Fall 2018 Course Syllabi

Course Prefix/Number/Title: HORT 182 – Specialty Crop Farming Number of credits: 3 Semester Credits Course Description: This course will provide students with a clear perspective on specialty crop farm management, field operations, soil fertility, season extension, pest management and marketing of specialty crops in our local and global communities. Students will be introduced to sustainable agriculture focusing on production that renews resources. Pre-/Co-requisites: None Objectives: 1. To learn about the basic principles of specialty crop farming. 2. Evaluate crop management techniques for sustainability. 3. Evaluate the financial viability and potential of specialty crop enterprises. 4. Explain the principles of crop rotation and demonstrate the ability to develop a simple crop rotation plan. 5. Demonstrate the ability to prepare soils using small-scale techniques. 6. Explain the key factors involved in successful aerobic, high temperature composting and demonstrate an ability to successfully build, monitor and manage compost piles and assess compost quality and maturity. 7. Demonstrate an ability to take a representative soil sample, interpret laboratory analyses, develop a simple nutrient budget and select and use naturally occurring soil amendments and fertilizers. 8. Demonstrate a command of basic micro-irrigation concepts and terminology and an ability to develop micro-irrigation schedules using qualitative and quantitative methods. 9. Explain the principle biodiversity conservation concerns in agriculture and describe strategies for biodiversity conservation in agriculture. 10. Explain the major social and economic obstacles to the adoption of more sustainable farming practices. Instructor: Keith Knudson Office: Molberg 26; 105 Simrall Blvd Office Hours: By appointment Phone: 701-228-5489 Email: Keith A Knudson 1. Lecture/Lab Schedule: 9:00 to 9:50 AM MWF