janeiro a junho de 1988. A analise das duas safras, efetuada separadamente, mostrou que os niveis de intensidade de poda nao influiram na producao por planta, por hectare e nem sobre o peso medio dos frutos. Entretanto, no conjunto das duas safras, o peso medio dos frutos foi superior quando foi realizada a poda do ramo principal a 1,50 m, comparado com os resultados das podas do ramo principal a 5,10 m e 6,60 m. Made available in DSpace on 2011-04-09T12:14:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 pab14mar92.pdf: 445317 bytes, checksum: fcf7fe9118c2c0059d56120e11c53395 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2001-08-24

The relationships between applied stress, deformation and internal pressure of water filled inclusions embedded in soft soils were studied to improve understanding of pore-scale mechanical behavior and towards development of methods for in situ measurement of key mechanical properties. Analytical expressions for inclusion internal fluid pressure as a function of biaxial remote stresses and material properties were developed and tested with Finite Element calculations and experimental results. We found that the applied mean stress, matrix yield stress and Poisson's ratio influence pressure in a water filled inclusion. Internal pressure tends to be higher than applied mean stress, in contrast with established effective stress theory for saturated soils. Changes in inclusion shape is mainly controlled by matrix shear properties (changes in volume are negligible due to water incompressibility). The results of this study provide the framework for development of sensors for in-situ measurement of soil mechanical and rheological properties required for linking mechanical and hydraulic properties.

[1] Fluid flow in deformable porous media is of interest in many areas of hydrology, geophysics, and environmental engineering at scales ranging from individual pore to field scale. With increasing interest in pore-scale hydraulics, there is also the need to connect microscale with bulk material properties by suitable upscaling. In this study, fluid permeability through a stack of deforming spherical aggregates is described using analytical and finite element (FE) analyses. The permeability of an entire sample cross section was constructed from analytical estimates of individual pore permeabilities and from numerical solution to steady flow through the entire cross section of the sample. Experimental results of pore deformation within a stack of modeling clay aggregates were compared to FE calculations for two-dimensional cross sections. Results showed that pores within a cubic pack of aggregates deform isotropically even under anisotropic stress conditions. Therefore aggregate arrangement seems to be as important as stress anisotropy to predicting pore shape evolution. Observations of cross sections through a porous sample under compaction showed reduction in both the mean and variance of pore permeability with increasing compaction. Despite predominantly vertical compaction, sample permeability remained nearly isotropic (with only a slight additional decrease in the vertical direction). The Aissen analytical approximation for pore permeability was very similar to numerical results for the entire range of sample deformation, thereby providing a useful tool for estimating sample permeability from images of complex pore cross-sectional areas.

[ 1] This study develops a framework for modeling deformation of individual pores in elastoviscoplastic earth material accounting for the effects of evolving pore size and shape on material hydraulic permeability. We describe the velocity field of a fluid within deforming pores of hypotrochoidal cross-sectional areas as a function of remote stress or deformation and elastoviscoplastic material properties using finite element analysis. We find that pore permeability decreases with increasing stress and deformation. Pore cross-sectional areas are mainly reduced in size while the shape remains constant. Under stress-controlled conditions, change in permeability depends on matrix constitutive laws and loading time while there is no such dependency for controlled strain. Permeability estimates based on the hydraulic radius, Saint-Venant, and Aissen approximations were in good agreement with numerical calculations for a deforming hypotrochoidal pore. We also show that permeability of a deforming hypotrochoidal pore can be modeled using a pore with equivalent elliptical cross-sectional area ( equal initial permeability and size), providing the ellipse has the correct orientation. The study shows that fluid flow in deforming elastoviscoplastic earth material can be modeled on the pore scale knowing the evolution of pore size and shape employing rather simple relations between pore cross-sectional geometry and permeability.

The frequent use of earth materials for hydraulic capping and waste containment requires improved understanding of relationships between soil mechanical dynamics and its hydraulic and transport properties. We study deformation of pores embedded in viscoplastic soils subjected to anisotropic remote stress using Finite Element analysis (FEA). FEA enables consideration of complex pore geometries, and provides a detailed picture of pore cross-section change and subsequent change in hydraulic conductivity. Images of deforming aggregate beds monitored using X-ray computer assisted tomography (CAT) coupled with independently measured soil rheological properties were used to test the FEA model. Pore deformation for different remote stresses was compared with data from compaction experiments using modeling clay and soil aggregates. The impact of inter-aggregate pore deformation on hydraulic conductivity was obtained from detailed FEA model and compared with standard approximations (e.g., using the hydraulic radius). The evolution of complex pore shapes during compaction on prediction of saturated hydraulic conductivity will be discussed.

