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Irrigation Gardens

Irrigation (Gardens) 100 Hours Certificate Course

Course Code:

BHT210

Level:

Start:

Anytime

Finish:

Anytime

Study From:

Anywhere

Tutor Support:

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Learn About Irrigation Gardens

Crop Irrigation course online. Learn how to install and maintain an irrigation system easily through distance learning studied from home!

This is a ten lesson course that covers the design, installation, maintenance, operation and evaluation of simple irrigation systems. This course focuses on irrigation for parks, home gardens, and other ornamental horticulture areas.

If you need to have extensive skills in garden irrigation techniques, rather than just a basic working knowledge of how garden irrigation works, then this course is for you. Become a Garden Irrigation Specialist and advise, design and install effective and personalised irrigation systems, to enable plants to grow and flourish in gardens, parks and other horticultural settings.

Learn from irrigation experts who have developed this certificated course over many years, with the help of a tutor/mentor, who will be there to help you every step of the way.

Lesson Structure: Irrigation (Gardens) BHT210

There are 10 lessons:

1 Introduction to Irrigation

Introduction
Objective of Irrigation
Irrigation: The Wider View
Sources of Water
Feasibility of Irrigation
How to Improve the Quality of Water From Any Source
Likely Quality Problems in Different Kinds of Water
Problems of Water Quality and There Remedies:
Physical Impurities
Chemical Impurities
Biological Impurities
Bacterial Impurities

2 Soil Characteristics and Problems

Understanding Soils
Naming the Soil
Different Soils Suited to Different Purposes
Improving Soils
Chemical Properties of Soil: Soil pH (acidity/alkalinity), Sodicity, Salinity
Physical Properties of Soil: Soil Uniformity, Available soil water capacity, Infiltration, Internal Drainage
Soil and Water
Kinds of Soil Moisture: Gravitational Water, Capillary Water, Hygroscopic Water
Transpiration and Wilting Point
A Feel-Test For Esimating Soil Moisture Level
Fertigation
Different Types of Fertigation Equipment

3 Estimating Plant Needs and Irrigation Scheduling

When to Irrigate
Signs to Look For: Symptoms of Water Deficiency, Symptoms of Water Excess
Checklist For Home Gardeners
Timing of Irrigations
Measuring Water Available to Plants: Calculating Field Capacity, Calculating Permanent Wilting Point, Available Moisture Range
Rooting Depths of Selected Plants
Water extraction by roots
Irrigation Calculations
Estimating Water Needs
Estimated Water Loss From Soil Under Different Climatic Conditions
Tensionmeters
Water Requirements of Turf Grasses
Imporatance of Schedules
Scheduling Irrigation
Water Volumes and Duration

4 Drainage

Introduction
Drainage
Improving Permeability During Constuction: Cultivation, Adding Soil Ameliorants, Chemical Treatments
Improving Surface Drainage After Construction
Layout of Drains
Outlet
Gradients
Distance between the Drainage Pipes
Depth of Drains
Laying the Drain
Dams and Water Storage
Soil Degradation
Erosion: Water, Wind, Control
Soil Acidification including Causes
Soil Compaction
Chemical Residues
Waste Water Treatment Using Reed Beds
Suitable Plants

5 Types of Irrigation Systems

Introduction
Flood Irrigation Systems
Pressurised Irrigation systems
Conventional Sprinkler Systems: Portable, Permanent, Semi-Permanent
Mechanised Sprinkler Irrigation Systems
Fixed Sprinkler Systems
Quick-Coupling Systems
Sprinkler Heads
Mechanisms That Drive Rotating Head Sprinklers
Design Considerations

6 Trickle Systems

Trickle Irrigation
Do It Yourself Micro Irrigation Systems
Time Length of Watering
Automatic Systems
Maintenance of Watering Systems
Micro-jet Irrigation
Maintaining Your Trickle Irrigation

7 Design Specifications

Hydaulics
Calculating Discharge or Flow
Velocity
Friction Loss in Systems
Water Hammer

8 Pumps and Filters

Types of Pumps
Pumps and Pressure Systems
More on Types of Pumps
What to do if a Centrifugal Pump Fails to Operate
Trickle Irrigation: Prevention of Clogging
Controllers
Technical Data Sheet – Mechanical Tap Timer

9 Selecting the Right System for a Plant

Water Saving Measures
Filtration
Flood Irrigation
Sprinkler Irrigation
Trickle Irrigation
Example – Putting Greens
Example Trickle Irrigation in Ornamental Gardens
Example – Irrigation of Vines
Set Reading

10 Design and Operation of Systems

Introduction: Cyclic Watering, Pulse Watering
Scheduling Irrigation
Sprinkler Spacings
Designing and Considering Sprinkler Performance
Electrical Factors
Electric Automatic Systems
Design Considerations
Set Reading

Please note: Each lesson is followed by a self-assessment test, set task or tasks which could include: further research, networking, plus looking at the advantages and disadvantages of a particular subject and finally written assignments. The final written assignment is marked and graded by your personally assigned mentor and sent back with helpful comments and suggestions.

Learning Goals

Learning Goals: Irrigation (Crops) BHT210

Explain the significance of soil in irrigation.
Explain how to determine when to irrigate in a small scale situation.
Manage irrigation in a given situation.
Explain the significance of different aspects of moving water including: drainage, pumps, filters, storage and re-circulation.
Select an appropriate irrigation system for a given situation.
Explain the principles of design for a simple irrigation system.
Design a simple irrigation system.
Oversee the installation of an irrigation system.

