A course helping you learn best practice in Controlled Environment Agriculture and Horticulture.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the course, you will:
- Recognise the value of a best practice approach to growing and its importance with IPM
- To understand the differences between substrates and their interaction with fertilisers, water, and the wider environment
- To have the confidence to set up and manage a protected environment to grow a healthy crop.
Designed For:
An intermediate course best suited to those with practical experience of containerised horticulture within protected environments and/or Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). A knowledge of basic plant physiology and chemistry would be required.
Price:
£260+vat including lunch and refreshments
Duration:
1 Day (9 am–4.30 pm)
Date
May (TBC)
Location
Niab, Park Farm, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9NZ
Content:
The course will look to align protected environment best practice procedures with the principles of integrated pest management (IPM) and encompass basic aspects of agronomy.
This day long course will include, but not be limited to:
- Substrates - Understanding the physical, chemical, and biological properties of substrates to include peat and peat-free substrates
- Fertilisers - The course will cover the safe and efficient use of fertilisers with a breakdown of the chemistry used in modern fertilisers and the associated deficiency and toxicity symptoms associate with poor fertiliser management. The role of biostimulants and their regulation is also covered
- Irrigation - Good water management is a key component of IPM, and best practice is key to achieving healthy crops. Waste reduction, efficiency and impact on the growing environment will be addressed
- Pest and disease prevention - The premise of IPM comes from the sustainable use directive (SUD). A best practice approach to growing that combines all aspects to aid pest and disease prevention
- Pest and disease identification - A look at common pests and diseases associated with protected environment growing and their management
- Protected Environment Equipment – Light level, light spectrum, photoperiod, humidity, and temperature can all be manipulated to provide a suitable environment to grow healthy plants. A tour of Niab facilities will provide insight into environmental manipulation.
Additional Information:
A course pack containing the course slides will be supplied to all attendees.
Trainer:
Ben Tea
Ben is a member of the BASIS Professional Register with a BASIS certificate in crop protection (Hort) and is a FACTs qualified advisor (FQA). Ben has 15 years’ experience in commercial horticulture and 8 years in research horticulture working in a wide range of protected and outdoor environments.
Register your interest today and we'll contact you with all the information once a date is confirmed.