Plant Nutrition

• No prior academic qualification is required to register for this course
• Although the platform on which the course is offered is user-friendly, course participants are expected to be computer literate and have access to a reliable internet connection.
• The course material is in English. Course participants may communicate with the course leader in Afrikaans if preferred.

Course content:

1. Basic principles of nutrition.
2. Functions of the nutrients.
3. Visual identification of symptoms of deficiency and toxicity and how to correct and prevent it.
4. How and when to give foliar feed.
5. How to increase or lower the pH.
6. How to take soil and water samples for the laboratory and how to interpretate the different methods of analysis.
7. Methods to ensure that fertilisers are utilized by the plants.
8. Characteristics of fertilisers and how to use them.
9. The effect of climate, growth medium and stage of growth on fertigation.
10. We will help you to set up a fertigation management programme for your nursery/farm.
11. You also receive quidelines for a fertigation programme with your soil, growth medium, water quality, crop and climate in consideration.

Dr. Koos Henning, a seasoned horticulture expert, brings over 45 years of invaluable experience to the field through his renowned consultancy, Florcom. With roles spanning consultant, researcher, lecturer, and producer, his expertise is unmatched. He has lent his insights to cut flower, ornamental plant, and vegetable growers in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
Additionally, Dr. Henning has served as a Senior Researcher at the Department of Agriculture, Director of EPIT (Unit for Plant and Soil Research in intensive horticulture at Potchefstroom University), manager at Eco Analytica (a soil and water laboratory at Potchefstroom University), and held the position of production manager in the carnation division of Safropa.”

• This course is available online, providing flexibility for learners. The course materials are designed to be self explanatory, but students can also interact with the course instructor by posting questions in the online forums.
• Upon receipt of payment, Florcom will reach out to students via email to provide registration details for the e-learning platform.
  Students have the freedom to progress through the course at their own pace.
• Courses commence on the first workday of each month.
  The course length is a maximum of three months. Courses started in October and November will be extended by one month to compensate for the festive season.
• To assess their understanding, students will be required to complete a combination of quizes and practical assignments. It’s important to complete all these tests to be eligible for a certificate of completion. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be eligible to receive one of the following certificates based on their grading:
  • Advanced Level: Course grade between 85% and 100%.
  • Intermediate Level: Course grade between 70% and 85%.
  • Beginners Level: Course grade between 55% and 70%.
  • Attendance Certificate: Course grade below 55%.