This paper presents an integrated approach to supplier selection, which takes into account sustainability considerations and allows for the analysis of single sourcing vs. dual sourcing. A set of criteria and subcriteria are identified from the literature and used for the evaluation of the suppliers. In line with the purpose of taking into account sustainability considerations, social sustainability and environmental sustainability criteria are included in the analysis, together with service criteria which reflect the traditional criteria used to evaluate and rank suppliers. The model starts with the analysis of the single sourcing strategy, where a single vendor (supplier #1) is available for a given supply. On the basis of the selection criteria, as well as of a fuzzy logic controller model, a score is computed for supplier #1. Such a score can be compared with the performance of supplier #2, who is taken into account when the dual sourcing strategy is pondered. The proposed model is applied to the case of an Italian company, to show its usefulness in practical cases.

Background and Aims: The importance of indoor environmental conditions in a cellar is well known and continuously investigated. The process of wine ageing consists of several steps, during which temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) play a fundamental role as the quality of the final product is strongly related to stable and suitable environmental conditions. Critical factors, such as mould growth or wine evaporation, have emerged when ventilation has proved to be insufficient or poorly designed. The limitation of stagnant areas and the homogeneity inT and RH provide for proper wine conservation; however, unwanted local conditions can occur in the zones with insufficient air exchange. Methods and Results: Considering these aspects, a controlled microventilation and monitoring system was installed in a case study cellar, and T and RH were monitored for 1 year. The data have been analysed to investigate criticalities of the environmental conditions. The ventilation was activated in specific critical conditions to increase the homogeneity of the T and RH in the critical zones. The results show that the microventilation system improves the homogeneity of both T and RH without affecting the average values. Conclusions: The study demonstrated the efficacy of the system and indicated possible modifications to improve system performance. Significance of the Study: The system proved to be a useful tool for both improving the environmental conditions and providing useful information to the winemakers about the ageing conditions.

In this chapter, the contribution of green roofs in management of the urban water cycle is addressed. Primarily, proper water management strategies are presented, with specific regard to the sustainable practice of irrigation and the definition of water quality standards. We reference the application of alternative water sources, such as rainwater harvesting and gray water regeneration. Then, the environmental, ecological, and financial benefits associated with rooftop greening are described, including reference to life cycle cost assessment. Ecosystem service provision is analyzed in specific relation to the role played by water in improving urban microclimate and air quality and promoting resilience to climate change.

