Title: Develop nutrient management practices to optimize plant growth and health.
Course: Horticulture Science (18052-I) > Section: Applying Science to Horticulture

Development should include

- describing essential nutrients
  - macronutrients
  - micronutrients
- describing non-essential beneficial plant nutrients (e.g., silicon, selenium, titanium)
- sources of nutrients
  - organic
  - inorganic
- explaining how soluble salts in the soil can increase plant drought stress
- deficiency and toxicity symptoms of the major nutrients
- overview of tools for nutrient analysis
- interpretation of soil test results and fertilizer recommendations
- methods of fertilizer application
  - discussing granular and slow-release fertilizer application methods
  - calibrating and discussing how to use a fertilizer spreader.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What elements are essential for plant growth?
- Why are fertilizers with many different formulations available?
- What are the benefits of using different fertilizer formulations?
- Which major elements are necessary for healthy green plant growth?
- How can a grower determine a fertilizer schedule?
- How is a fertilizer analysis interpreted?
- What are the advantages of using pre-plant fertilizers?
- How do controlled-release fertilizers work?
- What are the benefits of using silicon as a plant nutrient?

Teacher Resource:

Nutrient Management, University of Massachusetts Amherst