Syllabus

BI1233 Hydroponic Systems in Horticultural Production and Public Environment, 15.0 Credits

Subjects

Education cycle

Modules

Advanced study in the main field

Grading scale

Language

Prior knowledge

Objectives

After completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• choose and justify his/her choice of a hydroponic system and technical solutions for a specific growing site or cultivation situation.

• Discuss the environmental impact of hydroponic systems from a sustainability perspective.

• Discuss methodology for setting up, planting/establishment, maintenance and harvest of hydroponic systems.

• Describe the properties of relevant substrates used in hydroponic systems.

• Describe how water and plant nutrients can be regulated in hydroponic systems and be able to calculate water and nutrient requirements.

• Predict plant responses to various control and regulatory measures in hydroponic systems.

• Identify critical factors in hydroponic systems, including water quality and the incidence of disease agents, and be capable of prioritising control measures.

• Apply their knowledge in anticipating, preventing and managing technical disruptions in hydroponic systems.

Content

The hydroponic systems referred to in the course are high technology cultivation systems where plant nutrients are supplied in liquid form. The course is an applied course covering biological, technological and horticultural issues. It encompasses both the production of horticultural products and the growing and use of horticultural plants in public spaces. The course also deals with environmental aspects, and principles of plant physiology and technology are integrated. The course deals with a range of areas of application for hydroponic cultivation systems and how these systems can be ajusted according to demands of the plant. During the course, the students build their own hydroponic systems in the greenhouse or outdoors, carry out analyses, regulate water and nutrient supply, take care of the plants, resolve technical problems in the cultivation system and evaluate the results. Great emphasis is placed on the fact that applications in public spaces must be long-lasting and that the horticultural products produced must maintain a high level of quality. Scheduled laboratory work, exercises, group discussions, supervision, presentations, seminars as well as excursions are mandatory.

Grading form

Formats and requirements for examination

The course examination consists of seminars and written and oral reporting of project work. To achieve the credits for the course, students must obtain a pass grade in the project assignment and other assignments, and participate actively in seminars, exercises and study trips.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Biosystems and Technology