L’invenzione è un impianto di irrigazione automatico per pareti e tetti verdi che si auto-regola sulla base di sensori ambientali che inviano segnali ad un software che attiva la cessione di acqua sulla base delle reali necessità delle piante. Tale sistema è attualmente concepito in una ambito in cui è richiesta un’elevata tecnologia per via delle difficili condizioni di crescita delle piante ma può trovare applicazione anche nell’orticoltura convenzionale e nell’hobbistica. L’impianto di irrigazione permette di cedere acqua senza che si debba intervenire manualmente oppure senza la necessità di avvalersi di una centralina elettronica programmabile. Il sistema è composto da diversi sensori che leggono in real-time i valori in parete e si interfacciano con un software che ne rileva il dato acquisito e controlla quindi in automatico l’apertura e la chiusura di elettrovalvole per la distribuzione di acqua sulla base delle reali necessità del substrato. In questo modo la parete o il tetto verde è continuamente monitorato e ne viene garantita la costante condizione fisiologica ottimale. ’invenzione ha la peculiarità di rilevare autonomamente, ad intervalli di tempo stabiliti, la condizione di idratazione del substrato radicante ed apportare correttivi real-time mediante processi regolati da un software che permette di aprire e chiudere le fonti di distribuzione di acqua e nutrienti. Tale sistema permette quindi di allevare in condizioni ottimali le pareti o i tetti verdi che spesso soffrono la mancanza d’acqua nei periodi più caldi della giornata in quanto gli impianti di irrigazione convenzionali non rilevano le condizioni pedoclimatiche istantanee. Questi aspetti determinano una serie di vantaggi: - Tecnici: facile installazione, compatibile con tutte le pareti, tetti verdi e orticoltura hobbistica; - Economici: di semplice realizzazione, può essere costruito in materiali plastici normalmente utilizzati negli impianti di irrigazione; - Produttivi: permette di dosare correttamente il fertilizzante e l’acqua senza che vi siano sprechi o stress da mancanza di idratazione in quanto regolato real-time dal processore dati. The invention is an automated ferti-irrigation system for green walls and roofs that optimize water release on the basis of real needs of the plants, thanks to humidity sensors that send signals to a software that elaborates them. Such a system is adopted in a field which requires high-technology levels because of the particular plant growth conditions. The irrigation system allows to release water with no need to intervene manually or with a programmable electronic control unit.The system is composed by various sensors for real-time acquisition data and a software interface. Such software elaborates the acquired data and automatically controls the opening and closing of valves for water distribution, released on the basis of substrate real needs.In this way the green wall or roof is continuously monitored, and the optimum physiological condition is constantly guaranteed.Green walls or roofs often suffer from lack of water in the hottest periods of the day, because the conventional irrigation systems do not detect the soil and climatic conditions variations.The invention relates to a system that continuously monitors the hydration conditions of the rhizosphere and manages the real-time release of water thanks to a specific algorithm. Thus, this system allows to maintain the green walls or roofs in optimal conditions.Furthermore, the invention guarantees a set of advantages:- Easy installation: compatible with all the green walls and roofs;- Easy construction: it can be built in plastic materials normally used in conventional irrigation systems;- System doses the water and fertilizer avoiding water waste and soil stress.

L’invenzione concerne una composizione e un metodo per promuovere la crescita di piante erbacee, in particolare piante erbacee comprese in tappeti erbosi per uso sportivo o ornamentale e in terreni agricoli, e favorire un accumulo di sostanza organica nel terreno in cui vivono e crescono le suddette piante erbacee.

Among cereals, durum wheat has a central role in the Italian diet and economy, where there is a historical tradition of pasta making. In the present study, we evaluated the nutrient and nutraceutical properties of 2 old and 6 modern durum wheat varieties grown under low input agricultural management. Considering the lack of available data on the adaptability of existing durum wheat varieties to the low inputa nd organic sectors, the research aimed at providing a complete description of the investigated genotypes, considering the agronomic performance as well as the nutrient and phytochemical composition. The experimental trials were carried out at the same location (Bologna, Northern Italy) for two consecutive growing seasons (2006/2007, 2007/2008). No clear distinction between old and modern varieties was observed in terms of grain yield (mean values ranging from 2.5 to 4.0 t/ha), highlighting that the divergence in productivity, normally found between dwarf and non-dwarf genotypes, is strongly reduced when they are cropped under low input management. All durum wheat varieties presented high protein levels and, in addition, provided remarkable amounts of phytochemicals such as dietary fibre, polyphenols, flavonoids and carotenoids. Some of the investigated genotypes, such as Senatore Cappelli, Solex, Svevo and Orobel, emerged with intriguing nutritional and phytochemical profiles, with the highest levels of dietary fibre and antioxidant compounds. The study provided the basis for further investigations into the adaptability of the durum wheat genotypes to low input management, for the selection of genotypes characterised by higher yield and valuable nutrient and nutraceutical quality.

Turfgrasses are not only designed for recreation activities, but they also provide beneficial environmental effects and positively influence the human wellness. Their major problems are predisposition to tearing out and microbial diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the inoculation of microorganisms can be effective to improve plant growth and root development of perennial ryegrass, to evaluate new sustainable practice for green preservation. A microorganism-based commercial product was used to amend hydroponically grown Lolium perenne L. and results compared with the use of the same filtered product, a phytohormone solution and an untreated control. Plants were grown for five weeks, shoots cut and measured at one-week interval and, at the end, roots were measured for length and weight. Shoot resistance to tearing out was also tested. Moreover, the main microbial groups present in the product were characterized and the microbial profile of sand and root samples was investigated by PCR-DGGE. The plants treated with the product showed an increased resistance to tearing out with respect to other treatments and roots were longer with respect to the control. Microbial analyses of the product evidenced bacterial and yeast species with plant growth promoting activity, such as Stenothrophomonas maltophilia, Candida utilis and several Lactobacillus species. Some Lactobacillus strains were also found to be able to colonize plant roots. In conclusion, the treatment with microorganisms has a great potential for the maintenance and increased performance of turfgrass surfaces.

