Learning Outcomes

Participants will gain practical skills to analyze and manage irrigation water and growth mediums, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth and sustainable nursery operations.

Irrigation Water

Water Quality Essentials: Learn the significance of pH, salinity, sodium hazard, and toxic substances in maintaining plant health.
Water Classification: Understand how to evaluate irrigation water based on its corrosion index and agricultural suitability.
Sampling and Analysis: Master techniques for assessing water quality and quantity through proper sampling and analysis.
Innovative Treatments: Explore pathogen removal using infrared light and salt reduction through reverse osmosis for high-quality irrigation water.

Soil and Growth Mediums

Ideal Soil Characteristics: Identify soils suitable for intensive farming and recognize those unfit for extensive farming.
pH Management: Understand pHs critical role in nutrient availability for soils and growth mediums.
Sampling Techniques: Learn accurate methods for collecting soil and growth medium samples for analysis.
Nutrient Insights: Review nutrient deficiencies, toxicities, and functions through a comprehensive slideshow.
Growth Medium Options: Study various mediums, including cocos, pine bark, sawdust, glass wool, rock wool, sand, peat, pecan/macadamia shells, vermiculite, perlite, and soilless hydroponic systems. Explore pF curves and the role of sand quality (sorting and composition).