- Description
- Students apply knowledge of materials and processes in identifying, selecting, growing and maintaining a greenhouse crop, focusing on a marketable crop.
- Prerequisite
- AGR2150: Greenhouse/Nursery Crops 2
- Parameters
- Access to a land laboratory and/or controlled growing environment. Facilities and equipment should permit students to perform practical tasks in plant production, as is required to produce a greenhouse crop; e.g., soil preparation, plant propagation, transplanting, cultivation, watering and fertilizing, pest and disease control. Access to instruction from an individual with a Pesticide Applicator/Dispenser Certificate is required.
- Supporting courses
- AGR3000: Agriculture Safety HCS2020: First Aid/CPR with AED HCS3000: Workplace Safety Systems
Outcomes The student will:
1 identify and assess opportunities for producing a greenhouse crop
1.1 explain how personal/customer needs may influence crop selection; e.g., food for consumption, economic goals, aesthetics, personal motivation, aptitude
1.2 identify market factors that influence crop selection; e.g., market demands, market size, market trends, market competition
1.3 describe financial opportunities related to crop production; e.g., forecast of returns, risk factors
1.4 describe costs related to crop production; e.g., fixed and variable costs
1.5 consider the use of promotional technologies to market products
1.6 explore the legalities of marketing a greenhouse crop
1.7 describe land requirements and/or the suitability of soil and water conditions to production operations
1.8 describe the suitability of Alberta’s climate to potential crops; e.g., growing days, frost-free days, ambient temperature, soil temperature
1.9 describe equipment needs at different stages of production; e.g., seeding/planting, cultivation, harvesting
1.10 describe labour and transportation needs within the industry; e.g., availability, cost
2 identify and describe greenhouse plants suited to Alberta climates
2.1 classify plants according to:
2.1.1 growth habit
2.1.2 taxonomy
2.2 research principles of heredity and/or reproduction technologies and their application to plants that are grown; e.g., dominant and recessive traits, selection criteria and procedures, systems of breeding, propagation techniques, hybridization, heritage seeds
2.3 identify marketable crops grown in Alberta greenhouses; e.g., poinsettias, bedding plants, Easter lilies, hydrangeas, perennials, gift pans, herbs
2.4 describe procedures used to maintain the quality of plants within the industry; e.g., selection criteria, application of hybridization, showing and judging
3 identify strategies for managing a crop from seed to sale
3.1 apply knowledge of plant management practices in production activities; e.g., characteristics of plant health and disorders, remedial strategies for plant disorders, disease and pest control
3.2 use appropriate techniques to propagate greenhouse plants
3.3 apply principles of nutrition to production practices, including:
3.3.1 reviewing the functions of micronutrients, macronutrients and secondary nutrients
3.3.2 diagnosing and treating plants for nutrient excesses and deficiencies
3.3.3 discussing and assisting in fertilizer preparation; e.g., mixing, measuring
3.3.4 determining the pH and electroconductivity (EC) levels of soil
3.3.5 assisting with the application of necessary nutrients
3.4 demonstrate techniques for maintaining a sustainable production system; e.g., organic and inorganic amendments, biological and chemical control measures, waste disposal in an environmentally responsible manner
4 demonstrate practical skills in growing a greenhouse crop
4.1 prepare the growing medium/seed bed
4.2 use appropriate methods of propagation and/or transplanting
4.3 define appropriate use of growing space
4.4 apply appropriate cultivating, watering and fertilizing techniques
4.5 control plant pests and diseases, using nontoxic, safe material
4.6 prepare packaging for plant material
4.7 use soil and water conservation practices
4.8 maintain an anecdotal record/logbook of production tasks
4.9 assess a time line and participate in a scheduling process
4.10 evaluate cultural requirements; e.g., soil medium, light, water, fertilizer, spacing
5 develop and present a plan for future greenhouse crop production, based on the outcomes of current production practices
5.1 describe production venture outcomes based on:
5.1.1 product quality
5.1.2 product saleability
5.1.3 application of new skills
5.2 describe the impact of economic, environmental and/or social factors on production practices and outcomes
5.3 make recommendations regarding future production ventures on the basis of current accomplishments and challenges in plant production
6 demonstrate basic competencies
6.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
6.1.1 communicate
6.1.2 manage information
6.1.3 use numbers
6.1.4 think and solve problems
6.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
6.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
6.2.2 be responsible
6.2.3 be adaptable
6.2.4 learn continuously
6.2.5 work safely
6.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
6.3.1 work with others
6.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
7 create a transitional strategy to accommodate personal changes and build personal values
7.1 identify short-term and long-term goals
7.2 identify steps to achieve goals
Program of Studies 2010. Source document, © Alberta Education.