MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to Hydroponics and Controlled Environment Agriculture

Course: AGS217

First Term: 2022 Fall

Lecture 4.0 Credit(s) 2.0 Period(s) 2.0 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: T- Lab Load

Description: Introduction to hydroponics and controlled environment agriculture. Includes a history of hydroponics and basic plant physiology and anatomy. Study of general cultural practices, plant protection, conventional and organic hydroponic production systems. pollination, fertilization and bee management. Provides an overview of plant nutrition and disorders, irrigation systems and nutrients transplant production. Covers greenhouse site selection, structures and control systems, fruit harvest; food handling, safety and marketing and economics of a hydroponic business.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of controlled environment agriculture and hydroponic crop production in the agricultural production of various food crops. (I) 2. Demonstrate an understanding of basic principles of plant biology, entomology, plant nutrition and disorders, irrigation and fertilization, and environmental conditions necessary for growing greenhouse hydroponic vegetable crops. (II, V, VI) 3. Demonstrate mastery of plant cultivation, harvesting, pest management, and safe food handling techniques for growing hydroponic vegetables. (III, IV, VII) 4. Explain the considerations involved with different types of greenhouses and structural components, control systems, and site selection in order to grow a successful crop. (VI) 5. Demonstrate a basic understanding of food safety issues, marketing, and financial considerations needed to start a hydroponic crop production business. (VII, VIII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Historical perspectives of hydroponic agriculture II. Anatomy and physiology of common greenhouse crop plants A. Plant nutrients and water chemistry B. Nutritional deficiencies in greenhouse crops III. Plant propagation A. Seed B. Cuttings C. Grafting D. Transplanting IV. Hydroponic growing techniques A. Planting/transplanting B. Vine management C. Light requirements for greenhouse crops D. Fruit harvesting E. Post-harvest fruit management F. Pollination and bee management V. Integrated pest management A. Plant protection B. Common greenhouse insects and diseases VI. Greenhouse structures A. Greenhouse environmental control systems B. Greenhouse maintenance VII. Food safety A. Good handling practices (GHP) B. Good agricultural practices (GAP) VIII. Marketing and economics of greenhouse crops

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: February 22, 2022

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.