Practical (Set Tasks)

Examinations

Program Summary

More Information

Your tutor for this course is:

Susan Stephenson

BSc in Applied Plant Biology (Botany) Univ. London 1983.

City and guilds: Garden Centre Management, Management and Interior Decor (1984)

Management qualifications in training with retail store. Diploma in Hort level 2 (RHS General) Distinction.

Susan Stephenson is a passionate and experienced horticulturist and garden designer. She has authored three books, lectures at 2 Further and Higher Education Colleges, teaching people of all ages and backgrounds about the wonders of plants and garden design, and tutors many students by correspondence from all over the world.

Susan studied botany at Royal Holloway College (Univ of London) and worked in the trading industry before returning to her first love plants and garden design. She is therefore, well placed to combine business knowledge with horticulture and design skills. Her experience is wide and varied and she has designed gardens for families and individuals. Susan is a mentor for garden designers who are just starting out, offering her support and advice and she also writes, delivers and assesses courses for colleges, introducing and encouraging people into horticulture and garden design.

In 2010, Susan authored a complete module for a Foundation degree (FDSC) in Arboriculture.

Susan holds the RHS General with Distinction. She continues to actively learn about horticulture and plants and (as her students will tell you) remains passionate and interested in design and horticulture.

Assessment

Assessment is based on a combination of completing all assignments and sitting for a final short one and a half hour exam, in your own location.

If you don’t cope well with exams then you may elect to undertake a project instead. This is a popular option.

In addition, most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson placed before the assignment. This is an opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge and skills and practical experience. This ADL feature is an added bonus not found at most online schools. Set Tasks are not required for assessment.

Some courses also have optional Self-Tests which are available on our online learning platform. These are not available by correspondence or by USB, and do not form part of your overall grade.

How our courses work

Choose Your Learning Method
You choose how you would like to receive your course material, i.e., Online, USB or Correspondence. The choice is yours. You may also work on online or offline.
Tutor Allocation
Every student is assigned their own dedicated tutor who is an expert in their subject area. They provide as much or as little individual contact as you require. You can contact your tutor whenever you need – your hours are not limited.
Feedback and Assignments
Tutor Feedback is an essential component in helping you understand the subject matter. Tutor feedback is given in the form of notes written on the assignment. We encourage you to contact your Tutor where help with clarification and understanding of course material may be required.

Your assignments are located at the end of each lesson. You submit them for marking whenever you are ready. There is no time limit.
Set Tasks and Self-Tests
Most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson before for the assignment. This is where you get the opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge, skills and practical experience. Many modules also have short Self-Tests.
Exams
Once all assignments have been completed you may then elect to sit for a one and half hour exam in your own location. If you prefer not to take the exam you do have the option to undertake a project instead.
Once the exam or project part of the course is completed, your Certificate is then processed. Please allow approximately 4 weeks for this.
Design Your Own Qualification
ADL offers students the flexibility to self-design their own qualification – bundling together a combination of 100-hour modules into a qualification higher than a certificate.

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.

Career Options

What's Included

What your tuition fees include

All Course Material via Online, USB or Correspondence
Assignments Marked
Professional Tutor Feedback
Set Tasks - Practical Exercises to help you develop skills
Self-Tests – multiple choice questions at the end of lessons in most modules
Unlimited Personal Tutor Support – via our student classroom
Committed and Friendly Admin Support – vital to your success
All ADL Exam or Project fees (exception RHS exams)
Qualification Certificate
Official Transcript with assignment grades
Student Manual

Plus FREE

There are no hidden extras

Career Opportunities

FAQ - RHS Theory Qualifications

GENERAL

If you require further details about any of the RHS industry recognised qualifications please, call one of our friendly RHS Course Advisors on +44 (0)1227 789 649 or email: [email protected]

Q: When can I Enrol/Start My RHS Course With ADL?
A: Anytime, Anywhere. There are no enrolment deadlines.

Q: I live Overseas. Can I Study From Overseas?
A: You can study any of the RHS theory qualifications overseas. All courses are offered in English. You will need to email RHS Qualifications direct to arrange sitting for your examination overseas.

Q: Is There a Time Limit for Completing an RHS Qualification?
A: At present there are no time limits. However, RHS is contemplating in the future, the introduction of course time-lines.

Q: Are There Any Entry Requirements (Pre-Requisites)?
A: The RHS Theory courses do not require prerequisites, previous experience or any knowledge of horticulture. You just need passion for all things horticulture.

Q: What Course Should I Start With First? I Am New To RHS Qualifications.
A: We highly recommend that you start with Level 2 – Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance.

Q: What Does ADL Course Material Include?
A: Includes Power Point Presentations, Videos and written course lessons.

RHS EXAMS

Q: When Do Exams Take Place?
A: Exams are held on fixed dates in February and June of each year. You should register as a candidate at least 3 months before these dates, so please do not leave exam registration to the last minute

Q: Where Do I Take My Exams?
A: UK: You take the exams at the RHS Wisley Centre, located between Cobham and Ripley in Surrey or at other authorised RHS centres around the UK.
Overseas: please email RHS qualifications direct for centre information.

Q: Exam Pass Marks?
A: Module – pass 50%. Commendation 70%.

Qualification: 50% pass for all modules.
Commendation awarded for all modules.
Each question carries a value of 10 marks.

Q: I’m Not Happy With My Exam Results?
A: You have the opportunity to re-sit your exam at the next opportunity.

There are no restrictions on the number of re-sits you can take. The highest mark you achieve will remain.,

DESIGN YOUR OWN COURSE

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Call us: +44 (0)1227 789 649 - Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Irrigation Gardens