Agricultural Hydrology

Code: ERU13827L

6 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours

Scientific Area: Rural Engineering

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Sustainable Development Goals

2. Erradicar a fome - Acabar com a fome, alcançar a segurança alimentar e melhoria da nutrição e promover a agricultura sustentável.

4. Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

6. Água potável e saneamento - Garantir disponibilidade e manejo sustentável da água e saneamento para todos.

Learning Goals

Acquisition of knowledge of hydrology with regard to the different applications and analyzes of the water resource, in the agronomic scope.
Understanding of the relation between water in the atmosphere with meteorological phenomena, formation of climate and agriculture.
Knowledge of the general water cycle. Evaluation of the components and the relations between them.
Human influence on the natural cycle of water.
Quantification of the water resources and of their availability for Agriculture.
Essential capacities to manage water in irrigated agriculture.

1 - Water cycle and water distribution on earth.
2 - Watershed: Watershed Physiographic characterization.
3 - Climate: Types of climate and climatic classifications.
4 - Precipitation: Measurement of precipitation. Spatial-temporal distribution of precipitation. Statistical analysis of precipitation series. Storm precipitations.
5 - Surface runoff: Measurement of runoff. Spatial-temporal distribution of runoff. Determination of runoff in absence of measures.
6 Evaporation and evapotranspiration: Measurement of evaporation and evapotranspiration. Determination of reference evapotranspiration.
7 Soil water: Determination of soil water content. Infiltration.
8 Groundwater: Aquifer recharge. The dynamics of groundwater use.
9 Hydrologic balance: Thornthwaite-Matter monthly sequential hydrological cycle.

Teaching Methods

The course is aligned with the University of Évora?s pedagogical model through active, student-centred teaching and learning methods that promote autonomy, collaborative work, and the application of knowledge to real-world situations. Theoretical and practical classes combine conceptual foundations with problem-solving exercises and case studies, supported by digital learning tools (Moodle and videos). Laboratory and fieldwork sessions include practical activities and the use of data analysis tools such as Excel and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Tutorial support is available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, particularly for international students and those requiring additional guidance, fostering inclusive learning, multicultural integration, and the autonomous development of the course learning outcomes.

Assessment

Assessment may be carried out through Continuous Assessment (CA) or Final Assessment (FA), in accordance with the Academic Regulations of the University of Évora (RAUE).
Continuous Assessment (Article 110(5) of the RAUE):
Group practical assignments (50% of the final grade), completed throughout the semester, comprising:
Written report (50% of the assignment grade);
Oral presentation/discussion (50% of the assignment grade).
Written tests (50% of the final grade), held during the semester.
A minimum mark of 8.0/20 is required in each assessment component.
Final Assessment (Article 110(6) of the RAUE):
Group practical assignments (40% of the final grade), following the same format as in Continuous Assessment.
Written examination (60% of the final grade), held during the final assessment period.