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Learn About Hydroponic Management (Hydroponics II)
Hydroponic Management course online (Hydroponics II) offers an even more in – depth online course than Hydroponics I, where we take a closer look at a few plant species in particular.
Hydroponic grower trials attempt to simulate conditions under which a crop might be grown commercially, but on a much smaller, and less costly scale.
They often compare the success of growing a number of different plants, or groups of plants. There are many different variables that can affect the success or failure of a hydroponic crop. These fall into different categories, including:
Type of system
Nutrition supplied
Water supplied
Plant cultivar being grown
Environmental conditions (eg. Temperature, light, air quality)
Exposure to pest and disease
Cultural Management (eg. Pruning, spacing, harvest time, etc).
Understanding How a Plant Grows in Hydroponics: Roots, Stems, Leaves, Reproductive Parts
Controlling the Growing Environment: Light levels, Air temperatures, Root zone temperature, Relative humidity and vapour pressure deficit, Water, Plant nutrients, Heating and ventilation systems, Thermal screens, Blackout, Shading, Lighting equipment, Link to external weather station, Ability of systems to record data
Controlling Plant Growth: Stopping, Spacing, Disbudding, Trimming, Training, Growth control – Chemical and cultural for ornamental crops, Pest, disease and disorder control: (chemical and cultural), Cultural controls
Intercropping
Plant Troubleshooting: Diseases, Pests, Environment and physiological disorders, Nutrition, Pollination, Floral initiation, Fruit growth, Flower and fruit development problems
2 Â How to Run a Small Evaluation Trial
What is a Hydroponic Trial?
Running a Crop Trial: Basics of setting up a comparison trial, Running the trial: records and recording, Evaluating the trial
Research Methodology – An Overview: Experimentation, Steps for collection of data
3 Â Harvest and Post Harvest
The Importance of Harvest and Post-Harvest Management
Understanding Harvested Ctop Physiology: Ripening of fruit, Respiration, How and when to harvest, How to prepare salad mixes from harvested hydroponic produce
Harvesting and Grading Vegetables
What is Considered Within a Grading Standard?
Fruit Grading Systems: Mechanised grading, Fruit grading in the USA, Grading equipment
Harvesting Cut Flowers: Stage of growth, Shelf life, Post-harvest treatments, Grading standards for cut flowers, Conditioning cut flowers for market, Packaging
Marketing: Send to markets, Wholesalers, Supermarkets, Local retailers, Export, Contract
Hydroponic Herb Production: Basil (sweet), Majoram, Mint, Sage, Thyme
7 Â Cucurbits (Cucumber and Melons)
Hydroponic Cucumber Production:
Hydroponic Melon Production
Hydroponic Pumpkin Production
8 Â Strawberries
Hydroponic Strawberry Production
9 Â Roses
Hydroponic Roses Production
10 Carnations
Hydroponic Carnations Production
11 Orchids
Hydroponic Orchids Production
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school’s tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
Determine and explain factors that influence the growth of a crop.
Design and conduct a trial to evaluate the commercial prospect of growing a chosen hydroponic crop
Determine appropriate harvest and post harvest treatments for different types of hydroponic crops.
Determine an appropriate procedure for hydroponic production of a commercial tomato crop in any given location.
Determine an appropriate procedure for hydroponic production of a commercial capsicum crop in any given location.
Determine an appropriate procedure for hydroponic production of a commercial Lettuce, Salad Greens and Foliage Herb Crops in any given location.
Determine an appropriate procedure for hydroponic production of a commercial cucurbit crop in any given location.
Determine an appropriate procedure for hydroponic production of a commercial strawberry crop in any given location.
Determine an appropriate procedure for hydroponic production of a commercial cut flower rose crop in any given location.
Determine an appropriate procedure for hydroponic production of a commercial cut flower carnation crop in any given location.
Determine an appropriate procedure for hydroponic production of a commercial cut flower Orchid crop in any given location.
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.Â
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.
Excerpt From The Course
How to prepare salad mixes from harvested hydroponic produceChlorination levels and washing of produce Salad greens should be harvested early in the morning to obtain turgid tissue (with a high water content). Leafy greens harvested during warm greenhouse conditions are often slightly wilted at the time of harvest and will have a greatly reduced shelf life. It is important that where-ever greens such as herbs, lettuce etc. are to be cut, that a very sharp knife is used for this purpose (i.e sharpened on a regular basis and cleaned after each day’s harvest). A sharp blade minimises cell damage and the resulting oxidation of cellular fluids after harvest. A lettuce cut by a sharp knife with a slicing motion will have a storage life approximately twice that of a lettuce but with a chopping action. Shelf life of lettuce is much less if a dull knife is used rather than a sharp one. After harvesting into clean field bins, the salad greens should be cooled to below 5 C before processing into salad mixes. In cases where a cooler is not available, the harvested product should be immediately placed into cool water – adding ice cubes, cooler packs or crushed ice to the washing water will serve this purpose. Most salad greens, apart from those which can suffer chilling injury, such as basil, should be given this treatment. Care needs to be taken when cut basil is to be part of a salad mix as it is temperature sensitive and should not be washed or stored below 10 C, as it will discolour and go black once packaged. Basil and cilantro should not be incorporated into salad mixes that will be stored under refrigeration (below 7 – 10 C) as it will blacken in the salad mix. Salad greens should be washed in cool water as soon as possible after harvest. This water needs to be chlorinated to kill the microbial life on the leaf surfaces which would later cause fungal growth and tissue discoloration. Washing the cut product removes sugar and other nutrients at the cut surfaces that favour microbial growth and oxidation. Water should be chlorinated with 0.2 ml per litre of chlorine. Any leaves which need to be further cut should be done so before washing. After the chlorinated wash (at below 5C), the leaves should be rinsed twice in fresh, clean, chilled water and water in wash tubs replaced frequently. After washing and rinsing, any free moisture on the leaves must be removed – centrifugation is generally used, although air blast driers can also be used for this purpose. Many smaller salad processors use `salad spinners’ either hand or electric powered to remove the moisture from the leaves. Excess moisture left on the leaf surface will result in condensation within the salad pack and the growth of moulds, bacteria and other problems during storage. After drying, mixes can be combined and packaged into bags or punnets and cooled to 2 – 3 C,. The faster the product is cooled down to a storage temperature of 2 – 3 C, the longer the shelf life will be. Prepacked salads typically only last 2 – 3 days at 25 C, but can last in excess of 8 days at 1 – 3 C. Packaged product should not be shipped or transported until it has reached the required 1 – 3 C and delivered under refrigeration where ever possible.
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.Â
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. Â
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)
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:Â Are There Any Entry Requirements (Pre-Requisites)? A:Â 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:Â What Does ADL Course Material Include? A:Â 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:Â Where Do I Take My Exams? A:Â 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.,
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By submitting this form, I provide my consent to ADL to contact me via email or telephone, regarding the course I selected. All information provided is protected in conformity with our Privacy Policy.
Susan Stephenson