This module focuses on the building blocks of plant growth and nutrition. Therefore it is central to a deeper understanding of topics like the nature of healthy productive soils, soil management, growing garden plants, crops and pastures sustainably. Ultimately as you build on this module this will lead to a better understanding of farm scale production that integrates fertilisers, manures, growing crops of all types and animal production. It covers nutrients required by plants, nutrient deficiency symptoms, how plants take up and utilise nutrients, nutrient content of plants and options for supplying nutrients to plants.
Cost $220. Allow 20 hrs study time. Aim to complete the module within 6 weeks. Tutor Dr Tim Apps
Full module notes are available on enrolment. The notes include links to on-line resources and to downloads on the Apps Labs website.
Topics:
1. Nutrients needed by plants. Major nutrients, minor nutrients and trace elements.
2. Where do plant get nutrients?
3. Plant growth. Normal growth, Life cycle and seasonal growth. Difference between species.
4. Amount of nutrients in plants. How much do plants need? Differences between species. Above and below ground growth.
5. How plants take up nutrients. How roots and foliage can take up nutrients.
6. Function of different nutrients in plants.
7. Using deficiency symptoms to help solve plant growth problems.
8. Types of fertilisers, how they work and what nutrients they contain.
9. Making a fertiliser or nutrition plan to achieve healthy plant growth for a selected crop or species.
Outcomes: Keep your collection of resource material on fertilisers, deficiency symptoms, nutrient requirements of plants and soil factors that influence nutrient supply handy so that you can use it to tackle future plant growth problems. Select a type of crop or plant species of interest. Find out about its cultural needs paying attention to normal growth and life cycle, type of soil preferred, particular nutrient needs and possible or common deficiency symptoms. Make a plan to provide the nutrients needed for healthy growth.
