Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

AGRI 130 - Introduction to Vegetable Production


PROGRAM: Agriculture
CREDIT HOURS MIN: 3
LECTURE HOURS MIN: 2
LAB HOURS MIN: 2
DATE OF LAST REVISION: Spring, 2019

Introduces and examines fundamental principles of vegetable production. Emphasis is placed on large and small scale production methods. Production systems utilizing open field, greenhouse, high tunnel, aquaponics and hydroponics will be examined.

MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course the student will be expected to:

  1. Describe current vegetable production systems and where those systems are utilized.
  2. Analyze markets for vegetables with an emphasis on Indiana.
  3. Explain the principles of growing in soil versus water.
  4. Investigate how soil type affects vegetable plant production.
  5. Analyze the differences in management when growing in open fields and high tunnels.
  6. Analyze the differences in management when growing in aquaponic and hydroponic systems
  7. Investigate which species and cultivars are best adapted to different growing systems.
  8. Describe harvest methods for vegetables in different growing systems.
  9. Explain best practices in handling produce to minimize spoilage and the spread of food-borne pathogens.
  10. Examine and prepare students for GAPS and Serve Safe certification.
  11. Explain the pros and cons of large and small scale vegetable production.


COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include -  

  • Describe Indiana’s role in vegetable production
  • Define five types of vegetable production systems
  • Explain the current marketing options for vegetables in Indiana
  • Explain how large scale and small scale vegetable production systems differ
  • Investigate the role of soil drainage and irrigation on vegetable production
  • Investigate methods of soil amendment to improve drainage and nutrient holding capacity
  • Describe how high tunnels affect length of growing season
  • Explain how crop rotation affects vegetable production
  • Describe the components of an aquaponics growing system
  • Describe the components of a hydroponic growing system
  • Investigate the effect of pH and water hardness on aquaculture and aquaponic systems
  • Describe how postharvest handling of produce affects disease transmission
  • Develop a basic business plan for small scale vegetable production

 
GRADING POLICY

A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F 0-59

 
Course Addendum - Syllabus (Click to expand)