Horticultural Technology

This subject is not offered in 2013.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject examines:

• the range of machinery used in the management of horticultural sites, together with the principles of machinery operation and maintenance;

• health and safety techniques to identify hazards associated with machinery used, the assessment of risk and the control methods used to comply with current legislation;

• basic site surveying techniques that will enable the production of site plans and levelling details, for horticultural applications;

• green house technology and techniques;

• irrigation equipment such as micro, trickle and sprinkler systems as used in horticulture;

• water management principles used in the design and management of irrigation systems, including the evaluation of the performance of irrigation systems; and

• soil and surface water movement and the selection and application of artificial capture and redistribution systems.

This subject will extend the participant's ability to:

• apply engineering and surveying principles to specific horticultural industry applications
• understand the use of specialised machinery and horticultural equipment as applied to specific industry applications
• apply current health and safety regulations to machinery use in the workplace
• conduct field surveys for horticultural and irrigation applications
• appreciate horticultural irrigation systems and management.
• Understand the application of technology in greenhouse growth
• Understand soil water infiltration, movement and artificial drainage systems

One 2,500 word assignment (20%) and two 90 minute examinations (40% each).

None.

Brodie, G. I. (2009), Ingenious Devices and Systems: Engineering for Landscape Managers, Saarbruecken, Germany: VDM Verlag.

Handreck, K.A. & Black, N.D. 2002, Growing Media for Ornamental Plants and Turf. New South Wales University Press, Kensington, NSW.

McIntyre, K. 2004, Problem solving for golf courses: the landscape, sportsgrounds and racecourses. Horticultural Engineering Consultancy, Kambah, A.C.T.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Exercise problem-solving skills (developed through practical exercises and lecture discussions),
• Think critically, and organise knowledge (from consideration of the lecture material),
• Expand from theoretical principles to practical explanations (through observing practical work),
• Apply mathematical concepts to the understanding of physical processes,
• Plan effective work schedules (to meet deadlines for submission of assessable work),
• Develop skills of critical observation and analysis developed through practical exercises.