Handbook home
Soils and Growing Media (HORT10014)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Burnley)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
Understanding soils and growing media is fundamental to achieving optimal growth of plants in a wide range of environments. Soils affect plant health intimately and their composition, structure and nutrient availability can dictate which plants can be grown successfully in a particular environment. Understanding the mechanisms by which soils and growing media promote or detract from plant growth will allow the horticultural professional to successfully negotiate plantings in a range of soil types. Natural soils in the urban environment are increasingly rare while the number of specialist growing applications such as roofs, vertical plantings, and other substrates with limited soil volume are increasing rapidly. This subject will allow the student to understand the properties required in growing media, why they are important and give them the ability to specify physical and chemical properties for specific situations.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should be able to:
- understand the chemical and physical properties of soil and growing media composition
- identify different soil textures and structures
- understand the importance of soil water aeration, drainage and temperature
- apply the principles and practices of soil husbandry and growing media management to specialist applications such as green roofs, vertical walls and container gardening
Generic skills
On completion of this subject students should have:
- developed a capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning;
- an ability to derive, interpret and analyse information from primary sources;
- be able to apply theoretical principles to achieve practical outcomes;
- an ability to integrate information to solve problems and effectively use technology in this discipline; and
- excellent written communication skills to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups
Last updated: 12 October 2023