Correctives for pH adjustment and high sodium soils, which includes dealing with salt problems in California soils, will be covered. Weed control in cropland, pastures, landscaping and non-crop areas will also be covered. It will include pasture management, fertilization, planting, silage making, hay making and irrigation. This course is a discussion of the principles of sexual and asexual propagation of plants with practice in propagating plants by seedage, cuttings, budding, grafting, division, layering and micropropagation. An introduction to basic plant biology.
Students conduct experiments illustrating basic principles of plant growth and development.
The relationship to species diversity, population, climates, water utilization, air quality and similar environmental interactions resulting from growing plants of economic value will be discussed. Also covered are landscape symbols, drawing landscape details, elevations, perspectives and effective graphic presentation. It will also cover site grading and plant installation. The student will learn to identify plants used in landscaping and interior decoration and discuss their growth habits, uses and cultural pre-requirements. Topics include soils, fertilizers, lighting, pests, watering, temperature control and plant manipulation.