I tappeti erbosi progettati per attività sportive e ricreative hanno anche benefici effetti ambientali, come la prevenzione dell’erosione del suolo. I principali problemi di queste superfici sono la predisposizione allo strappo e allo sviluppo di malattie fungine. In questo lavoro si è cercato di investigare se una tecnologia a basso impatto ambientale basata sull’impiego di microrganismi, alternativa ai trattamenti chimici, possa essere usata per migliorare la crescita delle piante e lo sviluppo radicale di Lolium perenne L. E’ stato quindi utilizzato un prodotto commerciale contenente microrganismi (EM•1®; Punto EM, Sanremo, Italy) per il trattamento di L. perenne L. cresciuto in coltura idroponica e i risultati ottenuti sono stati paragonati a quelli derivanti dalla somministrazione dello stesso prodotto sottoposto a filtrazione per eliminare i microrganismi, di una soluzione commerciale contenete fitormoni e di un controllo non trattato. Le piante sono state fatte crescere per 5 settimane, la parte fogliare è stata tagliata, misurata e pesata ad intervalli di una settimana. Alla fine della sperimentazione, sono stati prelevati campioni di radici. Dopo lavaggio, è stato valutato il peso e la lunghezza delle radici. E’ stata inoltre valutata la resistenza allo strappo. Sono stati anche caratterizzati i principali gruppi microbici presenti nel prodotto commerciale attraverso una combinazione di analisi microbiologiche e molecolari. Infine, è stata utilizzata l’analisi PCR-DGGE, accoppiata al sequenziamento delle principali bande, di campioni di suolo e radici per analizzare i profili microbici derivanti da tutti i trattamenti applicati. Le piante trattate col prodotto commerciale contenente microrganismi hanno evidenziato un’aumentata resistenza allo strappo rispetto a quelle sottoposte agli altri trattamento o al controllo e, inoltre, le radici risultano di lunghezza maggiore rispetto al controllo. Entrambe queste caratteristiche sono particolarmente favorevoli per tappeti erbosi progettati per attività sportive e ricreative. La caratterizzazione dei microrganismi presenti nel prodotto ha evidenziato la presenza di specie batteriche e di lieviti che, in letteratura, risultano essere in grado di promuovere la crescita delle piante, come ad esempio Stenothrophomanas maltophilia. Candida utilis e altre specie afferenti al genere Lactobacillus, isolate dal prodotto, si sono rilevate in grado di colonizzare le radici delle piante di L. perenne L. Si può quindi concludere che i trattamenti con microrganismi “efficaci” ha un grosso potenziale per il mantenimento e le performance dei tappeti erbosi.

The mycotoxin contamination of flours is an important concern of the organic sector, in which no fungicide can be applied to the crop. The most common toxin occurring in wheat flours is deoxynivalenol (DON) that belongs to the trichothecene class and is produced by several fungi of the Fusarium genus (mainly F. culmorum and F. graminearum). Two different field experimental trials were set up for two subsequent growing seasons (2009/2010; 2010/2011): 1) comparison between 1 modern (Palesio) and 5 old (Inallettabile, Andriolo, Gentil Rosso, Verna, Frassineto) common wheat varieties under organic farming; 2) comparison between one old durum-type (Kamut®Khorasan) and one modern durum wheat variety (Claudio) under organic farming. Different DON accumulation in the grains was observed comparing the two cropping years as a result of changing weather conditions: wheat varieties grown during the first cropping season presented higher mycotoxin levels (0.19 and 1.19 mg/kg for common and durum wheat, respectively) as compared to those observed in the second year (0.02 and 0.33 mg/kg for common and durum wheat, respectively). The higher DON levels of Kamut and Claudio flours confirmed the higher susceptibility of durum-type wheat to Fusarium head blight, but no differences were observed among genotypes for each wheat species. Interestingly, despite of the interdiction in using fungicides, in common wheat cultivars grown according to organic farming the mycotoxin content was lower than the legislative limits set for all the food categories, as indicated in the current EU regulation (EC N. 1126/2007).