|1. Description - |
|Introduction to plant nutrient requirements and methods for providing proper plant nutrition. Topics include review of basic nutrient requirements, forms of nutrients used by plants, nutrient deficiency identification, methods for delivering nutrients to plants, manufacture of fertilizers, fertilizer formulations, fertilizer delivery methods, and organic nutrient sources.|
|2. Course Objectives - |
|The student will be able to: |
- identify nutrients required by plants.
- identify nutrient deficiencies in plants.
- select fertilizers for appropriate use.
- describe the manufacture of fertilizers.
- describe the formulations for fertilizers.
- demonstrate an understanding of the role plant nutrition plays in crops produced by different cultures.
|3. Special Facilities and/or Equipment - |
|Horticultural laboratory, greenhouse, nursery, and related horticultural facilities and equipment. Students provide seeds, pruning shears with sheath, work boots, leather gloves and clothing for fieldwork. |
|4. Course Content (Body of knowledge) - |
- Introduction to plant nutrition
- Nutrient requirements of plants
- Forms of nutrients
- Nutrient deficiency identification
- Organic nutrient sources
- Ionic forms of 16 basic plant nutrients
- Manufacture of fertilizers
- Fertilizer formulations
- Fertilizer delivery mechanisms
- Understanding product labels
- Practical application of nutrient delivery techniques
- Use of nutrients by diverse cultures in plant propagation
|5. Repeatability - Moved to header area.|
|6. Methods of Evaluation - |
|Methods of evaluation used for this course will include: |
- Lab exercises
- Documented active participation which furthers student knowledge of different plant nutrients and their application.
|7. Representative Text(s) - |
|California Fertilizer Association, Western Fertilizer Handbook - Horticulture Edition, 2 ed. New York, NY: Prentice Hall, 1997. |
|8. Disciplines - |
|Environmental Horticulture & Design |
|9. Method of Instruction - |
|Instructional methods to be used in this class will include: |
- Participate in discussions.
- Engage in lab activities.
- Read assigned reading activities.
- Perform self-guided research
|10. Lab Content - |
|Lab content will include: |
- Identify nutrient deficiency.
- Calculate fertilizer need.
- Determine fertilizer delivery method.
|11. Honors Description - No longer used. Integrated into main description section.|
|12. Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing and Outside of Class Assignments - |
- Reading assignments will include reading approximately 10-20 pages per week from assigned text. Supplemental reading will be provided in hand-out form or through reference to on-line resources.
- Lectures will address reading topics and experiences of instructor. Classroom discussion and demonstrations in support of lecture topics will be provided.
- Guest speakers from industry will provide supplemental lecture and demonstration.
|13. Need/Justification - |
|An elective that can be used for certificate and degree in the Environmental Horticulture and Design program. |