Number of Credit Hours: 3
Cross-listings: HORT 824
Prerequisites: PLAS 325 or basic course in plant physiology. A course in organic chemistry or biochemistry recommended.
Description: This course will focus on the macro- and micronutrient elements and their function in the growth and development of plants. Role of single elements. Interaction and/or balances between elements and nutrient deficiency and/or toxicity symptoms as they affect the physiology of the whole plant. Relationship between crop nutrition and production and/or environmental considerations (e.g. yield, drought, temperature, pests).
Learning Outcomes/Course Objectives
- Identify deficiency and toxicity symptomology of essential plant nutrients.
- Evaluate, solve, and recommend corrective procedures for plant growth and production problems (through the extensive use of case studies).
- Solve complex fertilizer problems (mM and ppm) in order to design complete fertilizer solutions as a part of experimental protocol.
- Relate nutrient movement within soils and soilless mixes to uptake and transport in plants.
- Understand the biochemical and physiological pathways affected by the presence, absence and excess of mineral elements.