Horticulture Principles and Practices

Maracher, H. 1986. Mineral nutrition in higher plants. New York: Academic Press.
McMahon, R. W. 1992. An introduction to greenhouse production. Columbus Ohio
Agricultural Education Curriculum Materials Services.
Nelson, P. V. 1985. Greenhouse operation and management, 3d ed. Reston, Va.: Reston
Publishing Co.
Rice, L. W., and R. P. Rice, Jr. 1993. Practical horticulture. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.:
Prentice Hall.
Singer, M. J., and D. N. Munns. 1987. Soils: An introduction. New York: Macmillan.
Excellent and well-illustrated site on plant nutrient deficiency symptoms
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/floriculture/def/
General discussion of fertilizers
http://www.answers.com/topic/fertilizer?cat=technology
Soil test
http://www.agr.state.nc.us/cyber/kidswrld/plant/soiltest.htm
Soilless mixes
http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/hgic1456.htm
USDA plant hardiness zone interactive map
http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html?
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE
1. Plant sixteen pots of a selected plant. Group pots into sets of four. Select a
source of nitrogen fertilizer and four different levels (0, 1, 2, 3). The amount
chosen depends on the size of the pot and the type of plant. Your instructor will
give you guidance. Apply one level to each set of pots. Observe the differences
in plant growth at the end of the course by measuring a selected number of plant
characteristics.
2. Repeat exercise 1 using other nutrients (phosphorus and potassium) and different
plant species. You may increase the number of pots per set so that you can measure
plant weight and other characteristics at periodic intervals. These intermediate
measurements are destructive, requiring the samples to be uprooted or cut and dried.
You may also take measurements at periodic intervals without destructive sampling.
3. Collect samples of soil from various areas—a garden, a flower bed, and a lawn. Test
for soil reaction (pH) and other macroelements by using a simple garden soil testing
kit.
4. Place a set of seedlings of corn and one set of beans under bright light. Place similar
sets of plants in darkness. Observe the differences in plant growth and development
after three weeks (or more) and explain the results.
5. Visit a farm equipment rental company or dealership to see the various available
tillage implements and learn about their functions.
6. Obtain samples of the various components of soilless mixes—vermiculite, perlite,
peat moss, and sphagnum moss—and create your own mixes. Test the physical
properties of the mixes, including weight per unit volume, texture, and drainage.
Practical Experience 151