APMA105-Horticultural Crop Technology

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Email: p.hadley@reading.ac.uk

Summary module description:

Aims:
To provide students with an understanding of the role of greenhouse structure and the control of the aerial and root environment on the efficient production of protected crops.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students will be able to understand the methods and technology involved in manipulating the environment of greenhouse crops and will be able to explain responses of major protected crops to these modified environments. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the scientific literature associated with both the development of protected crop technology and the responses of crops to this technology.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:
1.The principles of protected cropping; greenhouse construction and design, materials used in construction, methods of climate control used in greenhouses, factors affecting light transmission and heat loss, plastic film structures, air inflated structures.
2.Light responses of greenhouse crops; artificial light sources in horticulture; supplementary lighting and photoperiodic lighting in greenhouses.
3.Temperature responses of greenhouse crops; greenhouse heating systems, means of heat production; exchange and distribution; temperature control.
4.Carbon dioxide responses of greenhouse crops; methods of CO2 enrichment of the greenhouse atmosphere; winter and summer enrichment.
5.Artificial environments; growing rooms; light sources; light quality effects on plants.
6.Responses of greenhouse crops to humidity; specific problems of high humidity in modern greenhouses; humidity and diseases of greenhouse crops.
7.Environmental control in greenhouses; interaction of environmental factors; effects on crop yield.
8.Nutrient responses of greenhouse crops; hydroponic growing systems; nutrient film culture; rockwool systems; control of nutrient supply.
9.Energy saving techniques in protected cropping; decreasing air leakage; double glazing; thermal screens; energy management; consequence on crop growth and yield.
10.Controlled environments in research; growth cabinet designs; principles of research in C.E.'s; management of C.E. facilities.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, seminars and a visit.

Other information on summative assessment:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Length of examination:
A two hour examination.

Requirements for a pass:
A mark of 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
By re-examination in August/September

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 21 December 2016