AGS 250 Greenhouse Crop Production

The basic concepts of plant growth, greenhouse structures, and equipment to monitor the environment are discussed and practiced in a lab setting. Propagation and cultivation techniques of commercial crops, proper pest identification techniques, and pesticide application and safety are studied and applied. Preparation of soil and amended media incorporating the use of fertilizers and plant growth regulators are discussed and managed.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: AGS 101 and AGS 105

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

AGS 250 Greenhouse Crop Production

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: AGS 101 and AGS 105

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

2 lecture hours/week

2 lab hours/week

Course Description

The basic concepts of plant growth, greenhouse structures, and equipment to monitor the environment are discussed and practiced in a lab setting. Propagation and cultivation techniques of commercial crops, proper pest identification techniques, and pesticide application and safety are studied and applied. Preparation of soil and amended media incorporating the use of fertilizers and plant growth regulators are discussed and managed.

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Describe greenhouse designs commonly used in the industry. (CCC 1, 3, 5, 6; PGC BMT 1, 2, 4; LOH 2, 5; PAG 2, 3, 4)
  2. Identify, describe, and operate environmental control systems. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PGC BMT 1, 2, 4; LOH 2; PAG 3, 4)
  3. Explain and apply methods of maintaining nutrient levels in plant soils. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PGC BMT 1, 2, 4; LOH 2, 5; PAG 3, 4)
  4. Demonstrate methods of plant growth control and safe pesticide application processes used in greenhouse production. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PGC BMT 1, 4; LOH 2; PAG 2, 3, 4)
  5. Select commercially important plants for production in greenhouses. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PGC BMT 1, 2, 4; LOH 2; PAG 1, 4, 5)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Describe greenhouse designs commonly used in the industry.
    1. Identify types of greenhouses used in the industry.
    2. List advantages and disadvantages of various types of structures.
    3. Explain locating and the sizing of facilities.
    4. Discuss procedures needed to maintain a greenhouse facility for production purposes.
  2. Identify, describe, and operate environmental control systems.
    1. List heating and cooling systems used in greenhouse production.
    2. Describe and manage heating and cooling systems used in greenhouse production.
  3. Explain and apply methods of maintaining nutrient levels in plant soils.
    1. Identify growing media, functions, compositions, and specialized mixes.
    2. Describe and practice potting soil amendment techniques.
    3. Describe and manage substances used to stimulate plant growth such as fertilizers and methods of application.
    4. Examine plant water requirements, and demonstrate methods of application.
  4. Demonstrate methods of plant growth control and safe pesticide application processes used in greenhouse production.
    1. Demonstrate pest scouting techniques used in the greenhouse.
    2. Differentiate common pests and diseases related to greenhouse crops.
    3. Manage methods of control for specific diseases.
    4. Formulate an integrated pest management strategy for greenhouse crops.
  5. Select commercially important plants for production in greenhouses.
    1. Identify plant varieties needed for fall and spring production.
    2. Participate in methods of production for various plants.
    3. Compute the crop expense, and develop a crop budget for the growing season.
    4. Examine the temperatures needed for proper growth during production.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Exams (4-5) (summative) (equally weighted)

20%

Projects/Presentations (summative) (equally weighted)

20%

Formative Assessments (Assignments/Activities/Quizzes)

20%

Labs (summative) (12-14) (equally weighted)

40%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

AGSAASTOH

  1. Demonstrate professional behaviors that satisfy workplace expectations and include adherence to safety and environmental concerns related to the field.
  2. Demonstrate basic management functions to include environmental controls, scheduling, production, pest control, and nutrient management of turf and ornamental plants.
  3. Cultivate and maintain golf course landscapes.
  4. Apply business principles and strategies to the turf and ornamental horticulture industries.  
  5. Explain the importance of environmental factors such as soil and water management to the turf and ornamental horticulture industries.
  6. Apply basic installation and maintenance techniques for irrigation systems. 
  7. Design and install a finished landscape plan, using native plant materials when possible.
  8. Examine current agricultural issues and topics.

AGSAASPAG

  1. Apply basic agribusiness management procedures to production and marketing of agriculture products.
  2. Integrate pest management procedures into crop production techniques.
  3. Demonstrate production techniques related to sustainable agriculture.
  4. Demonstrate scheduling, production, marketing, harvesting, and safe handling of crops.
  5. Describe the importance of poultry, livestock, and crop production to the agriculture industry.
  6. Assess breeding, care, and nutrition of livestock animals.

AGSAASBMT

  1. Distinguish among business career areas in agribusiness.
  2. Examine current agricultural issues.
  3. Prepare a business plan for an agricultural enterprise.
  4. Apply management theories to agricultural business operations through practical experience.
  5. Apply basic recordkeeping and accounting procedures to agribusiness operations.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.