Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module, students should be able to discuss the following:
· Horticulture and climate
· Water use and conservation
· Nutrient management and novel alternatives to chemical fertilisers
· Sustainable growing media
· Reducing plastics use in horticulture
· Extensive versus intensive production (agroforestry)
· Food Security – improving local and regional production
· Organic production
· Enhancing the environment with urban greenspace
· Benefits of trees in urban environments
· Planting to support pollinators
· Social and therapeutic horticulture
· Viability of horticultural businesses (Horticulture is fourth largest sector in Irish agriculture after beef, dairy and pork)
· Cold Chain for fresh horticultural produce
· Modern trends in horticulture (vertical farms, hydroponics, precision horticulture)
· Medicinal and cosmetic value of plants
Indicative Module Content:
As above